Area highlights, more accurately termed partial highlights, are hair coloring techniques that focus on specific sections of the hair, rather than coloring the entire head. This approach contrasts with full highlights, where dye is applied throughout all of your hair.
Understanding Partial Highlights
- Targeted Application: Partial highlights concentrate on coloring select areas of your hair.
- Examples of Focused Areas: A common example is focusing on the hair directly around your face. This is often called a "money piece" and can be used to frame the face and brighten up the overall look.
- Contrast with Full Highlights: Unlike full highlights, which involve coloring all sections of hair, partial highlights allow for more subtle and targeted effects.
Partial vs. Full Highlights
Here's a table summarizing the main differences between partial and full highlights:
| Feature | Partial Highlights | Full Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Focuses on specific areas of the hair, such as the hairline or top layers. | Covers all sections of the hair, from the roots to the ends. |
| Application | Stylist applies dye only to selected strands, often around the face or at the crown. | Stylist applies dye throughout the entire head of hair. |
| Result | Creates a more subtle and dimensional look. | Achieves a more uniform and all-over lighter look. |
| Maintenance | Generally requires less frequent touch-ups compared to full highlights. | May require more frequent touch-ups due to more significant root regrowth. |
| Time & Cost | Typically quicker and less expensive than a full highlight service. | Generally takes longer and is more expensive than partial highlights. |
Benefits of Partial Highlights
- Less Damage: By not coloring all of your hair, partial highlights can be a less damaging option.
- Subtle Look: Offers a more natural, sun-kissed effect.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, partial highlights are less expensive than full highlights.
- Lower Maintenance: Requires less frequent touch-ups, which saves both time and money.
Examples of Partial Highlight Applications
- Face-Framing Highlights: Also known as a "money piece," focuses on the strands closest to your face.
- Crown Highlights: Adds brightness and dimension to the top layers of your hair.
- Lowlights: Partial highlights can also be used to add lowlights, which are darker strands that create depth.
