Highlighting hair involves adding lighter pieces to your existing hair color, creating dimension and visual interest. According to Redken Artist George Garcia, highlights are simply pieces of hair that are lighter than your natural color. This technique can be used on a variety of base colors to achieve different effects.
How Hair Highlighting Works:
- The Basics: Highlights involve selecting strands of hair and lightening them. The process often involves using a chemical lightener, such as bleach, to remove pigment.
- Color Choices: The specific color used for the highlights depends on your base hair color and desired look:
- Brown Hair: You can choose lighter brown shades or even blonde highlights to add brightness and dimension.
- Blonde Hair: Different blonde shades, often lighter than your base, can create a sun-kissed or multi-dimensional effect.
Types of Highlighting Techniques
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Foil Highlights | Using foil to isolate and lighten specific strands of hair. Provides more controlled placement and coverage. |
| Balayage | Hand-painted highlights that offer a natural, blended look. The lightener is applied to specific areas, often towards the ends of the hair. |
| Ombre | A gradual transition of color from dark at the roots to light at the ends. |
| Lowlights | These are highlights that are darker than your natural hair color. They can create depth and contrast. |
Why Get Hair Highlights?
- Adds Dimension: Highlights prevent your hair from looking flat and one-dimensional.
- Creates Movement: The difference in color creates a visual flow to the hair.
- Enhances Natural Hair Color: Highlights can complement your natural hair color, making it look brighter and more vibrant.
- Customizable: The number, size, and color of highlights can be tailored to your personal preferences.
Example Scenarios:
- A person with dark brown hair might add caramel or honey blonde highlights to add warmth and brightness to their overall look.
- A natural blonde might opt for very light blonde highlights to create a sun-kissed effect, simulating natural lightening from the sun.
In summary, hair highlighting is a versatile process that allows you to add lighter pieces to your hair, providing dimension, movement, and enhancing your overall appearance.
