7 Essential Tips for Perfecting Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights and lowlights are a fantastic way to add depth, dimension, and visual interest to your hair. Whether you’re aiming for sun-kissed strands or a dramatic, multi-tonal look, achieving the perfect result requires careful planning and execution. Forget the brassy streaks and muddy tones – follow these seven essential tips to master the art of highlights and lowlights.
1. Consult a Professional (Seriously!): This may seem obvious, but choosing the right stylist is paramount. A skilled professional can assess your hair type, color, and skin tone to recommend the most flattering highlight and lowlight placement and shades. They also understand the intricacies of color correction and can avoid damaging your hair. Don’t underestimate the power of a thorough consultation.
2. Define Your Desired Look: Before your appointment, gather inspiration. Browse magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram for images of hairstyles that appeal to you. Point out specific aspects you like – the placement of highlights, the shade variation, the overall tone. Clear communication is key to achieving your vision.
3. Consider Your Hair’s Undertones: Warm, cool, or neutral undertones significantly impact how highlights and lowlights will appear. Warm undertones often pair well with golden, honey, or caramel tones, while cool undertones complement ashy, platinum, or mocha shades. Ignoring your undertones can lead to a clashing result. Your stylist can help you determine your undertones and choose complementary colors.
4. Embrace Subtlety (Sometimes): Dramatic transformations are exciting, but subtle highlights and lowlights can often be more flattering and less high-maintenance. Think babylights (delicate, fine highlights) or strategically placed lowlights to add depth without drastically altering your base color. Subtlety allows for a more natural-looking result that’s easier to maintain.
5. Prioritize Hair Health: Healthy hair is essential for optimal color results. Before your appointment, treat your hair with deep conditioning treatments to improve its strength and elasticity. Damaged hair is more prone to breakage and uneven color absorption, leading to a less-than-perfect outcome.
6. Maintain Your Color: The beauty of highlights and lowlights lies not only in the initial application but also in the maintenance. Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prevent fading and preserve the vibrancy of your color. Regular toning treatments can help neutralize brassiness and keep your highlights looking bright and fresh. Schedule regular touch-up appointments to maintain the overall look.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment (Within Reason): While professional guidance is important, don’t be afraid to explore different shades and techniques within the framework of your stylist’s recommendations. Small variations can make a big difference, and finding the perfect combination often involves a bit of experimentation. However, always prioritize hair health and avoid drastic changes between appointments.
By following these seven tips, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving perfect highlights and lowlights that enhance your natural beauty and leave you feeling confident and stylish. Remember, patience and communication are key to achieving your dream hair color.
