HIGHLIGHTS VS LOWLIGHTS WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE

Top 10 Ways to Rock Highlights and Lowlights

Michael Brunina

Highlights and Lowlights: FAQ

How to Wear Blonde Hair with Lowlights?

Lowlights add depth and dimension to blonde hair by incorporating darker strands, mimicking natural hair tones. This technique breaks up block colors, making dyed blonde hair look more natural and multidimensional. Lowlights are perfect for testing out a darker hue without fully committing to it, offering a "try-before-you-buy" approach. They enhance the overall appearance of your hair, making it look richer and more dynamic.

Tips for Wearing Blonde Hair with Lowlights:

  1. Consult a Professional: Ensure the lowlights complement your base color.
  2. Maintenance: Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to maintain the vibrancy of both blonde and lowlight tones.
  3. Styling: Add texture with waves or curls to showcase the depth and dimension created by the lowlights.

Highlights vs. Lowlights: What's the Difference?

Both highlights and lowlights use similar methods, such as foils or freehand painting, to add dimension to hair. The key difference is in their effect on color:

  • Highlights: Use bleach to lift and lighten hair, creating lighter strands.
  • Lowlights: Apply darker shades to your base color, adding depth and richness.

Key Points:

  • Highlights brighten hair.
  • Lowlights add darkness and dimension.
  • Both enhance hair texture and style.

Choose based on whether you want to lighten up or add depth to your look!

Who Should Get Lowlights?

Lowlights are versatile and suitable for all hair types, from curly to straight. They can be subtle or bold, depending on your base color. They're particularly popular for:

  • Blondes: Looking to transition to darker shades or add dimension.
  • Brunettes: Wanting to add depth and movement to their hair.

Lowlights are perfect for anyone seeking a richer, more dynamic hair color without a drastic change. They enhance natural tones and create a multi-dimensional look.

Are Lowlights Damaging?

Lowlights are not more damaging to your hair than highlights. Both processes are similar, with lowlights applying darker hues and highlights applying lighter ones. It's a common misconception that you can only choose one technique at a time.

To achieve a natural-looking finish, it's often best to combine both highlights and lowlights. This approach adds depth and dimension to your hair, resulting in a more balanced and dynamic look. Always consult your colorist to ensure the best results for your desired style.

Highlights and Lowlights: Stylish Combos to Try

Here are 10 stylist combinations to consider:

1. Loose Waves

highlights and lowlights waves
Show off your color with loose and easy waves.

Use a curling iron to create a loose wavy style that will show off your color and add even more dimension to your style. We love this look of layered hair with curly bangs. Hold your look in place with Davines More Inside This is an Extra Strong Hairspray for a long-lasting look.

 

2. Volumized Curls

blonde hair with highlights and lowlights volume
Go overboard on the volume.

Draw attention to your color by creating volumized curls all over your head. Use a 1-inch curling iron and have each curl start at your temple and cascade down from there. Finish off your style with a mist of Davines More Inside This is an Extra Strong Hairspray.

3. Oversized Curls

blonde hair with highlights and lowlights
These larger curls add the perfect bounce to your style.
Amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse
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Add even more volume to your look by running Amika Plus Size Perfect Body Mousse through your roots before they dry. This can also be achieved with rollers. This is a gorgeous look for everyday wear.

4. Tousled Texture

highlights and lowlights tousled texture
Go in on the texture. 
Amika Un.Done Volume and Texture Spray

Add some texture to your style by spraying your air-dried strands with Amika Un.Done Volume and Texture Spray . This hairspray will give you lasting hold while also adding texture and even more dimension to your look.

5. Tight Curls

lowlights and lowlights curly
Show off your unique curly texture. 
Moroccanoil Root Boost Spray on Mousse
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Use hair rollers to create super tight overnight small curls all over your head. Curls created with hair rollers generally last longer for a style you can wear for days at a time. This look can also be created by braiding your hair overnight and combing it through in the morning for a cute wavy finish.

6. High Ponytail

blonde hair with highlights and lowlights
Tease the front and gather your hair up into a high ponytail.

Tease the front of your hair and pull your strands up into a high-volumized ponytail. This is the perfect look to bring back all the 2010’s nostalgia in a more. elevated and trendy way! Let your new color shine with this ponytail.

7. Wear it Natural

blonde hair with highlights and lowlights
Wear your texture naturally.

Let your hair air dry either overnight or throughout your morning and wear your natural texture with your brand-new color. You can never go wrong when embracing your natural hair texture!

8. Messy Curls

highlights and lowlights messy curls
The messier, the better.

Curl your hair with a curling iron, skip the hairspray and go for an easy and messy curly hair look to compliment your new blonde hair with highlights and lowlights. To maintain this look heat-free use rollers and styling mousse to touch up your look while getting ready in the morning.

9. Brushed Curls

blonde hair with highlights and lowlights
Brush through your curls after they cool.

Use a hairbrush or a comb to brush through your curls after they’ve cooled for this textured curly look. This will add a dimensional look to your blonde hair with highlights and lowlights.

10. Sleek Strands

highlights and lowlights straight sleek
Wear your hair in a sleek center part.

Wear your hair sleek and straight and comb it into a deep side part for even extra drama. Add some flair with some hair clips that complement the color of your blonde hair with highlights and lowlights for the ultimate elevated hair look.

How will you be wearing lowlights and highlights? 

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