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Hair color guide

Highlights

The original dimension technique, still requested today

Highlights are the foil-wrapped section technique that defined salon color for fifty years before balayage took over. Where balayage paints freehand, highlights apply lightener to defined sections wrapped in foil for a more uniform, brighter, higher-contrast result. Highlights still suit clients who want stronger contrast, more brightness around the face, or color placement that needs to be precise.

Not sure which shade suits your skin tone?

You don’t have to be. Color Analysis reads your skin undertone from a single selfie and names the palette you sit in (warm, cool, or neutral) so you can walk into the salon knowing which highlights shade to ask for. $4.99 one-time, no subscription.

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Shade variations

  1. Full highlights

    Foils throughout the head for maximum brightness and lift. The traditional salon highlight service. High-impact, higher-maintenance.

    Warm undertonesCool undertonesNeutral undertones

  2. Half highlights

    Foils only through the top and around the face. Faster and cheaper than full, with most of the visible impact.

    Warm undertonesCool undertonesNeutral undertones

  3. Face-framing highlights

    A small number of foils placed strategically around the face. The lowest-commitment way to add brightness.

    Warm undertonesCool undertonesNeutral undertones

  4. Babylights

    Very fine, very subtle highlights painted in tiny foils throughout the head. The 'natural' highlight technique that mimics childhood sun-bleaching.

    Warm undertonesNeutral undertones

  5. Chunky highlights

    Wider, more visible foiled pieces. The Y2K-era technique, currently in revival.

    Warm undertonesCool undertones

Which undertones it flatters

Highlights work across all undertones; what matters is which shade gets foiled in. Warm undertones suit caramel or honey highlights; cool undertones flatter ash or cool blonde. Color Analysis identifies your undertone palette.

Maintenance reality

Highlights need salon refresh every 6-10 weeks for full coverage, less often for face-framing or babylights. The visible regrowth line is sharper than balayage because the foil-applied highlights start at the root. Toning gloss between full services maintains brightness.

Common questions

What is the difference between highlights and balayage?
Highlights use foils to lift defined sections to a uniform brightness. Balayage paints freehand for softer, more natural-looking dimension. Highlights need more frequent salon refresh; balayage grows out more gracefully.
How many foils for highlights?
Full highlights typically use 30-60 foils. Half highlights use 15-25. Face-framing uses 6-12. Babylights can use 80+ small foils for fine dimension. Your colorist chooses based on hair density and goal.
Should I get highlights or balayage?
Highlights for brighter, higher-contrast results; balayage for softer, lower-maintenance grow-out. Brighter pale skin tends to flatter under highlights; deeper or more sun-touched skin tends to flatter under balayage. Color Analysis names your palette.
How long do highlights last?
The lifted pieces stay until you cut them. Visible regrowth shows in 4-6 weeks because foils start at the root. Full salon refresh is typical every 6-10 weeks.

Find the right shade for your skin tone

Color Analysis reads your undertone (warm, cool, or neutral) from one selfie and names which hair color shades flatter you. $4.99 one-time, no subscription.

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