New Year, New Lights: Your Complete Guide to Highlights

The new year is upon us and it's time for a change. And while I know all too well how difficult change can be when trying out something new, sometimes the simplest change can really make a big difference. Whether you are adding a sparkle of highlights, partials, or going for gold --- there are a variety of options we can help you with no matter what your base is.

Before you book your next appointment, below are some things to consider when trying to imagine your next look.

What Exactly Is a Highlight?

Simply put, highlights are pieces of your hair that are carefully selected to get lightened, at least two shades lighter than your natural hair color. This helps create a contrast within the hair that makes the hair look like it has more dimension and movement.

Will Getting Highlights Damage My Hair?

While any form of color change has the potential to damage your hair, the real key is the amount of change you are wanting to have done. If you are doing subtle highlights or a single process highlight, the damage would be minimal and you might not even notice the difference in texture. However, if you are going platinum or applying heavy highlights, you will need to make sure your hair is being properly treated so it doesn't have long-lasting damage.

How Do I Know Which Highlight Would Work Best for Me?

We always recommend coming in to speak with a stylist if you are unsure of which tone would best fit you. Since highlighting can be so personal to the person to get the right look, the most common rule we go by is selecting a tone that would best complement your skin tone.

Balayage vs. Foil Highlights

Not sure what the difference is between a balayage and a foil highlight? Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates soft, natural-looking dimension. Foil highlights use foils to isolate sections for more uniform, all-over brightness. Both techniques have their place, and your stylist can help you determine which is right for your goals.

How Light Can I Get My Hair?

It really depends on the color and texture of your hair and the color level you want to achieve. For those with lighter hair, making it lighter or more blonde will be a seamless transition. However, if you have very dark thick hair and you want it to go lighter, this can be a multi-step process that can take several months to achieve the desired effect.

We always recommend when the color contrast will be extreme (dark to light or vice versa) to do simple shades at a time with multiple appointments to make sure the color is turning into the correct shade you are wanting. Especially since we want to make sure your hair color looks natural on you with this transition, versus it looking choppy.

Different Types of Highlights

There are so many different beautiful levels of highlights you can get done --- the possibilities are almost endless. Here are a few favorites:

• Ash Blonde
• Warm Blonde
• Cool Brown
• Warm Brown
• Warm Black
• Balayage
• Ombre

How to Care for Your Hair After Highlights

The best way you can care for your highlighted hair:

• Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and preserve color
• Use specialized shampoo and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair
• Avoid chlorine especially right after getting them done
• Go easy on the heat --- whenever possible, let your hair naturally air dry
• Book a deep conditioning treatment at the salon to help your hair stay healthy

Ready to book your new look? Get in contact with a stylist today at Lee Graves Salon in Plano, TX!