TYPES OF HIGHLIGHTS/STREAKS

Balayage

This method is used to achieve more lightening on the ends of the hair (It is more natural this way, as hair should always be darker on the base of the hair shaft or the root area), and less on the roots as with traditional highlights.

Bleach or a lightening product is painted on without using foils. Instead a brush and paddle are used in a sweeping motion giving the hair colorist a bit more room to play and less methodical streaks.

This method can be used to accent facial features. It brings out the eyes by adding bolder pieces of color at eye level.

Balayage is more carefree than highlights, and because the streak isn%u2019t as defined, it looks edgier and more artsy.

Maintenance: Touch up every 3-4 months.

Highlights

Highlights blend two or three shades of color for a hand-of-nature effect. Or, for a more significant statement it is applied using a bleach or lightening product.

They add warmth to skin and give the hair texture and depth. It's like what a surfer's hair would look like, natural and funky.

Maintenance: They should be updated every 4-6 weeks if you've lightened your hair color a lot (a heavy weave). If you have natural-looking highlights then 3-6 months is good. At homes kits are really bad to achieve this effect, as they don't lighten enough unless you are a natural blonde.

The Skunk

Though getting an oversize stripe of color seems like it'd be simple, it's not! You need to be the type of person who takes care of their hair, someone who wears the makeup and dresses the part.

Stacking foils very tightly to create a streak at least on inch wide creates the look. Or, 1 inch panels close to the scalp about 1 inch apart is also another method.

Contrary to the name, you don't have to go for high-contrast hair color. A lighter red on redheads, or a honey streak on brunettes.

Maintenance: it takes only 15-20 minutes, but you have to retouch the roots once a month.

Tips

A hair colorist basically takes just the ends of hair and lightens them, either by painting on the color or by using foils for a dramatic effect. Go a few shades lighter then your own natural hair color and keep it piecey and chunky.

This look is perfect for straight hair with a bit of body.

Maintenance: The great news is if you don't like it, the hair color is easy to cut off and grows out with your hair. As a result, it looks great for 3 months at a time.

Highlights vs Lowlights

A highlight lightens and brightens the hair - Blonde and gold tones.

A lowlight darkens and deepens it - Reds, plums and aubergine shades.

Highlights and lowlights are a great way to update your look without making too dramatic or bold a change. Whether you're growing out a style or you want a little pick me up during winter, highlights and lowlights are great for brightening up your hair and your look.

Any length hair or style can benefit from highlighting or lowlighting. Whatever your natural color is, you shouldn't go more than three or four shades lighter or darker, as the result will be too harsh and unnatural.

The cost of highlights or lowlights can vary quite a lot depending on a number of factors- you can either get a 'full head' or 'half head'.