A
lot of women don't really know the difference between a highlight and a
lowlight, let alone the different techniques for achieving this very
popular look. Many know the terms for the processes - namely, foils and
balayage - but they don't often understand what's involved in each one.
So here is a rundown of the three main types of highlighting techniques,
plus an explanation of lowlights, to help you decide what to ask for at
your next color appointment at SDQ Hair Salon.
WHAT IS HIGHLIGHTS?
"Highlights"
refers to strands of hair that are lighter than the base color they're
being laid upon. It's commonly believed that a highlight is blonde, but
actually a highlight only refers to a color that's not as dark as the
base strands. The size of the highlights, the level of lightness, the
tone, and the placement are all left up to the colorist - after you've
communicated the look you're going for, of course. To sum up, the type
of highlight depends on a number of things: the look you want, the kind
of hair you have & how blonde you wish to go.
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BALAYAGE
A
French word meaning "to sweep," it actually refers to the sweeping
motion produced by the brush when the colorist paints swatches of hair.
This is done in revolutions around the head, and each painted swatch is
then covered in cellophane. As these highlights are less systematically
placed, the resulting look is fatter highlights.
RECOMMENDED TO :
People with thick, heavy hair, who like the look of chunkier highlights
with more contrast (a stripier, less all-over blonde) - Clients looking
for a casual, beachy look. Lighter tips and an almost ombré appearance
help to define this look.
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FOILS HIGHLIGHTS
For those interested in more of an all-over blonde look, foil highlights, which are administered on top of and underneath the hair, are an excellent option. Foils can blend more with your natural base color, resulting in a more even distribution of lightening. The foil serves two purposes: It keeps the lightening agent from getting on the surrounding hair, and it keeps the product moist. RECOMMENDED TO: Those who are looking for a very symmetrical highlight, foils might be the way to go. We would also recommended it to those interested in more of an all-over blonde look. |  |
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LOWLIGHTS
Unlike highlights, which are lighter than the base strands, lowlights are darker strands of color that are woven into the hair. This process typically produces depth and adds contrast when hair becomes overly light and one-dimensionally colored from being highlighted repeatedly. General oxidation and/or fading can occur from regular highlighting, which is another reason someone might opt to even things out with lowlights. RECOMMENDED TO : People with general hair oxidation and/or fading (too many regular highlighting). To avoid hair from becoming washed-out and monochromatic. |
