The Difference Between Hair Highlights and Lowlights

1. Lightening Effect:
   Highlights typically use a bleach or hair-lightening product to lift the natural color of your hair. This results in strands that are lighter than your base color.
2. Placement:
   Highlights are strategically placed throughout your hair to mimic how the sun naturally lightens hair. Common areas for highlights include the crown, around the face, and the top layers of the hair.
3. Variations:
   You can choose from shades of blonde, brown, or even vivid colors for your highlights, depending on your desired look. The contrast between the highlighted strands and your base color creates a beautiful, eye-catching effect.
4. Maintenance:
   Highlights usually require more maintenance than lowlights because the regrowth of your natural hair color will be more noticeable as it grows.

1. Darkening Effect:
   Lowlights involve applying a color darker than your base shade to specific strands of hair. This creates contrast and depth by making some areas of your hair appear deeper and richer in color.
2. Placement:
   Lowlights are typically placed strategically to enhance the natural contours of your face and provide depth to your overall hair color. They are often used in combination with highlights to create a harmonious balance.
3. Variations:
   Lowlights can be customized to your preferences, ranging from subtle darkening to more dramatic contrasts. Shades like caramel, chestnut, or deep brown are commonly used for lowlights.
4. Maintenance:
   Lowlights require less maintenance than highlights since the regrowth is less noticeable. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy their color for a more extended period without frequent touch-ups.

1. Skin Tone:
   Consult a professional hairstylist to determine which technique complements your skin tone. They can help you choose the right shades to enhance your natural beauty.
2. Maintenance:
   Consider how often you're willing to visit the salon for touch-ups. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, lowlights might be the better choice.
3. Desired Look:
   Consider whether you want to brighten your overall appearance with highlights or add depth and richness to your hair with lowlights. You can even combine both techniques for a multidimensional effect.