What is the difference between highlights and lowlights

Who Should Get Lowlights?

Lowlights work well on all hair types, from curly to straight, and depending on your base color, they can be either super subtle or have a bolder effect. For example, lowlights are especially popular with those with blonde hair looking to transition to dark and even brunettes who want to add depth and movement to their look.

Are Lowlights Damaging?

Truth is, lowlights aren’t any more damaging for your hair than highlights. In fact, the process is pretty much identical, except one applies lighter hues and the other applies darker hues. Simple, right?

It’s also a common misconception that you can only exclusively work highlights or lowlights at one time. Because to create a more natural-looking finish, you really need to employ both of these techniques, so do ask your colorist to combine these two hair coloring processes to achieve your desired look.

Highlights and Lowlights: Stylish Combos to Try

1. Loose Waves

Show off your color with loose and easy waves.

Use a curling iron to create a loose wavy style that will show off your color and add even more dimension to your style.

2. Volumized Curls

Go overboard on the volume.

Draw attention to your color by creating volumized curls all over your head. Use a 1-inch curling iron and have each curl start at your temple and cascade down from there. Finish off your style with a mist of Dove Style + Care Compressed Extra Hold Hairspray.

3. Oversized Curls

Use a large barrel curling iron for oversized curls.

Add even more volume to your look by running Suave Professionals Natural Volume Mousse through your roots before they dry.

4. Tousled Texture

Go in on the texture. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Add some texture to your style by spraying your air-dried strands with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. This hairspray will give you lasting hold while also adding texture and even more dimension to your look.

5. Tight Curls

Show off your unique curly texture. Photo credit: indigitalimages.com

Use hair rollers to create super tight overnight small curls all over your head. Curls created with hair rollers generally last longer for a style you can wear for days at a time.

6. High Ponytail

Tease the front and gather your hair up into a high ponytail.

Tease the front of your hair and pull your strands up into a high volumized ponytail.

7. Wear it Natural

Wear your texture natural.

Let your hair air dry either overnight or throughout your morning and wear your natural texture with your brand new color.

8. Messy Curls

The messier the better.

Curl your hair with a curling iron, skip the hairspray and go for an easy and messy curly hair look.

9. Brushed Curls

Brush through your curls after they cool.

Use a hairbrush or a comb to brush through your curls after they’ve cooled for this textured curly look.

10. Sleek Strands

Wear your hair in a sleek center part.

Wear your hair sleek and straight and comb it into a deep side part for even extra drama.

Are lowlights better for hair than highlights?

Lowlights are a bit less damaging for our locks than highlights because you don't need to lift color for a darker shade. You simply deposit more color in your strands. Fewer chemicals are applied, and less damage is done. You can use a semi-permanent color to make the strands darker.

Do lowlights make your hair darker?

Simply put, highlights lighten hair with strands of a lighter color while lowlights add dimension with strands of darker color. You can ask your stylist to add both to your hair, which can give the illusion of volume, depth, and texture.

Are lowlights darker or lighter?

Unlike highlights, which are lighter than the base colour, lowlights are hints of colour darker than your base colour, which are woven into the hair. This colouring technique creates a perception of depth to the hair and adds contrast – perfect for people with finer hair who want their locks to look thicker.

Why are lowlights cheaper than highlights?

Since lowlights blend fairly seamlessly with your natural hair color, they're typically more low maintenance than highlights. That means you can expect to spend less $$ in the long run (think: you'll need touch-ups every two to four months versus the standard six to eight weeks for highlights).