When it comes to hair coloring, the terms “highlights” and “lowlights” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Highlights refer to the lighter shades added to the hair, while lowlights are the darker shades. However, there’s a specific term used to describe darker highlights, which can add depth and dimension to one’s hair. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hair coloring, exploring what darker highlights are called, their benefits, and how they can be incorporated into various hairstyles.
Introduction to Hair Coloring Terminology
To understand the concept of darker highlights, it’s essential to familiarize oneself with the basic terminology used in the hair coloring industry. Hair coloring is a process that involves altering the natural color of the hair using chemical or natural products. The color can be changed to achieve a variety of effects, from subtle, natural-looking enhancements to bold, vibrant transformations. The two primary types of hair coloring techniques are global coloring, which involves applying a single color to the entire head, and dimensional coloring, which involves combining multiple colors to create a multi-dimensional look.
Understanding Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights and lowlights are fundamental components of dimensional coloring. Highlights are the lighter shades applied to the hair, typically using a bleach or high-lift color. They can be used to add warmth, brightness, and depth to the hair. On the other hand, lowlights are the darker shades applied to the hair, often using a color deposit or a low-lift color. Lowlights can add richness, depth, and dimension to the hair, creating a more nuanced and interesting appearance.
The Concept of Darker Highlights
Now, let’s focus on the concept of darker highlights. Darker highlights are essentially darker shades applied to the hair in a highlighting technique. Instead of using bleach or high-lift colors, darker highlights involve using a color deposit or a low-lift color to add depth and dimension to the hair. This technique is often used to create a more subtle, natural-looking effect, as opposed to the more dramatic results achieved with traditional highlights.
The Benefits of Darker Highlights
Darker highlights offer several benefits, making them an attractive option for individuals looking to enhance their hair color. Some of the key advantages of darker highlights include:
- Added depth and dimension: Darker highlights can create a more nuanced and interesting appearance, adding depth and dimension to the hair.
- Natural-looking results: Darker highlights can produce a more subtle, natural-looking effect, which is ideal for individuals who want to enhance their hair color without looking too done-up.
- Less damage: Unlike traditional highlights, which often involve using bleach or high-lift colors, darker highlights typically cause less damage to the hair.
Techniques for Achieving Darker Highlights
There are several techniques used to achieve darker highlights, including balayage, foiling, and hair painting. Balayage is a freehand technique that involves painting the color onto the hair in a sweeping motion. Foiling involves using foil to separate the hair into sections, which are then colored and processed. Hair painting is a similar technique to balayage, but it involves using a brush to apply the color to the hair.
Choosing the Right Color for Darker Highlights
When it comes to choosing the right color for darker highlights, there are several factors to consider. The natural color of the hair, as well as the skin tone and eye color, should all be taken into account. For example, individuals with cool skin tones and blue or green eyes may look best with ash-based darker highlights, while those with warm skin tones and brown or hazel eyes may look best with golden or honey-based darker highlights.
Popular Variations of Darker Highlights
There are several popular variations of darker highlights, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Some of the most common variations include:
Babylights
Babylights are a type of darker highlight that involves using a subtle, natural-looking color to add depth and dimension to the hair. This technique is often used on individuals with light to medium brown hair, as it can help to create a more nuanced and interesting appearance.
Sombre
Sombre is a type of darker highlight that involves using a gradual, ombre-like effect to add depth and dimension to the hair. This technique is often used on individuals with dark to medium brown hair, as it can help to create a more dramatic and eye-catching appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, darker highlights are a versatile and effective way to add depth and dimension to the hair. Whether you’re looking to create a subtle, natural-looking effect or a more dramatic, eye-catching appearance, darker highlights can be tailored to suit your individual needs and preferences. By understanding the benefits and techniques involved in achieving darker highlights, you can make an informed decision about whether this popular hair coloring trend is right for you. Remember to consult with a professional hair colorist to determine the best course of action for your hair, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques to find the perfect look for you.
What are darker highlights and how do they differ from traditional highlights?
Darker highlights refer to a hair coloring technique where smaller sections of hair are dyed a darker shade than the rest of the hair, creating a subtle, multi-dimensional effect. This technique is often confused with traditional highlights, which involve dyeing sections of hair a lighter shade than the rest of the hair. However, darker highlights offer a unique alternative for individuals who want to add depth and dimension to their hair without the need for lighter shades. By introducing darker tones, this technique can create a rich, nuanced look that enhances the natural color of the hair.
The key difference between darker highlights and traditional highlights lies in the application and result. While traditional highlights aim to create a brighter, more vibrant effect, darker highlights focus on adding depth and warmth to the hair. This is achieved by carefully selecting the right shades and applying them in a way that complements the natural color of the hair. As a result, darker highlights can create a more subtle, natural-looking effect that is perfect for individuals who want to enhance their hair without making a drastic change. With the right technique and application, darker highlights can be a versatile and stylish option for a wide range of hair types and colors.
How are darker highlights applied, and what is the process like?
The application of darker highlights involves a similar process to traditional highlights, with some key differences. The process typically begins with a consultation to determine the right shades and technique for the individual’s hair. The stylist will then section the hair and apply the dye to the desired areas, using a technique such as foiling or balayage to achieve the desired effect. The dye is then left to process, and the results are rinsed and styled to create the final look. One of the key differences between darker highlights and traditional highlights is the use of a toner to achieve the desired shade and Remove any brassy tones.
The process of applying darker highlights can take several hours, depending on the length and thickness of the hair, as well as the complexity of the design. It is essential to work with a qualified stylist who has experience with darker highlights to ensure the best results. During the application process, the stylist will carefully monitor the processing time to ensure that the dye achieves the desired effect without over-processing or damaging the hair. With proper application and care, darker highlights can be a low-maintenance option that lasts for several weeks, making it a popular choice for individuals who want to add depth and dimension to their hair without the need for frequent touch-ups.
What are the benefits of darker highlights, and who are they suitable for?
The benefits of darker highlights are numerous, and they can be a great option for individuals who want to add depth and dimension to their hair without making a drastic change. One of the primary benefits of darker highlights is that they can create a natural-looking effect that enhances the natural color of the hair. This makes them a great option for individuals who want to add some subtle variation to their hair without looking like they have had a dramatic color change. Additionally, darker highlights can be a low-maintenance option, as they do not require frequent touch-ups like traditional highlights do.
Darker highlights are suitable for a wide range of hair types and colors, including individuals with dark hair, light hair, and everything in between. They can be a great option for individuals who want to add some depth and dimension to their hair, but do not want to commit to a dramatic color change. Darker highlights can also be used to create a range of different effects, from subtle and natural-looking to more dramatic and bold. With the right technique and application, darker highlights can be a versatile and stylish option for anyone looking to add some depth and dimension to their hair.
How do I choose the right shades for my darker highlights?
Choosing the right shades for darker highlights can be a bit more complex than choosing shades for traditional highlights, as it requires a deeper understanding of the hair’s natural color and tone. To choose the right shades, it is essential to work with a qualified stylist who can assess the hair’s natural color and tone and recommend the best shades to achieve the desired effect. The stylist will consider factors such as the hair’s natural color, the individual’s skin tone, and the desired level of contrast when selecting the shades.
The right shades for darker highlights will depend on the individual’s hair color and tone, as well as their personal preferences and style. For example, individuals with cool, ash-blonde hair may look best with darker highlights in a cool, dark brown shade, while individuals with warm, golden hair may look best with darker highlights in a warm, honey-blonde shade. The key is to choose shades that complement the natural color of the hair and create a harmonious, multi-dimensional effect. With the right shades and technique, darker highlights can add depth, dimension, and visual interest to the hair, creating a stunning and stylish look.
Can I achieve darker highlights at home, or do I need to visit a salon?
While it is possible to achieve darker highlights at home using box dye or other hair coloring products, it is generally recommended to visit a salon for the best results. Darker highlights require a high level of skill and expertise to apply correctly, as the dye needs to be carefully placed and processed to achieve the desired effect. A qualified stylist will have the training and experience necessary to choose the right shades, apply the dye correctly, and achieve the desired results.
Visiting a salon also provides the opportunity to work with a qualified stylist who can assess the hair’s natural color and tone and recommend the best shades and technique to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, a salon will have access to high-quality hair coloring products and equipment, which can help to achieve more precise and long-lasting results. While it may be tempting to try to achieve darker highlights at home, the risks of over-processing or damaging the hair are high, making it generally recommended to visit a salon for the best results.
How do I maintain my darker highlights and make them last longer?
To maintain darker highlights and make them last longer, it is essential to use the right hair care products and follow a regular maintenance routine. This can include using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner, avoiding heat styling tools, and getting regular touch-ups to maintain the color and prevent fading. Additionally, using a color-depositing mask or gloss treatment can help to enhance and maintain the color of the highlights, keeping them looking vibrant and healthy.
Regular trims can also help to maintain the health and integrity of the hair, preventing split ends and breakage that can cause the highlights to fade more quickly. It is also essential to avoid using hot water, which can cause the color to fade more quickly, and to use a cool or warm water rinse when washing the hair. By following these tips and maintaining a regular hair care routine, it is possible to make darker highlights last longer and keep them looking their best. With proper care and maintenance, darker highlights can be a low-maintenance option that adds depth and dimension to the hair for weeks to come.