Choosing the Best Highlights for Your Unique Look
Intro
Choosing the right hair highlights is like picking the perfect accessory for an outfit. It's essential to consider not just the colors but how they reflect your personality and enhance your natural beauty. When approached thoughtfully, hair highlights can transform your look entirely—offering a fresh take on your hairstyle, breathing new life into your overall appearance.
Understanding your hair type, skin undertones, and personal style is foundational in this decision-making process. Today, hair trends are as diverse as the individuals wearing them; whether you want bold and adventurous or soft and natural, the options are endless. Let's explore how to navigate these waters and find the highlight that resonates with your unique essence.
Fashion Trends
Hair color, particularly highlights, is continually evolving. The right shade can pull an entire look together, allowing you to express yourself.
Latest Fashion Trends
In recent times, we’ve seen a surge in the popularity of highlights that blend seamlessly with one’s natural hair color. Techniques like balayage, where color is painted on for a sun-kissed effect, have taken center stage. This method enables more freedom in color choice, giving hair depth and dimension while maintaining a low-maintenance appeal.
Seasonal Fashion Trends
As seasons shift, so do color preferences. For spring and summer, lighter, more vibrant highlights—think buttery blondes or soft pastels—are trending. In contrast, fall and winter often usher in richer tones, such as caramel, copper, or deep burgundy, that evoke warmth and coziness.
Fashion Week Highlights
From the runways of Milan to the streets of Paris, hair color is not just personal but a statement of style. Designers often showcase models with striking highlights that complement their clothing collections. For instance, during a recent New York Fashion Week, models donned bold platinum highlights that dramatically contrasted with rich, dark garments, making a clear style statement.
"Your hairstyle has the power to redefine not just your appearance, but your mood, confidence, and how people perceive you."
Inspiration and Style Tips
Finding color inspiration can come from many places. Celebrity styles, social media platforms, or even art and nature can be influential.
Outfit Inspirations
When selecting highlights, think about your wardrobe. Wearing earthy tones? Consider warm auburn highlights. Prefer vibrant pops of color? Cool-blonde highlights might be your best bet. The key is ensuring a harmonious balance between your hair and attire for an integrated look.
Styling Tips
- Consult a Professional: Before taking the plunge, it's often wise to get expert advice. A stylist can recommend shades that work best with your skin tone and hair type.
- Consider Maintenance: Some techniques require more upkeep than others, so consider how much time you're willing to dedicate to touch-ups.
- Test Colors: If unsure, there are temporary color sprays to experiment with before committing to permanent highlights.
Celebrity Fashion Looks
From Gigi Hadid's caramel balayage to Selena Gomez's rich chocolate highlights, celebrities are often at the forefront of hair color trends. Keeping an eye on their styles can help guide your choices, and you might even consider adapting a celebrity's look to suit you.
Overall, choosing hair highlights invites creativity and individuality. Understanding your options and personal style will lead you toward a choice that truly reflects who you are.
Understanding the Basics of Hair Color
Understanding hair color is like grasping the chords of a song before you start to play it; it's foundational for getting that perfect highlight effect. Knowing how hair color works can lead to better decisions about what colors to choose that will not only enhance your features but align with your personal style and wardrobe too. With highlights being such a popular choice for adding depth and light, it’s essential to dig into the fundamental aspects that shape color outcomes.
The Color Wheel and Its Application
The color wheel stands as an invaluable tool in this journey. It’s a visual representation of colors and their relationships. By understanding how colors complement or contrast with one another, you can make informed decisions about which highlights will suit you best. For instance, if you have warm undertones in your skin, opting for golden or honey-colored highlights could create a harmonious look. Conversely, if your skin has cool undertones, ashy or platinum highlights might be more striking. You might consider thinking of the color wheel as your guide to color harmony, helping to draw out the natural beauty in your features. Picking colors off opposite ends of the wheel provides the drama of contrast, while choosing adjacent ones yields a more subtle effect.
Hair Structure and How It Affects Color
The texture and structure of your hair can play a pivotal role in how color is absorbed and displayed. Curly hair has a different light-reflecting quality compared to straight hair. The curls can cause highlights to appear softer, while straight hair may showcase a brighter contrast. Additionally, porous hair tends to absorb color differently, often grasping onto highlights more readily. This means that if your hair has been previously treated or colored, it might hold onto new shades differently than virgin hair would. The density of your hair can also matter; thinner strands may not hold as much pigment, making your highlights appear more subtle. Understanding your hair structure is a significant stepping stone in ensuring the highlights you choose truly complement your individual locks.
Natural Undertones and How to Identify Them
Recognizing your natural undertones is crucial for tailoring hair highlights that truly suit you. These undertones persist beneath the surface and can be classified into three main categories: warm, cool, and neutral.
- Warm Undertones: skin has a yellow, peachy, or golden hue. Colors like copper, honey, and golden blonde tend to shine here.
- Cool Undertones: hints of pink, red, or blue in the skin suggest cool undertones. Platinum, ash blonde, or cool browns are options to ponder.
- Neutral Undertones: a mix of both warm and cool tones leave room for flexibility. Most colors can work in balancing your look.
To determine your particular undertone, examine the veins on your wrist. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones, while a bluish tint suggests cool undertones. By doing this groundwork, you set the stage for choosing hair highlights that animate your overall appearance, ensuring they enhance rather than clash with your natural beauty.
Assessing Your Personal Features
Understanding one's personal features is essential when it comes to selecting the appropriate highlights for your hair. This aspect of choosing highlights can truly make or break a look. Not just any shade will suffice; it needs to harmonize with your skin tone, eye color, and facial structure. The right choice enhances your natural beauty while also reflecting your unique personality. Here, we will dive deeper into the specifics.
Skin Tone: Warm vs. Cool
When we talk about skin tones, two primary classifications arise: warm and cool. Determining which category you fall into is the first step in selecting highlights that will flatter your features.
Warm tones typically have yellow, golden, or peach undertones. If you find that gold jewelry looks better on you than silver, you may be part of this group. Conversely, cool tones are defined by pink, red, or blue undertones. If you glow in silver but seem to clash with gold, then your skin tone leans cooler.
Why does this matter? Because certain highlight colors tend to look better against specific skin tones. Here’s a brief rundown:
- Warm Skin Tones: Consider honey, caramel, or golden highlights. These colors add warmth and glow, complementing the natural warmth in your skin.
- Cool Skin Tones: Opt for ash blonde, platinum, or cool chestnut shades. These hues work well by creating a contrast that enhances your complexion.
"Choosing the right color for highlights is like selecting the perfect accomplice in crime—it should complement you seamlessly, elevating your overall look without stealing the show."
Eye Color: Finding Complementary Shades
Your eye color is another important factor when considering highlights. Harmonizing your hair color with your eyes can create a cohesive and striking appearance.
For instance, if you have blue eyes, consider highlights in lighter or golden shades. These tones can brighten your overall look and make your eyes pop. On the other side of the spectrum, if your eyes are brown, auburn or caramel highlights can add depth and richness.
Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Blue Eyes: Soft honey or platinum highlights.
- Green Eyes: Rich copper or cinnamon tones that enhance the green.
- Brown Eyes: Deep caramel or chocolate highlights that add more definition.
Facial Features and Their Influence on Color Choice
Facial features are integral in hair color selection. The shape of your face can dictate which highlight styles might be most flattering. For example, softer, blended highlights might work well for those with sharper facial features, as they can soften and round out the face. In contrast, high-contrast highlights may work better for longer or oval faces to add definition and character.
Additionally, consider the placement of your highlights:
- Framing Your Face: Lighter highlights at the front can highlight your cheekbones and can also detract from any larger features.
- Overall Balance: For a fuller face, opting for subtler highlights can create an elongated effect, balancing your features.
By understanding your skin tone, eye color, and facial features, you’ll enable yourself to make a more informed decision when choosing highlights. This careful consideration ensures your chosen look not only resonates with your style but also accentuates your natural beauty.
Highlight Techniques to Consider
When it comes to selecting the perfect highlights for your hair, the techniques employed can greatly influence the overall outcome. Understanding various highlighting methods allows individuals to tailor their looks according to personal preferences and hair types. Each technique offers unique benefits and can either make a subtle enhancement or create a dramatic change. By mastering the fundamentals of these techniques, you can navigate through the vibrant world of hair color with confidence.
Balayage: A Modern Approach
Balayage has gained significant traction in recent years and for good reason. This freehand technique results in a sun-kissed, natural look. Instead of the uniform strips of color that one might associate with traditional highlights, balayage provides a softer, more blended effect.
One key aspect of balayage is how it integrates seamlessly with the hair’s natural pattern. By applying color in a sweeping motion, stylists can create dimensions that enhance the hair’s texture without overwhelming the overall appearance. This method is especially valuable for those seeking low-maintenance hair color, as the regrowth is less noticeable compared to other techniques. The gradual fade of color at the roots means fewer trips to the salon, translating into both time and cost savings.
"Balayage offers a way for you to express your individuality without long-term commitment—ideal for the modern individual!"
Foiling: Precision and Definition
In contrast to balayage, foiling allows for more precision in highlighting. This technique involves separating sections of hair and wrapping them in foil with the coloring product applied directly. It’s particularly beneficial for those looking for bold, vibrant stripes.
Foiling enables stylists to be specific about how much color is deposited and where it lies. This level of definition can be ideal for anyone with finer or straighter hair types, as the highlights stand out more distinctly. Moreover, it permits the exploration of various shades in the overall color palette, creating unique blends. While foiling can require more upkeep than balayage, the striking results make it a noteworthy option for special occasions or those who enjoy a more polished look.
Ombré and Sombre Techniques
Ombré techniques involve a gradient effect where hair transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter hue at the tips. This blend can add depth and visual interest, often resembling the natural lightening that occurs with sun exposure. For those who want something softer, the sombre technique provides a subtler alternative. Here, the transition is more muted, making it a great choice for individuals desiring a less stark contrast.
Both ombré and sombre looks can work beautifully with various hair types, serving to enhance natural waves or curls while providing a modern edge. The visual appeal from the color gradient can bolster the overall aesthetic and work harmoniously with different skin tones, creating a diverse range of possibilities.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Highlights
Selecting the appropriate color for your highlights is pivotal. This process isn't just about picking a shade that looks pretty; it's about finding what resonates with who you are. Highlights can enhance your natural beauty, accentuate your features, and reflect your personal style. When you have a clear idea of the colors that will suit you best, it boosts your confidence and can even elevate your overall appearance.
Understanding how colors interact with your skin tone, eye color, and even the season can profoundly affect the way your highlights appear in various lighting conditions. It can be a subtle art and science, where making the right choice leads to a harmony that boosts not only your hair but your entire aesthetic.
Popular Highlight Colors and Their Impact
The world of highlights is rich with color options. Here are a few popular choices:
- Blonde Shades: Often a go-to for brightness and vibrancy. From golden honey to icy platinum, blonde highlights can lighten up dark hair beautifully, creating a sun-kissed look.
- Caramel Tones: These work wonders for those with warm undertones in their skin. Caramel highlights provide depth without being too stark, offering a natural glow.
- Reddish Hues: For those feeling adventurous, auburn or copper highlights can bring warmth and excitement. They work impressively with various base colors, especially browns and blacks.
- Ashy Tones: As the trend shifts towards more muted looks, ashy blonde or brown highlights can provide a modern feel, lending sophistication without overpowering.
Each of these colors can change how light interacts with your hair, subtly shifting your look while staying true to your essence.
Colors that Enhance Depth and Dimension
When pursuing a dimensional look, certain colors can do heavy lifting.
- Dual-Tone Techniques: Using two colors that complement each other can create visual interest. For example, adding dark chocolate and caramel can give that rich, deep appearance while still keeping things lively.
- Balayage Effect: This freehand technique often utilizes multiple shades that blend into each other. Colors like deep chestnut towards the roots fading into lighter golden ends create a soft transition, enhancing the natural texture of the hair.
- Contrast Appropriately: Sometimes, rich highlights against a darker base can give an optical illusion of more volume. Just keep an eye on how contrasting colors interact; it’s sometimes best to avoid overly stark contrasts that can look unnatural.
These nuanced color choices boost visual complexity, guiding the eye and framing the face, while bringing out the best elements of your hair type.
Seasonal Color Trends
Colors can ebb and flow like the tides, influenced by the seasons. These trends not only reflect current tastes but can also enhance your overall look according to the time of year.
- Spring: Pastel highlights or soft blondes can reflect the feel of blooming flowers.
- Summer: Sun-kissed highlights in warm honey or bright blonde shades work well in sun-soaked months, enhancing an effortless beachy vibe.
- Fall: Rich reds, ambers, and copper tones mimic the changing leaves and can add warmth to your hair during crisp, cooler days.
- Winter: Deep, darker tones often take the stage, with rich burgundy or ashy colors that can provide a nice contrast against pale skin.
Being aware of these seasonal transitions allows you to keep your look fresh and in sync with nature, which can be a delight in itself.
In summary, choosing the right color for your highlights isn't a mere aesthetic decision but rather an integral part of showcasing your individuality and style. Each color carries its meaning and impact, so take a thoughtful approach while making your selection.
Hair Type and Its Influence on Highlight Choices
Understanding how your hair type influences your choice of highlights is crucial when it comes to achieving that perfect look. The hair's texture, volume, and even the natural curl pattern play significant roles in selecting the color, technique, and placement of highlights. This section unpacks these elements, providing insights on how to tailor your highlights based on your unique hair type.
Straight Hair Highlights: Techniques and Considerations
Straight hair often provides a sleek canvas for highlights. Here, the focus can shift to subtlety, where techniques such as balayage can be used effectively.
Considerations:
- Light Reflection: Straight hair can reflect light differently than textured hair. Highlights should be placed strategically to enhance this reflection.
- Subtle Contrast: For those looking for a softer look, opting for highlights that are just a couple of shades lighter than the base color often works best.
- Maintenance: With straight hair, any regrowth is more visible. Thus, considering low-maintenance techniques or softer colors is essential to maintain a cohesive look.
Highly skilled stylists can create dimension with techniques like foiling, allowing for defined sections of color that pop against the smooth backdrop of straight hair. This method offers greater precision, ideal for those who prefer a more structured style.
Curly Hair: Selecting Highlights that Enhance Texture
Curly hair is vibrant and full of life, but it also presents unique challenges when choosing highlights. The key here is to complement the curls rather than fight against them.
Techniques:
- Light and Shadows: Curly hair naturally creates dimension. Therefore, highlights should accentuate this by being strategically placed to highlight texture. Consider a caramel or auburn highlight on dark curls for a warm effect.
- Consider Curl Pattern: Different curl patterns can reflect light differently. Softer curls may look better with feathered highlights, while tighter curls might benefit from chunkier, more defined sections.
- Enhancing Volume: Opting for highlights around the face can create an illusion of fullness and dimension. It’s about adding depth and keeping the curls looking vibrant.
Tip: Keep in mind that curly hair can appear darker due to the way light interacts with the coils; choose lighter hues to ensure the color stands out.
Fine vs. Thick Hair and Their Highlight Compatibility
The thickness of your hair plays a pivotal role in how highlights develop and appear.
For Fine Hair:
- Avoid Overwhelming Colors: Since fine hair can appear limp, it is better to choose soft highlights that add dimension without weighing it down. Subtle balayage works wonders here, creating delicate variations that enhance volume.
- Placement Matters: Highlight sections should be narrower as this prevents the overall look from becoming too harsh. Thinly sliced sections can create a sense of fullness.
For Thick Hair:
- Chunky Highlights: With greater hair density, thicker highlights can work well. They bring out the layers and can achieve a striking appearance that complements the hair’s natural robustness.
- Depth and Contrast: Thicker hair can take on more dramatic colors and contrasts without looking overdone. Darker underlayers with bright highlights can add beautiful depth.
Being informed about these aspects helps in choosing highlights that not only make one’s hair look great but also fit one’s personality and lifestyle. Consider your hair type carefully when planning your next visit to the salon, and don’t hesitate to consult with your stylist about options tailored just for you.
Aftercare for Highlighted Hair
Taking care of highlighted hair is like tending to a delicate garden—it requires consistent effort and the right nurturance to flourish. This section highlights the importance of aftercare, covering everything you need to know to maintain the vibrancy of your highlights and keep your hair healthy. Effective aftercare not only ensures that the color stays fresh for longer but also preserves the hair's strength and texture, which can be compromised by the highlighting process.
Maintaining Color and Shine
To keep those highlights sparkling and vibrant, first and foremost, it’s crucial to invest in quality care. Using sulfate-free shampoos is a wise choice; they help maintain the color while offering gentler cleansing. The last thing you want is for your beautiful highlights to wash away with harsh products. Conditioner is your best friend—look for deep conditioning treatments that are rich in hydration. Think of it like watering that garden; it helps prevent dryness and keeps each strand looking lush.
It’s also recommended to avoid hot water during your washing routine. Lukewarm water can help keep the hair cuticles closed, locking in moisture and color—much like holding on to good secrets. Regularly using a color-enhancing conditioner can boost the vibrancy of your shade, ensuring your highlights remain as bright as the day you stepped out of the salon.
Products to Use for Healthier Hair
The right products can be a game changer. Leave-in conditioners and hair oils can work wonders to keep hair soft and shiny. Products that contain argan oil or coconut oil provide moisture and protection from damage. Be mindful of choosing items labeled for color-treated hair; these are specifically formulated to enhance color retention and shine.
For those who frequently use heat styling tools, consider thermal protection sprays. Think of it as a shield, guarding your highlights from the potential damage caused by curling irons or straighteners.
Moreover, integrating a weekly hair mask into your routine can provide intensive moisture. Apply it once a week, and let it work its magic. Not only will this help with color retention, but it will keep your hair looking its best.
When to Schedule Touch-Ups
Timing is everything when it comes to touch-ups. Generally, highlights can start to lose their luster around every 6 to 8 weeks, though this can vary based on individual hair growth and your overall hair care regimen. If you notice your highlights fading or looking brassy, it may be time to think about scheduling an appointment with your stylist.
Regular touch-ups will help in maintaining that sun-kissed look—keeping hues fresh rather than wishy-washy. However, don’t forget to communicate openly with your stylist about your specific needs and preferences. They can also recommend techniques that align with your lifestyle, making the process smoother.
"Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your highlights look vibrant and fresh, enhancing your overall style."
In summary, aftercare is a crucial element in the long-lasting beauty of your highlights. With proper maintenance, the right products, and timely touch-ups, you can ensure your highlighted hair remains a dazzling feature for all the world to see.
Professional vs. At-Home Highlighting
When it comes to achieving the ideal hair highlights, the method of application—whether professional or at-home—can make a significant difference. Many individuals find themselves weighing the pros and cons of each option. On one side, professionals bring expertise and an eye for detail, while at-home kits present a more budget-friendly avenue for DIY enthusiasts. Understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your personal goals and hair needs.
Benefits of Professional Application
Engaging the services of a professional stylist can be a game-changer in the world of hair highlights. First off, their experience allows for techniques that are often beyond the reach of at-home application. Professionals are trained not only in the art of highlights but also in anatomy and hair health. They can assess your hair type, structure, and color to determine the best approach.
Another significant benefit lies in the array of high-quality products used in salons. These products tend to have more advanced formulations compared to typical drugstore items, enhancing the overall outcome. The results can therefore be longer-lasting and look more vibrant.
Moreover, visiting a salon for highlights often provides a personalized consultation. A stylist can offer insights into current trends, which colors would best suit your unique aesthetic, and any necessary precautions based on your hair's history.
At-Home Highlighting Kits: Pros and Cons
At-home highlighting kits can be tempting to many, especially for those conscious about expenses. However, before diving in, it's beneficial to consider both sides.
Pros:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Immediate savings compared to salon prices.
- Convenience: Ability to color your hair when it suits your schedule.
Cons:
- Risk of Errors: Without experience, subtle mistakes could lead to unsatisfactory results, such as uneven color or damaged strands.
- Limited Options: Many boxes offer a one-size-fits-all solution, which might not cater to unique personal preferences or specific types of hair.
While at-home kits can work well for more straightforward highlighting techniques, they may not always deliver the nuanced touch that comes from professional applications.
Evaluating Cost vs. Quality
The age-old dilemma of cost versus quality plays a crucial role in the decision-making process regarding hair highlights. Budget constraints are a reality for many, but it’s important to see beyond the initial price tag.
Investing in a professional highlighting service generally yields higher-quality results. The time spent in the salon often translates into fewer follow-up appointments required, saving you time in the long run. On the flip side, at-home kits can tempt those looking to save a few bucks but might lead to extra costs down the road required to fix mistakes.
- Questions to Consider:
- What is the true value of your time and effort?
- Are you willing to experiment with your hair color at the risk of potential damage?
Ultimately, balancing your budget with the desire for a polished outcome is key. Hair highlights can be a unique way to express individual style, but an informed choice regarding the method of application can ensure that your look is both stunning and sustainable.
Consultation: How to Work with Your Stylist
When it comes to selecting the right highlights, a thoughtful consultation with your stylist can make all the difference. A successful partnership hinges on clarity and communication. When you take the time to prepare and express your preferences, you not only save time, but you also set the stage for achieving that stunning look you envision.
Preparing for Your Salon Visit
Preparation is key before stepping into the salon. Begin by gathering inspiration from various sources. Look through fashion magazines or scrounge social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Consider collecting images of hair highlights that resonate with you. This can provide your stylist a tangible starting point to build on. Ensure you know your basic hair care routine: understanding the condition of your hair can affect the technique and colors your stylist uses.
- Consider your current hair color. Make a note if there are any hues or tones you simply do not want to stray too far from.
- Bring in examples. Pictures really speak louder than words and can convey more than just your likes; they also show what works with your features.
- Be honest about your lifestyle. If you lead a hectic life, you might want low-maintenance highlights that don’t require constant touch-ups.
Communicating Your Desired Outcome
Once you're in the salon, clear communication is your ally. It's essential that your stylist understands your vision. Instead of saying, "I just want highlights," delve deeper.
- Talk about the vibes you want to channel—whether it's sun-kissed beach hair or bold colors that make a statement.
- Explain if you have specific ideas or preferences—this could include brightness, saturation, or even how natural you want the look to feel.
- Don’t shy away from mentioning previous experiences, whether they were good or not so good. Such context helps the stylist avoid past pitfalls.
The Importance of Visual Aids
Visual aids are not just helpful—they're vital. Using photos can bridge the gap between what you envision and what your stylist may interpret. The notion of highlighting is subjective; what you imagine may lead to different results in the hands of someone else. Therefore,
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
Visuals clarify your expectations while giving your stylist a framework to work within.
- Use pictures that match not just in color, but also in length and type of hair. Highlights on straight hair can look vastly different than on curls or waves.
- Don’t overlook discussing the maintenance of these looks. Some styles may require more upkeep than you're willing to manage.
- Lastly, ask your stylist for their insights or suggestions based on your hair type and features. A skilled professional may have ideas that complement your visual inspiration and enhance your overall look.
Taking these steps will ensure that your consultation is beneficial and fruitful. You'll walk out feeling more confident about the approach to your highlights, aligning your desires with the expertise of your stylist. In the grand scheme of things, a little effort in consultation can lead to transformative results.
What to Avoid When Choosing Highlights
Choosing highlights can be a transformative experience, but it can also be fraught with missteps. Understanding what to avoid when selecting your highlights is key to achieving a look that not only flatters but also enhances your natural beauty. In this section, we will dive deep into critical pitfalls and misconceptions, helping you sidestep costly or regrettable choices.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
One of the most significant errors people make is not conducting enough research before committing to highlights. Many will flip through a magazine or scroll on social media and see a look they adore, only to forget that what suits someone else might not work for them. For instance, one might think bold, platinum highlights will look stunning just because they saw it on a celebrity with a vastly different skin tone.
Additionally, there’s a tendency to follow trends blindly. Take the trend of balayage for example. While it works beautifully on many, if your hair is naturally dark and you're going ultra-light without the right transitional phases or colors, it could lead to a brassy finish. Highlights should reflect who you are; not just the captivating images you see online.
"Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical."
— Sophia Loren
Choosing Contrasting Colors: When Not to Do It
Using highly contrasting colors can sometimes achieve stunning effects, but it can also produce jarring results. If your base hair color is dark brown, slapping in bright blonde highlights might just end up looking mismatched or too stark. Strong contrast can be more appropriate for fashion shows than for everyday life. Balancing colors is fundamental.
Instead of drastic differences, consider shades that flow harmoniously. If the intent is to create a dramatic look, think subtle transitions rather than harsh jumps. Soft ombré blends can be a great way to achieve depth without overwhelming contrasts.
Ignoring Your Natural Hair Color
When one thinks of highlights, it’s all too easy to forget the foundation of their color. Ignoring your natural hair color can lead you down a winding path of disappointment. The first rule of thumb should be to work with, rather than against, what you have.
For example, if your natural hair has warm undertones, opting for cool ash highlights may leave your locks looking dull or flat. Instead, create highlights that complement your base hue. A nuanced approach is to use a color wheel as a guide. By keeping your natural base as a reference point, you can choose shades that enhance and uplift rather than clash or fade away.
