Which is better for adding volume to fine hair, highlights or lowlights?

Lowlights are better for fine hair because darker shades create a shadow effect that makes the hair appear thicker and fuller than lighter highlights do.

Are highlights or lowlights more damaging to your hair?

Highlights are typically more damaging because they require stronger bleach to lift the natural pigment, whereas lowlights use gentler demi-permanent color to deposit darkness.

Do highlights or lowlights cost more at a salon?

Highlights generally cost more because the foiling technique requires more time, product, and precision to achieve a seamless lightened result across the head.

Can highlights and lowlights be used together in the same hairstyle?

Yes, highlights and lowlights are frequently combined in one session to create a multidimensional, natural-looking color with both brightness and depth.

Is it safe to get lowlights over previously highlighted hair?

Yes, it is safe because lowlights deposit color instead of lifting it, so they add depth without causing additional stress or breakage to already-lightened strands.

What is a common beginner mistake when choosing between highlights and lowlights?

A common mistake is choosing highlights to add dimension when your base is already light, which washes out the face instead of creating the contrast you wanted.

Can I use box dye to create highlights or lowlights at home?

You can, but it is risky because box kits use one-size-fits-all formulas that often turn brassy or uneven, so professional application is strongly recommended for best results.

Which option is best for covering gray hair, highlights or lowlights?

Lowlights are best for covering gray hair because they blend the silver strands with darker tones, whereas highlights would make the gray more noticeable and prominent.

Can I switch from having highlights to getting lowlights without a big change?

Yes, you can switch gradually by adding lowlights in your next session to blend the brightness down, creating a softer, more natural transition over several weeks.

Difference Between

Difference Between Highlights and Lowlights

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: August 29, 202618 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Highlights and Lowlights is that highlights lighten strands to add brightness and dimension, while lowlights darken strands to add depth and richness. Highlights is lightening selected hair sections, while Lowlights is darkening selected hair sections.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Highlights add lightness to strands, while lowlights add depth and darkness for dimension.
How each works: Highlights lighten selected sections with bleach or tint, whereas lowlights deposit darker color pigments.
Cost and maintenance: Both require salon visits every 8-12 weeks, with similar pricing and upkeep demands.
Best-fit use case: Highlights brighten faces and mimic sun-kissed effects, while lowlights create richness and reduce brassiness.
Common decision mistake: Choosing highlights alone can wash out dark hair, so lowlights add needed contrast.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Highlights and Lowlights: Comparison Table

Aspect	Highlights	Lowlights
Definition	Lightens selected hair strands to a shade lighter than the base colour.	Darkens selected hair strands to a shade darker than the base colour.
Purpose	Adds brightness, dimension, and a sun-kissed effect to the overall hair look.	Adds depth, shadow, and contrast to create a richer, more grounded tone.
Core Mechanism	Uses bleach or lightener to strip pigment from the hair cortex.	Uses permanent or demi-permanent dye to deposit colour pigment into the hair shaft.
Colour Direction	Moves the hair colour up the lightness scale toward blonde or platinum.	Moves the hair colour down the lightness scale toward brown or black.
Base Colour Requirement	Works best on hair that is level 5 or lighter for visible lift.	Works effectively on any base level, including very light blonde hair.
Developer Strength	Typically uses 20 to 40 volume developer to achieve the desired lift.	Typically uses 10 to 20 volume developer for gentle colour deposit.
Processing Time	Often takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on starting level and target shade.	Usually takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on the desired depth.
Lightening Power	Can lift natural hair colour by 2 to 7 levels in one session.	Cannot lift colour; it only darkens or adds tone to the existing shade.
Damage Profile	Higher risk of cuticle damage because bleach opens the hair shaft aggressively.	Lower damage risk since dye deposits colour without stripping natural pigment.
Porosity Impact	Increases hair porosity noticeably, making strands more absorbent and fragile.	Minimal porosity change; the cuticle remains largely intact after processing.
Maintenance Frequency	Requires touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks to hide visible root regrowth.	Needs refreshing every 8 to 12 weeks because regrowth blends more softly.
Regrowth Visibility	Regrowth appears as a stark, light-dark line that demands prompt retouching.	Regrowth blends gradually, creating a softer transition that is more forgiving.
Placement Technique	Applied with foils, balayage, or cap weaving to isolate specific strands.	Applied with foils or freehand painting to target sections needing depth.
Section Size	Uses fine to medium weaves, typically 0.5 to 1 centimetre wide.	Uses medium to thick sections, often 1 to 2 centimetres wide for coverage.
Contrast Level	Creates high contrast when the lift is 3 or more levels above the base.	Creates subtle contrast, usually 1 to 2 levels darker than the base shade.
Dimension Effect	Adds light-catching brightness that makes hair appear fuller and more dynamic.	Adds weight and depth that makes hair appear denser and more textured.
Colour Result	Produces warmer or cooler blonde tones depending on the toner used.	Produces richer browns, chocolates, or espresso shades with added gloss.
Toner Requirement	Almost always needs a toner to neutralise brassiness and set the final shade.	Rarely needs toner; the dye itself carries the intended colour pigment.
Fade Rate	Lifted colour fades faster, often showing brassiness within 4 to 6 weeks.	Deposited colour holds longer, typically staying true for 6 to 10 weeks.
Cost Range	Typically costs 100 to 250 dollars per session in a professional salon.	Typically costs 80 to 200 dollars per session depending on length and density.
Session Duration	Full-head highlights take roughly 2 to 3 hours from consultation to finish.	Full-head lowlights take roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours in a standard salon visit.
Skill Level	Requires advanced colourist skill to avoid banding, breakage, or uneven lift.	Requires moderate skill because the margin for error is noticeably wider.
Hair Type Suitability	Best for fine to medium hair that can tolerate bleach without excessive breakage.	Best for thick, coarse, or damaged hair that needs depth without further stress.
Skin Tone Match	Suits warm, golden, or olive skin tones when paired with honey or caramel shades.	Suits cool, fair, or neutral skin tones when paired with ash or mocha shades.
Seasonal Trend	Peaks in spring and summer when brighter, sun-lit looks are most popular.	Peaks in autumn and winter when richer, deeper tones complement darker wardrobes.
Home Application	High risk of patchy results; box kits often produce uneven or brassy outcomes.	More forgiving at home because the dye simply darkens rather than lifts.
Colour Correction	Mistakes require colour stripping or a second bleach session to fix.	Mistakes are fixable with a lighter dye or a clarifying shampoo over time.
Common Examples	Babylights, balayage, foils, and chunky streaks are all highlight techniques.	Shadow roots, glossing lowlights, and dimensional brunette panels are common forms.
Typical Users	Chosen by people wanting to brighten their look or cover early greys with light.	Chosen by people wanting to deepen their natural shade or add richness.
Key Limitation	Fails to add depth; all-over highlights can leave hair looking flat and washed out.	Fails to add brightness; too many lowlights can make hair look heavy and dull.
Best-Fit Scenario	Ideal for adding summer glow, framing the face, or creating a youthful lift.	Ideal for restoring richness, reducing brassiness, or adding winter depth.

What Is Highlights?

Highlights are a hair-colouring technique that lightens selected strands to add dimension and brightness. They create contrast against the base colour, mimicking the natural sun-kissed effect that occurs on hair. Highlights exist to add depth, movement, and visual interest without changing the entire head of hair.

Definition of Highlights

Highlights are sections of hair that are lightened with bleach or permanent colour to a shade lighter than the natural base tone. The technique involves isolating thin strands or foils to create deliberate contrast. This selective lightening produces a multi-tonal effect that adds perceived volume and texture to the hairstyle.

Key Characteristics of Highlights

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Lighter than base	Each highlighted strand is lifted several shades above your natural or existing hair colour.
Selective placement	Only chosen sections are treated, leaving other strands untouched for natural contrast.
Adds dimension	The mix of light and dark strands creates depth that flat single-tone colour cannot achieve.
Frame the face	Strategically placed lighter strands around the face brighten the complexion and draw attention.
Mimics sunlight	Results replicate how the sun naturally lightens hair during summer months.
Requires maintenance	Regrowth becomes visible at the roots, requiring touch-ups every 8 to 12 weeks.
Uses foils or caps	Stylists isolate strands using foils, caps, or freehand painting techniques.
Increases perceived volume	Light and dark contrast tricks the eye into seeing thicker, fuller hair.
Versatile intensity	Can range from subtle babylights to bold, chunky streaks depending on preference.
Works on most bases	Effective on blonde, brunette, red, and even grey hair with proper formulation.

Common Examples of Highlights

Babylights – ultra-fine highlights that mimic a child's natural sun-lightened hair with delicate, subtle brightness.
Balayage – hand-painted highlights concentrated mid-length to ends for a soft, lived-in, graduated effect.
Foilyage – balayage painting combined with foils to achieve brighter, more dramatic lift than freehand alone.
Money piece – bold, bright highlights framing the front hairline for an instant face-brightening pop.
Ombre highlights – lighter strands concentrated toward the ends, creating a gradual dark-to-light gradient.
Sombre – subtle, soft highlights that blend gently with the base colour for a low-contrast natural look.
Chunky highlights – thick, wide sections lightened for a bold 90s-inspired, high-contrast statement.
Face-framing highlights – strategically placed bright strands around the face to illuminate the complexion.
Partial highlights – lightening only the top and front sections for a natural, cost-effective brightness boost.
Full highlights – lightening strands throughout the entire head for an all-over, uniform dimensional lift.

Advantages and Limitations of Highlights

Advantages	Limitations
Adds dimension and movement that makes flat hair look fuller and more dynamic.	Requires bleach or strong lightener that can damage hair if over-processed or left too long.
Grows out gracefully with softer regrowth lines compared to all-over colour.	Demands regular salon visits every 8-12 weeks to maintain the intended contrast.
Brightens the face and creates a youthful, sun-kissed appearance.	Costs more than single-process colour due to the time and skill required for placement.
Can be customised to any base colour, skin tone, and personal style preference.	Results vary unpredictably on previously coloured or chemically treated hair.
Adds perceived thickness to fine or thin hair through light-dark contrast.	Over-highlighting can leave hair looking brassy, yellow, or artificially striped.
Works well with natural texture, enhancing curls, waves, and straight styles.	Cannot lighten hair more than a few shades without risking severe structural damage.
Requires less overall commitment than a full colour change.	Dark hair often needs multiple sessions to achieve the desired lightness safely.
Creates a custom, multi-tonal look that appears professionally crafted.	Home kits frequently produce uneven, patchy results that require costly professional correction.
Makes hair appear healthier by adding reflective, glossy light-catching strands.	Dry, damaged, or brittle hair may not tolerate the lightening process at all.
Offers flexibility to adjust intensity, from barely-there babylights to bold streaks.	Regrowth on very dark bases creates a stark, obvious line that needs frequent root touch-ups.

What Is Lowlights?

Lowlights are hair color strands woven in that are darker than your base shade. They add depth, dimension, and shadow to the hair. Lowlights exist to create contrast and richness, making hair look fuller and more natural than an all-over single color.

Definition of Lowlights

Lowlights are a hair coloring technique where selected sections of hair are dyed a shade darker than the natural or current base color. This process deposits pigment to deepen specific strands, creating visual depth and breaking up flat, uniform color. Lowlights reduce brightness and add multidimensional tone.

Key Characteristics of Lowlights

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Darker tone	Each strand is colored below your base level to create shadow and depth.
Adds dimension	Mixes dark strands with lighter ones so hair never looks flat or one-dimensional.
Reduces brassiness	Cooler dark tones neutralize unwanted warm or orange hues in blonde hair.
Creates fullness	Dark shadows trick the eye into seeing thicker, denser hair volume.
Low maintenance	Dark strands blend with regrowth, so touch-ups are needed less frequently.
Subtle contrast	Provides gentle variation rather than the bold striped effect of chunky highlights.
Versatile placement	Applied at roots, mid-lengths, or ends depending on the desired effect.
Works on all bases	Effective on blonde, brunette, red, and even gray hair for richness.
Gloss enhancer	Often paired with a clear gloss to seal color and boost shine.
Customizable depth	Shade can be one to three levels darker than your base color.

Common Examples of Lowlights

Chocolate brown lowlights – a rich brown shade added to dark blonde hair to create warm autumn depth.
Espresso lowlights – a near-black brown tone used on brunettes to intensify root shadow and drama.
Caramel lowlights – a golden-brown tone that adds warmth to light brown or highlighted hair.
Ash brown lowlights – a cool, muted brown that cancels brassiness in highlighted blonde hair.
Mahogany lowlights – a reddish-brown shade that adds fiery depth to auburn or chestnut bases.
Mushroom brown lowlights – a grayish-brown tone that creates a cool, smoky effect on blonde hair.
Black lowlights – a stark dark shade used on dark brown hair for maximum contrast and edge.
Mocha lowlights – a medium brown with subtle warmth, ideal for reviving faded balayage.
Root smudge lowlights – a darker shade applied only at the roots to mimic natural shadow and regrowth.
Golden brown lowlights – a sun-kissed brown tone that adds brightness to dull, flat dark hair.

Advantages and Limitations of Lowlights

Advantages	Limitations
Adds instant depth and richness to flat, one-tone hair color.	Can make hair look muddy or dirty if the shade is too dark.
Makes fine hair appear significantly thicker and fuller.	Does not lighten hair, so it cannot fix overly dark or dull color.
Requires fewer salon visits than highlights for upkeep.	Repeated applications can cause dark banding or uneven build-up.
Blends gray hair seamlessly without a harsh full-color line.	Wrong tone choice can clash with your skin undertone badly.
Works well on naturally dark hair without bleach damage.	Provides no lift, so it fails to brighten or illuminate the face.
Creates a natural, lived-in look that grows out gracefully.	Can over-darken over time, making hair look heavy and flat.
Corrects overly brassy or yellow tones in blonde hair.	Offers limited impact on very dark or black natural hair.
Adds dimension without the high contrast of chunky highlights.	Poor placement can create an unnatural striped or patchy effect.
Can be done with demi-permanent color for less commitment.	Demi-permanent versions fade quickly and need frequent refreshing.
Pairs well with highlights for a balanced, multi-tonal finish.	Excess lowlights can swallow the effect of existing highlights entirely.

Similarities Between Highlights and Lowlights

Shared Aspect	How Highlights and Lowlights Are Alike
Hair Coloring Service	Highlights and lowlights are both professional hair coloring techniques applied in a salon.
Primary Purpose	Highlights and lowlights both add dimension and depth to the hair's overall appearance.
Color Category	Highlights and lowlights both involve altering the natural hair color using chemical dyes.
Application Method	Highlights and lowlights both use foils or balayage to separate and process selected strands.
Target Audience	Highlights and lowlights both suit women and men seeking a multi-tonal hair look.
Stylist Expertise	Highlights and lowlights both require a licensed colorist for precise placement and blending.
Consultation First	Highlights and lowlights both begin with a consultation to assess skin tone and goals.
Strand Selection	Highlights and lowlights both require sectioning the hair into small, manageable subsections.
Processing Time	Highlights and lowlights both need a 20-to-45-minute development period for the dye.
Chemical Agents	Highlights and lowlights both use ammonia or bleach-based formulas to alter melanin.
Damage Potential	Highlights and lowlights both carry a risk of protein loss and dryness from chemicals.
Aftercare Products	Highlights and lowlights both benefit from sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioners.
Color Fading	Highlights and lowlights both fade gradually over four to six weeks with washing.
Maintenance Schedule	Highlights and lowlights both require a touch-up appointment every eight to twelve weeks.
Root Regrowth	Highlights and lowlights both show visible regrowth at the roots as hair grows.
Home Care Routine	Highlights and lowlights both need heat protectants and weekly masks to stay healthy.
Cost Range	Highlights and lowlights both typically cost between $80 and $200 per salon session.
Time Investment	Highlights and lowlights both take one to three hours to complete fully.
Skin Tone Matching	Highlights and lowlights both rely on color theory to flatter the client's complexion.
Customizable Shades	Highlights and lowlights both offer endless variations from subtle to dramatic intensity.
Bleach Requirement	Highlights and lowlights both often lighten hair first before depositing the final tone.
Result Longevity	Highlights and lowlights both last roughly two to three months before needing refreshment.
Texture Impact	Highlights and lowlights both can make hair feel coarser or more brittle if over-processed.
Natural Look Goal	Highlights and lowlights both aim to mimic the sun-kissed or shadowed tones of nature.
Blending Technique	Highlights and lowlights both use a weaving motion to create seamless, non-band-like transitions.
Color Correction	Highlights and lowlights both may need professional correction if the result is uneven.
Hair Type Suitability	Highlights and lowlights both work on straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair textures.
Length Flexibility	Highlights and lowlights both suit short bobs, medium cuts, and long flowing hair.
Seasonal Trends	Highlights and lowlights both shift in popularity with summer brightness and winter depth.
Overall Outcome	Highlights and lowlights both deliver a richer, more vibrant and multi-dimensional color result.

Highlights or Lowlights: Which Should You Choose?

The deciding variable is your base hair color. If your natural base is light to medium blonde, Highlights add dimension and brightness. If your base is dark brown or black, Lowlights create depth and richness. Match the technique to your base for the most natural, flattering result.

When to Use Highlights

Choose Highlights when your base is light to medium blonde and you want a sun-kissed, brighter look. They work best for adding dimension to fine hair, creating a youthful glow, or blending early gray strands. Highlights also suit smaller budgets since they require less frequent full-color maintenance.

When to Use Lowlights

Choose Lowlights when your base is dark brown or black and you need to restore depth, reduce brassiness, or add volume illusion. They are ideal for correcting over-processed, bleached hair or blending gray on darker bases. Lowlights also suit thick, coarse hair that can handle darker, richer tones without looking flat.

Common Misconceptions About Highlights and Lowlights

Common Myth	The Reality
Highlights always make hair look lighter overall.	Highlights add lighter strands but only lighten selected sections, not the entire base color of your hair.
Lowlights are only for dark-haired people.	Lowlights add darker strands to any base shade, including blonde, red, and light brown hair colors.
Highlights damage hair more than lowlights do.	Highlights require bleach or lightener, which lifts cuticles, while lowlights use deposit-only color that causes less structural damage.
Lowlights make hair look dirty or muddy.	Lowlights add dimension and depth, and they look clean when the darker shade matches your natural undertone.
Highlights and lowlights are the same technique.	Highlights lighten strands, while lowlights darken strands; they are opposite processes applied to achieve different effects.
You cannot have highlights if your hair is black.	Highlights on black hair require strong bleach, but stylists can create subtle caramel or burgundy lightened pieces safely.
Lowlights are permanent and cannot be removed.	Lowlights fade over several weeks, and a stylist can use color remover or re-lightening to correct them.
Highlights always look brassy or orange.	Brassiness occurs only with poor toner application; professional highlights use toners to neutralize unwanted warm tones.
Lowlights add volume or thickness to hair.	Lowlights create the illusion of density through contrast, but they do not physically change hair strand count or thickness.
Highlights require high maintenance every two weeks.	Most highlights last 8-12 weeks, and root touch-ups are only needed when regrowth becomes visibly noticeable to you.
Lowlights are just darker highlights with no difference.	Lowlights darken strands to add depth, while highlights lighten strands to add brightness; they serve opposite visual purposes.
Highlights work on all hair types equally well.	Highly textured or coarse hair lifts slower and may need longer processing times, so results vary by hair porosity.
Lowlights will make your hair look thinner.	Lowlights add shadow and depth, which actually makes fine hair appear fuller and more voluminous than flat color.
Highlights are only for summer or warm seasons.	Highlights work year-round, and cooler-toned highlights like ash or pearl suit winter months just as well.
Lowlights are only for covering gray hair.	Lowlights blend gray strands, but they primarily add dimension and contrast, not full gray coverage like a base color.
Highlights always cost more than a full color service.	Highlights often cost more than single-process color because they require foils, more product, and longer stylist time.
Lowlights cannot be done on previously highlighted hair.	Lowlights work perfectly on highlighted hair, and stylists often add them to tone down or balance overly bright highlights.
Highlights make hair look sun-kissed naturally.	Highlights mimic sun-lightened strands, but the effect looks natural only when the stylist places them near the face and crown.
Lowlights are a temporary fix for bad highlights.	Lowlights correct overly bright highlights by adding depth, but they do not repair damage or fix uneven placement issues.
Highlights require bleaching the entire head of hair.	Highlights only lighten selected strands in foils or with balayage, leaving the base color untouched and mostly intact.
Lowlights make hair look older or more mature.	Lowlights add richness and dimension, which can look youthful when paired with face-framing brighter pieces for contrast.
Highlights are the same as balayage or ombre.	Highlights are sectioned lightened strands, while balayage is hand-painted and ombre is a graduated fade from dark to light.
Lowlights cannot be done at home safely.	Lowlights are deposit-only color, so home kits work, but matching your exact base shade requires careful strand testing first.
Highlights always ruin curly or coily hair texture.	Highlights with bleach can dry curls, but a stylist using bond builders and low-volume developer preserves curl pattern integrity.
Lowlights are unnecessary if you have natural hair color.	Lowlights add contrast to flat natural color, creating dimension that makes even virgin hair look more polished and styled.
Highlights look fake or stripey on short hair.	Highlights on short hair look natural when the stylist uses fine weaves and places them sparingly around the crown area.
Lowlights will darken your hair permanently.	Lowlights fade gradually with each wash, and most semi-permanent formulas last only 4-8 weeks before needing refreshment.
Highlights are a one-time process with no upkeep.	Highlights grow out with your hair, requiring touch-ups every 8-12 weeks to maintain the contrast and fresh appearance.
Lowlights are only for correcting mistakes, not for style.	Lowlights are a creative styling choice that adds depth, and many clients request them purely for dimension and contrast.
Highlights and lowlights cannot be combined together.	Stylists combine highlights and lowlights in one session to create multidimensional color with both brightness and depth.

Conclusion

Difference Between Highlights and Lowlights comes down to lightening versus darkening hair. Choose highlights to brighten, add dimension, and create a sun-kissed look. Choose lowlights to deepen color, add depth, and reduce brassiness. For natural dimension, many stylists combine both techniques.

FAQs on Difference Between Highlights and Lowlights

What is the main difference between highlights and lowlights?: The main difference is that highlights are lighter strands added to brighten your hair, while lowlights are darker strands added to create depth and dimension.
Which is better for adding volume to fine hair, highlights or lowlights?: Lowlights are better for fine hair because darker shades create a shadow effect that makes the hair appear thicker and fuller than lighter highlights do.
Are highlights or lowlights more damaging to your hair?: Highlights are typically more damaging because they require stronger bleach to lift the natural pigment, whereas lowlights use gentler demi-permanent color to deposit darkness.
Do highlights or lowlights cost more at a salon?: Highlights generally cost more because the foiling technique requires more time, product, and precision to achieve a seamless lightened result across the head.
Can highlights and lowlights be used together in the same hairstyle?: Yes, highlights and lowlights are frequently combined in one session to create a multidimensional, natural-looking color with both brightness and depth.
Is it safe to get lowlights over previously highlighted hair?: Yes, it is safe because lowlights deposit color instead of lifting it, so they add depth without causing additional stress or breakage to already-lightened strands.
What is a common beginner mistake when choosing between highlights and lowlights?: A common mistake is choosing highlights to add dimension when your base is already light, which washes out the face instead of creating the contrast you wanted.
Can I use box dye to create highlights or lowlights at home?: You can, but it is risky because box kits use one-size-fits-all formulas that often turn brassy or uneven, so professional application is strongly recommended for best results.
Which option is best for covering gray hair, highlights or lowlights?: Lowlights are best for covering gray hair because they blend the silver strands with darker tones, whereas highlights would make the gray more noticeable and prominent.
Can I switch from having highlights to getting lowlights without a big change?: Yes, you can switch gradually by adding lowlights in your next session to blend the brightness down, creating a softer, more natural transition over several weeks.