Highlighting options – what types of procedures are there

For years, highlights have been a well-liked method for giving hair more body and brightness. There are numerous options to pick from, depending on how dramatic or subtle you want your change to be.

A distinct look can be achieved with each type of highlighting technique, ranging from subtle, sun-kissed streaks to striking, contrasting tones. You can select the ideal style that best suits your hair type and preferences by being aware of the variations between these procedures.

To help you choose the ideal highlighting solution for your upcoming salon appointment, we’ll examine the many options in this post.

Highlighting Option	Description
Foil Highlights	Hair sections are wrapped in foil after applying color for a precise, natural look.
Balayage	Freehand painting of color onto hair, creating a sun-kissed, natural effect.
Babylights	Very fine highlights that mimic the natural color variation of children"s hair.
Ombre	A gradual transition from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the ends.
Chunky Highlights	Bold, thick sections of hair are highlighted for a dramatic, high-contrast look.

Classic highlighting

• The order of applying the dye: classic.
• Choice of dye color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a cap/using foil.
• Technique: contrasting
• Optimal color, length and texture: for hair of any length and type.

The traditional method is emphasizing "feathers" that are taken equally apart from one another. A unique rubberized cap with holes through which the dyed strands are pulled makes the master’s job easier.

This technology for highlighting is utilized in many beauty salons, like OLA. You can view the author’s video materials on the work and learn more about the service on this company’s page.

It is separated into three categories:

1. Ultra-thin (small) – strands up to 5 mm;
2. Thin – strands from 5 to 8 mm;
3. wide (thick) – from 8 mm and more

Help!

Californian highlights

• The order of applying the paint: classic.
• The choice of paint color: traditional.
• The intensity of the effect: gentle.
• The method of carrying out the procedure: manually, using a comb.
• Technique: American
• Optimal color, length and texture: medium-length hair of a light-blond shade.

The result of this coloring is hair that looks as though it has been burned out by the intense Californian sun, with lighter strands reaching darker roots.

If the artist is skilled at working with color and chooses shades that complement the skin and eyes the best, the outcome will be exceptionally vivid.

Venetian highlights

• The order of applying the paint: chaotic.
• The choice of paint color: traditional.
• The intensity of the effect: normal.
• The method of carrying out the procedure: using a brush.
• Technique: Italian.
• Optimal color, length and texture: all dark shades, medium-length curly hair.

For brunettes who wish to update their appearance without drastically altering it, this is a fantastic option.

The coloring looks extremely realistic and natural because the hairdresser used multiple colors that are two to three shades lighter than natural hair.

Citation! Venetian highlighting is thought to have started in the 1800s. Prior to venturing outdoors, Italian women would apply lemon juice to their curls, which would then warm up in the sun and create lovely patterns on the hair.

American highlighting

• The order of applying the paint: classic.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: gentle
• Method of carrying out the procedure: with a comb, manually.
• Technique: American.
• Optimal color, length and texture: all hair types, except curly.

Similar to Venetian highlighting, the stylist employs multiple natural hues within the same color spectrum. The color is applied in large, erratic strokes that accentuate the hair’s inherent curls and give the impression that the hair is thicker.

Brazilian highlights

• The order of applying the dye: classic.
• Choice of dye color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact on hair: normal.
• Method of performing the procedure: using a comb.
• Technique: Brazilian.
• Optimal color, length and texture: black or dark brown hair of medium length.

The only thing that sets this technique apart from Californian highlights is that it is applied to dark, ideally uncolored hair. The image gains emphasis on its subtleties and winning sides, but does not completely change.

French highlights / majimesh

• The order of applying the dye: classic.
• Choice of dye color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact: gentle.
• Method of performing the procedure: using a comb, foil.
• Technique: French.
• Optimal color, length and texture: light brown shades and blond of any length.

Even though this coloring technique originated in France, it wasn’t until Hollywood celebrities started using it that it became particularly well-known.

Majimesh pairs well with other coloring techniques and looks good with both full and partial hair highlighting.

Veil/web/superficial highlighting

• Order of dye application: classic.
• Choice of dye color: traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: gentle.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a comb.
• Technique: classic.
• Optimal color, length and texture: blond or light brown hair, preferably cold shades.

Superficial, veil, web—these terms all allude to this highlighting’s essential quality, which is lightness and weightlessness.

The expert picks out numerous tiny hair strands (up to 3 mm) in the top layer and dyes them two to four shades lighter than their natural color.

Kindly take note! A veil created with multiple shades of cold blond using the Ice Tint technique appears advantageous.

Airtouch highlighting

• The order of dye application: selective.
• The choice of dye color: traditional.
• The intensity of the effect: normal.
• The method of carrying out the procedure: using a brush and a hair dryer.
• Technique: American.
• Optimal color, length and texture: medium-length hair. The shade is not important.

Intricate multi-color dying, involving between 30 and 50% of the hair’s overall volume. For good reason, the technique’s name translates as "touch of wind streams": the master separates the hair into several sectors and uses a hair dryer to blast each strand, eliminating the lightest and shortest hairs. The color of the tail is limited to the remaining hairs. This removes the chance of seeing abrupt and uneven color changes.

Balayage highlighting

• The order of dye application: selective with an emphasis on the ends.
• The choice of dye color: traditional.
• The intensity of the effect: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: with a brush.
• Technique: French.

Ideal length, color, and texture: curly hairstyles with graduated cuts are essential.

In detail, this is a pretty interesting coloring technique: the artist uses three to five colors that are a few shades lighter than the primary color, and then, using a brush, randomly distributes the colors along the strands, working from the middle to the ends. The strokes in this instance can be either vertical or horizontal. Additionally, their width varies based on what the client wants.

Ombre highlighting

• The order of applying the paint: partial highlighting.
• Choice of paint color: classic or non-traditional.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: with foil.
• Technique: French.
• Optimal color, length and texture: medium or long hair, straight or curly.

A very intriguing gradient effect is produced by the smooth stretching of pigment from darker roots to lighter ends. The hairdresser can create a striking transition from black to ash or neon, or they can use multiple natural shade colors.

Citation! Other names for the ombre technique are "highlighting on half the head" and "coloring with stretching."

Shatush highlighting

• Order of applying the paint: classic.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: with a comb / manually / foil.
• Technique: Italian.
• Optimal color, length and texture: curly hair of medium length.

It is currently one of the most widely used styles of highlighting. Shatush is a more subdued and realistic take on ombre, featuring a barely noticeable color shift within a naturally occurring color palette.

Reference!

Salt and pepper highlighting

• Order of applying the paint: classic.
• Choosing the color of the paint: traditional in cold shades.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Technique: contrasting.
• Optimal color, length and texture: graying streaks of any length and texture or cold shades of blond and brunette.

"Salt and pepper" dye causes hair to start shining with silvery hues. In order to give the impression of opulent, ash gray hair, the master dyes the strands using two to three colors of cold tones. Young women with a winter or cold summer color type appear best with this highlighting.

The coloring trend became popular among young people after the technique was originally developed to cover up age-related changes in curls.

Zebra/watermelon highlighting

• Order of dye application: classic/reverse
• Choice of dye color: traditional/non-traditional
• Intensity of impact: normal
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Technique: American
• Optimal color, length and texture: any hair type.

In a more striking variation of "salt and pepper," watermelon, also known as "zebra," has half of its strands tinted black and the other half lighter to blonde. Sometimes figured stencils are used in addition to contrasts. The outcome appears incredibly extravagant and catchy. This coloring is no longer as relevant as it once was.

Root highlighting / slices

• The order of paint application: partial.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: gentle.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Optimal color, length and texture: hair that needs correction of regrown highlights.

This kind of highlighting is intended to soften and veil the abrupt change from regrown roots to lighter strands.

The "slices" tool allows you to extend the time between complete color corrections.

Crucial! The state of thin strands can be severely harmed by basal staining. Not even the most skilled artist could stain hair in a way that prevents oxygen from getting to the previously colored sections.

Double highlighting

• The procedure for applying paint: partial.
• Choosing the color of the paint: traditional.
• The intensity of exposure: sparing.
• The method of the procedure: using combs and foil.
• Technique: contrasting.
• Optimal color, length and texture: any type and texture.

Affected areas of the hair range from 40 to 70% with double highlighting. Some of the strands have paint applied that is several shades lighter, while others may have paint that is several shades darker than the primary gamut or entirely different from standard.

Diagonal highlighting

• The procedure for applying paint: classic at an angle.
• Choosing the color of the paint: traditional.
• The intensity of exposure: ordinary.
• The method of the procedure: using a comb and foil.
• Technique: contrast.
• Optimal color, length and texture: any.

This technique is unique in that it lightens the curls slightly at an angle rather than vertically, giving the appearance of diamond highlights in the light. able to be completed in contrasting and subdued hues.

Highlighting provides a range of options, from bold, contemporary looks to classic styles. There is a technique to fit every hair type and personal style, whether you’re going for classic foil highlights, dramatic ombre, or delicate balayage. Because every method produces a different effect, it’s critical to select the one that best matches your preferred maintenance schedule and desired look.

Hollywood highlights

• The order of applying the paint: classic.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact on hair: gentle.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a comb and foil.
• Technique: American.
• Optimal color, length and texture: blond or light brown hair.

The name of this intricate coloring process comes from the high demand it has among Hollywood actresses. While maintaining a subtle appearance, it also subtly enhances the color of the skin, eyes, and facial tired areas. This is essentially just another, slightly more intricate version of Californian highlights. After it, your hair appears noticeably rested and renewed, as if you had just returned from vacation.

If you have chosen Hollywood highlighting for yourself, do not skimp on an experienced master. Otherwise, you will get the opposite effect to what you want.

Glare highlighting

• The order of applying paint: partial.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact: gentle.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a comb.
• Technique: American.
• Optimal color, length and texture: asymmetrical haircuts of various lengths and textures

To create “highlights” on the hair, you can use from 1 to 5 different color shades. The main task of the master in this case is to highlight the features of the client"s haircut and emphasize the advantages of appearance.

Highlights can be applied to the ends of hair, graduated strands, or an uneven bang.

It should therefore give the appearance that the sun’s rays are playing with the hair. No two shades should blend together in an abrupt or ragged manner.

Block highlighting

• Order of paint application: partial.
• Choice of paint color: non-traditional.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Optimal color, length and texture: asymmetrical haircuts of various lengths and textures

The exact opposite of highlighting is block highlighting, in which the stylist adds accents to the hair but makes them purposefully bright and striking. Applying artificial hues is permissible.

Citation! At fashion shows, block highlighting is frequently used to draw attention to an outfit’s color scheme.

This kind of coloring requires a lot of work: the master develops and outlines a sketch first, adding accents. Next, the master chooses colors that best suit the client’s appearance. Finally, the master starts coloring.

Micro highlighting/Babylights

• Dye application procedure: partial.
• Dye color selection: traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: gentle.
• Procedure method: manually, using a comb.
• Technique: American.
• Optimal color, length and texture: light brown, blonde or ash hair.

Due to the barely perceptible lighter strands on the crown and around the face, babylights, also known as micro highlights, are a great way to add a little tenderness, fragility, and spontaneity to your image. The result is similar to the delicate, translucent curls of children that shimmer lovely in the sunlight.

The total amount of hair that is colored is less than one-third. It’s also important to note that the hair texture is preserved because the dye used is as soft and gentle as possible.

3D highlighting

• The order of paint application: classic.
• Choosing a color of paint: non-traditional with one main and several adjacent shades.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Optimal color, length and texture: any length and texture of hair.

This coloring technique is relatively new and is only now starting to become well-known. gives hair a noticeable visual texture and volume.

The key to coloring is to use one primary shade and several coordinating shades, which act as highlights and shadows respectively.

A truly amazing effect can only be produced by a master who understands how to work with a color wheel.

Darning highlighting

• Order of applying paint: classic.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact on hair: gentle.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a comb.
• Optimal color, length and texture: brown and all light shades, straight hair lacking volume.

This coloring technique got its humorous moniker because it resembles the darning process used to mend clothing. Like a piece of cloth on a needle, the master gathers strands on the comb’s pointed handle.

To separate the finest strands for additional dying, the comb’s tip moves up and down in a horizontal direction.

Consequently, the hair appears to have soft, fuzzy highlighted streaks.

Washable highlighting

• Paint application procedure: classic.
• Paint color selection: traditional, non-traditional, neon shades.
• Intensity of effect: gentle.
• Procedure method: manually.
• Optimal color, length and texture: light brown and blonde shades.

Washable coloring compositions include gel, spray, paste, chalk, and hairspray. The specific product determines the application method. With the manufacturer’s instructions, even a novice can manage this kind of highlighting. You can use it to create an evening look that’s simple to remove with shampoo.

Reference!

Scandinavian highlighting

• Paint application procedure: classic.
• Paint color selection: traditional.
• Intensity of effect: normal.
• Procedure method: using a comb and foil.
• Technique: Scandinavian.
• Optimal color, length and texture: all shades of light brown and blond. Long and straight curls are a priority.

Natural Nordic beauty is what sets Scandinavian blondes apart. Light curls glistening in the sun are a pleasing contrast to pale pink skin. The Scandinavian highlighting service is a beauty salon technique that can achieve this look.

The master applies accents to the hair in the same manner as traditional highlighting, selecting between three and five warm or cool shades of blond.

Marble highlighting

• Order of paint application: partial.
• Choice of paint color: classic with one main and several. auxiliary shades.
• Intensity of impact on hair: regular.
• Procedure method: using foil.
• Technique: contrasting.
• Optimal color, length and texture: all shades, preferably straight hair.

Marble is a unique type of rock with a jumbled pattern of white inclusions and stripes.

Colorists attempt to achieve roughly the same result when working with hair. This multi-level lightening and toning of the strands is a laborious and lengthy process. The result is hair that shimmers in the light and resembles silk fabric.

Melange highlighting

• Order of dye application: classic.
• Choice of dye color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact: gentle.
• Procedure method: using a comb/foil.
• Technique: French.
• Optimal color, length and texture: light brown straight or slightly curly hair of medium length.

Melange highlights are color tones applied to hair that are subtle, light, and nearly undetectable. Using a gentle technique, the hair is lightened by two to four shades before being covered in a color that closely resembles the natural color. These shades can be coffee, honey, milky, golden, or creamy.

Ribbon highlighting

• The order of applying paint: partial.
• Choosing a paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Procedure method: using foil.
• Technique: contrasting.
• Optimal color, length and texture: long and straight hair.

This coloring page is ideal for bold girls who don’t mind drawing attention to themselves. Ribbon highlighting can be reversed or classic, based on the preferences of the client. The basic idea is to create a "striped" head of hair by outlining some unusual but contrasting colored ribbons.

Mazhikontrast highlighting

• Order of applying paint: classic/reverse.
• Choice of paint color: traditional, non-traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Technique: French.
• Optimal color, length and texture: hair of any color, preferably straight.

A variation on intermesh highlighting: the artist uses one exceptional shade along with multiple natural shades for highlighting. For instance, brunettes with winter color types (blue, purple, and bright green) look good with cold highlights. On women with fair or brown hair, the Autumn color type is represented by all tones of red, pink, yellow, and orange.

Seamless highlighting

• Order of applying paint: classic.
• Choice of paint color: traditional.
• Intensity of exposure: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a brush.
• Optimal color, length and texture: medium-length hair.

Is a subtype of ombre because it suggests a gradual transition of color from the dark roots to the tips.

Aid! The intricacies of applying the coloring composition are what gave rise to the term "seamless" for this kind of highlighting. The joint line is erased by the master’s vigorous application of the oxidizer. the alleged "seam" that separates light ends from dark roots.

Regardless of how long ago the last correction was made, the hair looks tidy and well-groomed because of this type of coloring.

Zigzag highlighting

• The order of applying the paint: classic.
• Choice of paint color: traditional, non-traditional.
• Intensity of impact on hair: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using a comb.
• Optimal color, length and texture: medium or long hair of any texture.

In many ways, the process of gathering strands for coloring is similar to darning, but instead of gathering thin, flat strands, the master gathers denser, more acutely angled strands.

Making a zigzag parting is similar to separating curls from the overall mass.

Even long, unkempt curls can be easily divided into strands with this method.

Internal/hidden highlighting.

• Order of applying paint: classic/reverse.
• Choice of paint color: traditional, non-traditional.
• Intensity of impact: normal.
• Method of carrying out the procedure: using foil.
• Optimal color, length and texture: For any type.

Among young women, this method was highly popular between 2010 and 2012. Then, hidden mono-highlighting with a black-white, white-red, or red-black transition peaked in popularity.

The key to the technique is that the colored hair is concealed beneath the main mass and is only visible if you wear your hair in a particular way or pull it up into a ponytail.

Now that hidden highlighting is back in style, neon and bright colors are taking the place of the traditional color scheme.

For people who want to add a little mischief and rebellion to their image without drastically altering it, this is a great option.

Highlighting is a flexible way to update your appearance, with many variations to fit various tastes and hair types. Whether you want a more dramatic shift or subtle highlights, there’s a technique that can help you get the look you want.

From the traditional foil highlights to the current balayage, every technique has a special effect. The ideal option will depend on your desired overall look, preferred maintenance methods, and personal style.

Regardless of the highlighting option you select, seeking advice from a qualified stylist can help guarantee the greatest outcomes. They can help you maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair, as well as walk you through the process and suggest the best technique.

Video on the topic

Types of highlighting Ryazan