Interesting technique — dark highlighting on light hair. What it looks like, who it suits and how it is done?

The trendy look of dark highlighting on light hair is drawing attention from a lot of beauty enthusiasts. By combining darker tones with lighter hair, this technique can produce a dramatic contrast that can look both edgy and sophisticated.

For people who want a striking change without committing to a complete color overhaul, it’s a great option. This method enhances natural movement and gives your look depth on a variety of hair types and lengths.

Dark highlights can add flair and versatility, whether you’re going for a more dramatic statement or a more subdued effect. Let’s examine how this method works, who it works best for, and what you should know before implementing the change.

What is it?

Fair-haired girls who want to change up and add some variety to their appearance and have any length of hair or haircut can go for this type of coloring.

Citation! If the grown roots of your hair appear messy because your curls were previously frequently highlighted, this is a great way to let your natural hair color grow out.

Pros and cons

It’s not surprising that highlights on light hair with dark shades are growing in popularity because they have so many benefits:

• only individual strands are dyed, due to this, the damage to the hair is minimal, compared to full coloring;
• the roots grow back, but they are not as noticeable on dark highlighting, so the correction is carried out once every 2 months;
• due to the play of light, sparse hair looks more voluminous;
• if the master correctly selects the coloring method and color scheme, then this will visually emphasize the advantages and hide the flaws on the face;
• this type of coloring is suitable for any type of hair;
• well masks gray hair.

But there are some drawbacks in addition to the benefits:

• despite the fact that the coloring is gentle, the hair is exposed to chemical effects;
• the procedure will take a long time;
• difficult to do at home without experience.

How to choose the right color of paint?

If you want to add some freshness to the picture, highlight light hair while keeping in mind the shape of the face and the type of hair. As an illustration:

1. For an elongated face, highlighting on small strands is well suited.
2. If the color type is cold summer or winter with pale skin, then it is worth adding bright highlights.
3. Dark highlighting is only suitable for blondes, others need to use this method of coloring with special care.

What shades are suitable for blondes?

Use these shades for dark classic highlighting on blond hair:

• chocolate;
• coffee;
• dark blond;
• copper-brown.

Regarding light classic:

• nutty;
• beige;
• amber;
• honey;
• wheat;
• light chestnut;
• pearl.

What type of coloring to choose?

Blonde curls are gorgeous, but white hair can get monotonous quickly. If you want some variation, add some dark highlights to your hairstyle to make it more eye-catching and expressive. Although there are many varieties of this coloring, let’s focus on the most popular:

1. California or American. The essence of this method is to dye the strands in different shades of the same tone from 2 to 4 using a caramel palette. The result of such highlighting is a beautiful play of color that will enliven the hairstyle and visually increase the volume. It is worth noting that with this coloring, each hair styling will look new.
2. Bronding – light curls are diluted with dark shades, getting a beautiful intricacy of different colors. If you use "chocolate" or "black coffee", then the hairstyle will become expressive and stylish. It is worth noting that bronzing has its own subtypes:
3. Reverse highlighting – a smooth transition from your color to a darker one in one palette. In this case, the transition can be from blond to black.
4. Highlighting "salt and pepper" – toning is done with ash shades. This type of coloring is suitable for women of any age – this shade will add mystery to young girls, and style and solidity to adults.

What is better – small or large?

Two coloring techniques are used when highlighting dark hair with light hair: large and small. When very thin strands are chosen for small highlighting, the hairstyle becomes lush without bright transitions. Large highlighting is used to create a vivid and expressive effect by coloring wide strands in a contrasting color.

Technique and step-by-step diagram

It is best to entrust your curls to an expert if you lack experience coloring hair.

Crucial! Based on your hair type, color, and curl length, a skilled colorist will assist you in selecting the appropriate shades.

There are various ways to highlight in the dark:

1. With foil. Used for coloring strands of long and medium length. Select strands that are placed on the foil, coated with dye along the entire length. After this, wrap the foil and process the next strand. Keep the dye on the curls for no more than 30 minutes.
2. Through a cap. This method is ideal for short haircuts, and it is easy to do at home. Put a special cap on your head for highlighting with slits, through which small strands are pulled out. Treat the curls that are outside with a dye of the desired shade. Then wash with shampoo.
3. Using a comb. Take a special comb with the rarest teeth, apply dye to it and comb the hair from the roots. After the dye has been on the hair for a sufficient amount of time, it is washed.
4. With elastic bands. An excellent way to dye yourself. Make small ponytails, the ends of which should be dyed. As a result, you get an excellent effect, as if the roots have grown out.

A dramatic contrast is produced when light hair is highlighted with dark hair, giving your appearance more depth and dimension. Using this technique, lighter hair is dyed darker to create a rich, multi-dimensional effect that can accentuate your natural color and give your hair a more textured look. This style is adaptable to suit a wide range of hair types and lengths, and it looks especially good on people who want to add some edge without completely changing their hair color. Dark highlights are a chic way to update your appearance, whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation.

Photos before and after

The image shows white hair both before and after it was dyed with dark strands.

Is it possible to do the procedure yourself at home?

Attention!

It might just be a matter of selecting the appropriate shade.

How long will it last?

Given that this type of coloring remains in the hairstyle for a minimum of two months, it can be regarded as long-lasting.

Tips for subsequent care

Curl maintenance will include the following:

• use medicinal masks and moisturizing balms;
• reduce the use of hair tongs and straighteners;
• try not to be in the sun without a hat.

The depth and contrast of dark highlighting on light hair creates a distinctive and eye-catching effect. This technique gives lighter hair darker tones to create a multidimensional effect that can give your hair a fuller, more dynamic look. Dark highlights can be customized to your personal taste, whether you’re going for a bold, eye-catching look or a subtle, sophisticated change.

For people whose hair is naturally light, this technique is especially pleasing because the contrast can accentuate the overall color and texture of the hair. From short, sleek cuts to long, flowing styles, it works well with a variety of hair lengths and types. To achieve a harmonious appearance, it’s important to select a shade that goes well with your skin tone and base color.

A meticulous process of applying dye or toner to specific hair sections is required to achieve dark highlighting. To guarantee that the highlights blend in perfectly with the base color, this technique calls for dexterity and accuracy. It’s usually advised to seek the advice of a professional stylist for the best results, as they can tailor the technique to your specific requirements.

All things considered, dark highlighting on light hair is a stylish and adaptable option that can drastically change your appearance with little work. It is a well-liked choice for anyone wishing to update their hairdo with a little contrast because it adds depth, dimension, and a hint of elegance.

Video on the topic

Reverse highlighting.