Want to know how to make your color really pop this season? Going darker might be the key.
During the summer months, most of us want to be blonde and even blonder! But when it comes to highlighting, too bright can be too much of a good thing. When hair is overly highlighted, it tends to lose some of its lustre. Without the dimension of deeper tones, the lighter tones can look muddy or bland. This is where lowlights step in — to save your summer color.
What Are Lowlights?
Lowlights can be weaved into the hair with the same technique as highlights, just placed in juxtaposing positions. The goal of lowlights is to create shadows, so they should be placed where you want to create depth, the opposite of where you would put highlights. When you want a tone to appear brighter, having a contrast is key. Lowlights are usually 2-3 shades deeper than your overall tone and break up your color giving it the lows it needs to look bright.
In addition to creating more dimension, additional lowlights can be used to deepen your shade post summer when you want a darker look for fall. While lowlights won’t create a full on transformation, they are part of the details that make up your look to enhance a lighter and brighter or deeper and fuller finish.
Why Are Lowlights Essential for Summer?
While you might have already brightened up your hair color in the salon, during the summer months, the sun will continue to lighten it. Due to this, hair can loose some of its original glow. If you’re after a beachy, natural highlighted look, adding back in the depth you lost could be just the trick. In addition to this, with extra washing, exposure to chlorine and sea salt, your hair is probably due for a good gloss.
While Redken Color Gels Oils, Color Gels Lacquers 10 Minute, and Shades EQ are great options for lowlights, be sure to accompany it with an all over Redken Shades EQ Gloss for truly stunning results. It will wash away the muddiness of summer and breathe new life into your highlights.
Upkeep for Lowlights:
Depending on the original formula used for creating lowlights (permanent or demi-permanent hair color), you might need a refresh every 6 weeks or as the seasons change. In addition to salon visits, be sure to add specific hair care for color treated hair that includes color-safe formulas and shampoo and conditioners aimed at brightening your tone. Here are a few of our favorites.
To Brighten: Redken Blondage Shampoo & Conditioner
To Add Shine: Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo, Conditioner + Glass Gloss Treatment
To Repair Color-Treated Hair: Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, Conditioner & Leave-In Treatment