What Are Lowlights & When To Ask For Them

You’re probably well versed in all things balayage and when to ask for a root smudge, however, there’s a popular professional technique you should get to know if you really want to make your color pop. Enter: lowlights.

Lowlights are a technique used much in the same way as highlights (weaving, foiling and developing), but with hair dye to shade strands darker instead of lifting them lighter. You may have heard them in passing or seen the service on your ticket, but do you know when to ask for them?

When To Ask for Lowlights:

When you feel like your hair lacks dimension or contrast
If your highlights appear “dull” or lacking brightness
If you want to go darker for a season without a complete commitment
When you want to show off natural texture

Why You Should Ask For Lowlights:

Lowlights add contrast and dimension

It is a complete misconception that adding more and more highlights at each appointment will make you appear lighter and brighter. While it will lift your tone, sometimes too many highlights can actually drown out your color, leaving you with a lack of highs and lows throughout your head — giving off a dull appearance.

Lowlights fix this by adding contrast and dimension to your color. By breaking up the tone with darker lowlights it can help your highlights appear much brighter and bolder.

Lowlights can enhance texture

If you're looking for new ways to add texture, your hair color might be the place to start. While utilizing custom-tailored cutting techniques are sure to add texture to a style, some hair types need a little extra nudge to get the look right. The great part about this trick: even fine, straight strands can look textured with lowlights. Additionally, lowlights can be placed to add peaks and valleys to natural waves and curls to enhance movement and shape.

Lowlights are relatively low-maintenance

While you may need to visit the salon on a regular basis to touch up your highlights, lowlights are a little easier to maintain because growth isn’t as obvious. (*Pro-Tip: It is a good idea to get them touched up every 6-8 weeks to prevent the color from looking muddy.)

Lowlights are customizable

Much like highlights, lowlights can be tailored to create any look you want to achieve, whether you want to go from blonde to chocolate brown or just want a few pieces to accentuate a “sun-kissed” look. They can vary based on the size of the slice and the weave and the placement within your look. They are just as customizable as highlights are and each stylist can create a unique system to create their own signature style. You can also create a combination of lowlights with a Shades EQ gloss so that your client can try out a darker shade without the full commitment.

Home Care Tips for Lowlights

Home care is a must no matter what hair color service you receive. A tinted shampoo can be best if you opt for highlight and lowlight services to keep enhance longevity and color looking bright.

For blondes and highlighted brunettes a purple formula is best:

Try: Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo & Conditioner