Highlights and lowlights are a hair coloring technique that involves adding lighter and darker shades to short dark hair, creating depth, dimension, and a more natural-looking effect. By strategically placing these contrasting colors, hairstylists can enhance the hair’s texture, movement, and overall appearance.
One of the main benefits of highlights and lowlights for short dark hair is that it can help to frame the face and draw attention to certain features. By adding lighter shades around the face, you can create a more youthful and flattering look. Additionally, highlights and lowlights can help to add volume and movement to fine or thin hair, making it appear thicker and fuller.
Whether you’re looking to add a subtle touch of color or make a more dramatic statement, highlights and lowlights are a versatile technique that can be customized to suit your individual style and preferences. So, if you’re considering a new hair color, be sure to ask your stylist about highlights and lowlights they could be the perfect way to give your short dark hair a fresh, new look.
1. Color
The color of your highlights and lowlights is one of the most important factors to consider when getting this hair coloring technique. The right colors can enhance your natural hair color and features, while the wrong colors can wash you out or make you look unnatural. If you have short dark hair, you have a wide range of color options to choose from. You can opt for subtle highlights and lowlights that are close to your natural hair color, or you can go for more dramatic colors that will create a bolder look.
If you’re not sure what colors to choose, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right colors for your skin tone and hair type. They can also help you create a look that is tailored to your individual style and preferences.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right colors for your highlights and lowlights:
- If you have fair skin, you can opt for lighter shades of highlights and lowlights, such as blonde, honey, or caramel.
- If you have medium skin, you can opt for warmer shades of highlights and lowlights, such as copper, auburn, or chocolate.
- If you have dark skin, you can opt for darker shades of highlights and lowlights, such as black, brown, or burgundy.
No matter what color you choose, make sure that it complements your natural hair color and skin tone. You also want to choose a color that you love and that makes you feel confident.
2. Placement
The placement of your highlights and lowlights is an important consideration when getting this hair coloring technique. The right placement can enhance your natural features and create a flattering look, while the wrong placement can make your hair look unnatural or even unkempt.
If you have short dark hair, you have a few different options for placement. You can choose to have your highlights and lowlights placed throughout your hair, or you can focus them on certain areas, such as around your face or at the ends of your hair.
- Highlights and lowlights placed throughout your hair can create a more natural look. This is a good option if you want to add depth and dimension to your hair without making a drastic change.
Highlights and lowlights placed around your face can help to frame your face and draw attention to your features. This is a good option if you want to create a more youthful or flattering look.Highlights and lowlights placed at the ends of your hair can create a more dramatic look. This is a good option if you want to add some extra flair to your hair.
Ultimately, the best placement for your highlights and lowlights will depend on your individual style and preferences. Talk to your hairstylist about your desired look and they can help you choose the best placement for your hair.
3. Width
The width of your highlights and lowlights is an important consideration when getting this hair coloring technique. The right width can enhance your natural features and create a flattering look, while the wrong width can make your hair look unnatural or even unkempt.
If you have short dark hair, you have a few different options for width. You can choose to have thin highlights and lowlights that are close to the width of your natural hair strands, or you can choose to have wider highlights and lowlights that create a more dramatic effect.
Thinner highlights and lowlights are a good option if you want to add subtle depth and dimension to your hair. This is a good choice for people who want to make a gradual change to their hair color or who have fine hair that could be overwhelmed by wider highlights and lowlights.
Wider highlights and lowlights are a good option if you want to create a more dramatic look. This is a good choice for people who want to make a bolder statement with their hair color or who have thick hair that can handle the wider highlights and lowlights.
Ultimately, the best width for your highlights and lowlights will depend on your individual style and preferences. Talk to your hairstylist about your desired look and they can help you choose the best width for your hair.
Here are some examples of how different widths of highlights and lowlights can be used to create different looks:
- Thin highlights and lowlights can be used to create a subtle, natural-looking effect. This is a good option for people who want to add a touch of depth and dimension to their hair without making a drastic change.
- Medium-width highlights and lowlights can be used to create a more noticeable effect. This is a good option for people who want to add some extra flair to their hair without going too over-the-top.
- Wide highlights and lowlights can be used to create a bold, dramatic effect. This is a good option for people who want to make a statement with their hair color.
No matter what width you choose, make sure that it complements your overall look and style.
4. Tone
The tone of your highlights and lowlights is another important consideration when getting this hair coloring technique. The right tone can enhance your natural hair color and skin tone, while the wrong tone can wash you out or make you look unnatural. If you have short dark hair, you have a few different options for tone. You can choose to have warm highlights and lowlights that add warmth and richness to your hair, or you can choose to have cool highlights and lowlights that add coolness and ashiness to your hair.
- Warm highlights and lowlights are a good option if you want to add warmth and richness to your hair. This is a good choice for people who have cool-toned skin or who want to create a more inviting look.
- Cool highlights and lowlights are a good option if you want to add coolness and ashiness to your hair. This is a good choice for people who have warm-toned skin or who want to create a more edgy look.
Ultimately, the best tone for your highlights and lowlights will depend on your individual style and preferences. Talk to your hairstylist about your desired look and they can help you choose the best tone for your hair.
5. Maintenance
Maintaining highlights and lowlights for short dark hair requires regular care and attention to keep them looking their best. Here are a few key maintenance tips to follow:
- Regular root touch-ups: As your hair grows, your roots will start to show. To keep your highlights and lowlights looking fresh, you will need to get your roots touched up every 4-6 weeks.
- Toning and refreshing: Over time, highlights and lowlights can start to fade or become brassy. To keep them looking vibrant and fresh, you may need to get them toned or refreshed every few months.
- Use color-protecting products: Color-protecting products can help to extend the life of your highlights and lowlights. Look for products that are sulfate-free and contain UV protection.
- Avoid over-washing your hair: Over-washing your hair can strip away the natural oils that help to protect your hair color. Try to wash your hair no more than 2-3 times per week.
- Use a deep conditioner: A deep conditioner can help to hydrate and nourish your hair, which can help to prevent your highlights and lowlights from fading.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your highlights and lowlights for short dark hair looking their best for longer.
Conclusion
Highlights and lowlights are a versatile hair coloring technique that can be customized to suit any style and preference. For short dark hair, highlights and lowlights can add depth, dimension, and personality. They can also be used to frame the face, draw attention to certain features, and create a more youthful or flattering look.
When getting highlights and lowlights for short dark hair, there are a few key factors to consider, including the color, placement, width, and tone of the highlights and lowlights. It is also important to consider the maintenance required to keep highlights and lowlights looking their best.
If you are considering getting highlights and lowlights for your short dark hair, be sure to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the right colors, placement, width, and tone for your individual style and preferences.
