Low Lights Versus Highlights A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Next Hair Color Statement

Choosing the right hair color technique can transform your look and boost your confidence. Two popular options that often get confused are low lights and highlights. Both add dimension and depth to your hair, but they achieve very different effects. Understanding these differences will help you decide which style suits your personality, lifestyle, and hair goals best.

Warm low lights adding depth to brown hair

What Are Highlights and How Do They Work?

Highlights involve lightening strands of hair to create contrast against your natural or base color. This technique adds brightness and a sun-kissed effect, making hair appear fuller and more vibrant. Highlights can range from subtle, natural-looking streaks to bold, chunky sections depending on the desired style.

• Purpose: Brighten and add dimension

• Best for: People wanting a lighter, more radiant look

• Common colors: Blonde, caramel, honey, platinum

• Maintenance: Requires regular touch-ups to avoid visible roots

  
  

Highlights work well for those who want to enhance their hair with a fresh, youthful glow. For example, a brunette adding golden blonde highlights can achieve a warm, beachy vibe. Highlights also complement layered haircuts by emphasizing texture and movement.

What Are Low Lights and How Do They Work?

Low lights are the opposite of highlights. Instead of lightening, low lights involve adding darker strands to your hair. This technique creates depth and richness, making hair look thicker and more dimensional. Low lights can soften overly bright hair or add contrast to lighter hair colors.

• Purpose: Add depth and richness

• Best for: People wanting a natural, sophisticated look or to tone down overly light hair

• Common colors: Dark brown, chestnut, auburn, black

• Maintenance: Usually lower maintenance than highlights, as darker colors blend more easily with natural regrowth

  
  

Low lights are ideal for those who want to add subtle contrast without drastic changes. For example, a blonde with low lights in caramel or light brown can achieve a multi-dimensional, natural effect that enhances hair texture.

How to Choose Between Low Lights and Highlights

Choosing between low lights and highlights depends on several factors including your natural hair color, skin tone, lifestyle, and the look you want to achieve.

Consider Your Natural Hair Color

• If you have dark hair and want to brighten your look, highlights can add lightness and dimension.

• If you have light hair and want to add depth or reduce brassiness, low lights can create a richer appearance.

  
  

Match Your Skin Tone

• Warm skin tones pair well with golden or caramel highlights.

• Cool skin tones look great with ash or platinum highlights.

• Low lights in warm shades like chestnut suit warm skin tones.

• Cooler low lights like espresso or dark ash brown complement cool skin tones.

  
  

Think About Maintenance

Highlights often require more frequent salon visits to maintain brightness and avoid visible roots. Low lights tend to blend better with natural hair regrowth, making them easier to maintain.

Lifestyle and Personal Style

• If you prefer a bold, eye-catching look, highlights offer more contrast and brightness.

• For a subtle, natural enhancement, low lights provide depth without drastic changes.

• Consider your work environment and how much upkeep you want to commit to.

  
  

Combining Low Lights and Highlights for a Balanced Look

Many stylists recommend combining low lights and highlights to create a balanced, multi-dimensional hair color. This technique adds both brightness and depth, making hair look fuller and more natural.

For example, a medium brown base with caramel highlights and dark brown low lights can create a rich, textured look that catches light beautifully. This approach works well for all hair lengths and types.

Blended highlights and low lights creating natural hair dimension

Tips for Maintaining Your Hair Color

• Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to protect your hair color.

• Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent color fading.

• Schedule regular salon visits for touch-ups and treatments.

• Use deep conditioning masks to keep hair healthy and shiny.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Hair Color Statement

Low lights and highlights each offer unique benefits for enhancing your hair. Highlights brighten and add vibrancy, while low lights deepen and add richness. Your choice depends on your natural hair color, skin tone, maintenance preferences, and the style you want to express.

If you want a fresh, radiant look, highlights are a great choice. If you prefer a subtle, natural enhancement, low lights will add the perfect depth. Combining both can create a stunning, multi-dimensional effect that suits many hair types.