Partial Highlights vs. Full Highlights
When it comes to hair coloring, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices are partial highlights and full highlights. But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is right for you?
Partial Highlights:
Partial highlights, also known as half-head highlights, involve adding highlights to only certain sections of your hair, such as the top layer or around your face. This technique is less time-consuming and less expensive than full highlights, and it’s a great way to add subtle dimension and brightness to your hair.
Full Highlights:
Full highlights, on the other hand, involve adding highlights to your entire head of hair. This technique creates a more dramatic and noticeable change in your hair color, and it’s ideal for achieving a sun-kissed or ombré look. Full highlights are more time-consuming and expensive than partial highlights, but they can give you a more dramatic and glamorous transformation.
Which Method Is Right for You?
The best way to choose between partial highlights and full highlights is to consider your hair type, your desired results, and your budget.
Hair Type:
- Thin hair: Partial highlights are a better choice for thin hair, as they add volume and dimension without weighing the hair down.
- Thick hair: Full highlights can work well on thick hair, as they can help to break up the heaviness and add depth.
Desired Results:
- Subtle change: Partial highlights are a good option if you want to add subtle dimension and brightness to your hair.
- Dramatic change: Full highlights are a better choice if you want a more noticeable change in your hair color, such as a sun-kissed or ombré look.
Budget:
- Partial highlights: Partial highlights are less time-consuming and less expensive than full highlights.
- Full highlights: Full highlights are more time-consuming and expensive than partial highlights.
Steps for Getting Highlights
Whether you choose partial highlights or full highlights, the steps for getting them are similar:
- Consultation: Consult with your hairstylist to discuss your desired results and choose the best highlight technique for your hair type.
- Prepping: Your hairstylist will section your hair and apply a bleach or lightener to the desired areas.
- Processing: The bleach or lightener will process for a period of time, which will vary depending on the desired level of lightness.
- Toning: Once the bleach or lightener has been removed, your hairstylist will apply a toner to neutralize any unwanted brassiness and add the desired color.
- Styling: Your hairstylist will style your hair to show off your new highlights.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Pros of Partial Highlights:
- Less time-consuming and less expensive
- Adds subtle dimension and brightness
- Ideal for thin hair
Cons of Partial Highlights:
- Not as dramatic a change as full highlights
- May not be suitable for thick hair
Pros of Full Highlights:
- More dramatic and noticeable change
- Ideal for achieving a sun-kissed or ombré look
- Can help to break up the heaviness of thick hair
Cons of Full Highlights:
- More time-consuming and expensive
- May require more frequent touch-ups
Cost of Highlights
The cost of highlights will vary depending on the length of your hair, the type of highlight technique used, and the salon you visit. However, as a general rule of thumb, partial highlights will cost less than full highlights.
- Partial highlights: $100-$200
- Full highlights: $200-$500
Creative New Word: “Illuminage”
We’ve coined a new word to describe the process of getting highlights: “illuminage.” To illuminage is to add highlights to your hair in a way that enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel confident and radiant.
Useful Tables
| Highlight Type | Cost | Time | Results | Ideal Hair Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Highlights | $100-$200 | 2-3 hours | Subtle dimension and brightness | Thin hair |
| Full Highlights | $200-$500 | 3-4 hours | Dramatic change | Thick hair |
| Highlight Technique | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Foil Highlights | Precise and long-lasting | Time-consuming and expensive |
| Balayage | Natural-looking and less damage | More difficult to achieve consistent results |
| Ombre | Gradual transition from dark to light | Can be difficult to maintain |
| Hair Type | Best Highlight Technique |
|---|---|
| Thin hair | Partial highlights |
| Thick hair | Full highlights |
| Curly hair | Balayage |
| Straight hair | Foil highlights |
Conclusion
Whether you choose partial highlights or full highlights, the goal is to achieve a look that you love and that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Talk to your hairstylist to discuss the best highlight technique for your hair type and desired results.