Long, flowing hair is the epitome of femininity and grace. When paired with expertly placed highlights, it transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece that turns heads. Highlights add depth, dimension, and a youthful glow to your locks, making them an instant style upgrade.
Whether you prefer subtle sun-kissed strands or bold, contrasting streaks, there’s a hairstyle with highlights tailored to your unique style. In this comprehensive guide, we explore over 60 stunning long hairstyles adorned with highlights, inspiring you to find the perfect look for your next transformation.
1. The Allure of Balayage Highlights
Balayage is a freehand technique that creates natural-looking, sun-kissed effects. The highlights are painted onto the hair using a brush, resulting in a seamless blend that mimics the way sunlight naturally brightens strands.
2. The Versatility of Layered Highlights
Layers add movement and volume to long hair, and when combined with highlights, they create a captivating play of light and shadow. Layers allow you to customize the placement of your highlights, framing your face or enhancing the ends of your locks.
3. The Boldness of Chunky Highlights
For a more dramatic statement, chunky highlights are a bold choice. These wide, contrasting streaks are perfect for adding a touch of edge to your style. They’re particularly flattering on darker hair colors and can create a striking ombré effect.
4. The Subtlety of Babylights
Babylights are the most delicate form of highlights, designed to create a natural-looking, sun-bleached appearance. They’re so fine that they blend seamlessly with your base color, giving your hair a subtle yet radiant glow.
5. The Glamour of Money Piece Highlights
Money piece highlights are a trendy technique that focuses on brightening the front strands of your hair. These face-framing highlights create the illusion of a full fringe and instantly brighten up your complexion.
1. Consult a Professional Stylist
A professional hairstylist can assess your hair type, skin tone, and personal style to recommend the most flattering shade and placement of highlights. They will consider your desired level of boldness and ensure the highlights complement your overall look.
2. Match Your Highlights to Your Skin Tone
Warm skin tones tend to complement golden or copper highlights, while cool skin tones look stunning with ashy or icy blonde hues. Determine your skin’s undertone by looking at the veins on your inner wrist. Blue or purple veins indicate a cool undertone, while green or olive veins suggest a warm undertone.
3. Consider Your Hair Type
Fine hair requires more delicate highlights to avoid looking brassy. Coarse hair, on the other hand, can handle bolder, thicker highlights. If your hair is damaged, prioritize gentle highlighting techniques to preserve its health.
1. Use Color-Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner
Color-safe hair care products are essential for maintaining the vibrancy of your highlights. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are free of sulfates and parabens, which can strip color and dry out your hair.
2. Deep Condition Regularly
Regular deep conditioning treatments help repair and strengthen highlighted hair. Use a mask that is formulated for color-treated hair and leave it on for the recommended time to restore moisture and prevent breakage.
3. Protect from Heat Styling
Heat styling can damage highlighted hair, so it’s important to use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or straightening. Limit the use of hot tools and opt for low heat settings when necessary.
4. Avoid Overwashing
Overwashing can strip away the natural oils in your hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days, or less often if your hair is dry.
1. Enhances Shine
Highlights reflect light, giving your hair a lustrous, healthy shine. They add dimension and vibrancy to dull or flat hair, making it appear fuller and more voluminous.
2. Frames the Face
Face-framing highlights can create the illusion of a more defined face shape and draw attention to your best features. They can soften a strong jawline or emphasize your cheekbones.
3. Reduces the Appearance of Thinning Hair
Highlights can make thinning hair appear thicker and fuller. By adding lighter strands throughout, they create an illusion of volume and depth, giving your hair a more youthful and vibrant look.
4. Adds Movement and Body
Highlights create texture and dimension, which adds movement and bounce to long hair. They can revitalize flat or lifeless hair, giving it a more dynamic and voluminous appearance.
1. Braid for Definition
Braids are a fun and effective way to showcase your highlights. Whether you opt for a classic three-strand braid or a more intricate updo, braids will accentuate the different tones and add texture to your hair.
2. Use a Diffuser for Natural Waves
A diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can help enhance your natural waves or curls. It distributes the airflow evenly, preventing frizz and defining your highlights for a beachy, effortless look.
3. Add Some Texture with Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is not just for absorbing oil. It can also be used to create instant volume and texture in highlighted hair. Spray it sparingly at the roots and rub it in to create a tousled, edgy look.
4. Experiment with Accessories
Accessories can add a touch of glamour or whimsy to your highlighted hair. Try wearing a headband, hair clips, or a statement necklace to complement your style.
1. Ask for Referrals
Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find a skilled hair stylist. Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights based on their own experiences.
2. Research Salons Online
Read reviews and testimonials for different salons in your area. Check their social media pages to view examples of their work and get a sense of their style.
3. Consider Stylist Credentials
Look for stylists who have received specialized training in highlighting techniques. Certifications from reputable organizations like the American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH) or the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) are a good indication of their expertise.
Long hairstyles with highlights are a timeless and versatile option that can transform your look and boost your confidence. Whether you prefer subtle, sun-kissed strands or bold, contrasting streaks, there’s a hairstyle with highlights to suit every taste and style. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can achieve and maintain long, healthy, and radiant highlighted hair that will turn heads wherever you go.
- Consider your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. Some highlighting techniques require more frequent touch-ups than others.
- Determine your budget and frequency of salon visits. Highlights can be an investment, so it’s important to factor in the cost and time commitment.
- Be realistic about the level of boldness you want. Don’t choose a look that’s too far outside your comfort zone or that requires excessive maintenance.