When it comes to hair color, highlights and lowlights are two of the most popular techniques for adding dimension, depth, and personality to your look. While both enhance your natural or dyed hair, they serve very different purposes and create very different results. If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I get highlights or lowlights?”—you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll break down lowlights vs highlights hair, explain how each works, compare their effects, and help you decide which option best suits your hair type, color, and lifestyle.
What Is Highlights Hair?
Highlights involve lightening selected strands of hair to create contrast against a darker base color. These lighter sections reflect more light, making hair look brighter, fresher, and often more youthful.
Key Features of Highlights Hair
- ◆Use lighter shades than your base color
- ◆Add brightness and dimension
- ◆Create a sun-kissed or glowing effect
- ◆Can be bold or subtle depending on placement
Highlights are commonly done using techniques like foils, balayage, babylights, or face-framing highlights. The final result depends on how light the strands are lifted and how many sections are highlighted.
Who Are Highlights Hair Best For?
- ◆People who want a lighter, brighter look
- ◆Those with dark hair looking to add contrast
- ◆Anyone wanting to soften facial features
- ◆Clients looking for a more noticeable color change
What Is Lowlights Hair?
Lowlights are the opposite of highlights. Instead of lightening strands, lowlights involve adding darker shades to certain sections of hair. This technique adds depth, richness, and dimension—especially to hair that looks too flat or overly light.
Key Features of Lowlights Hair
- ◆Use darker tones than your base color
- ◆Add depth and shadow
- ◆Make hair look fuller and more textured
- ◆Help balance overly blonde or light hair
Lowlights are often added using foils or blended techniques to keep the look natural and seamless.
Who Are Lowlights Hair Best For?
- ◆People with very light or blonde hair
- ◆Anyone wanting a richer, more natural look
- ◆Those growing out highlights
- ◆Clients who prefer low-maintenance color
Lowlights vs Highlights: The Main Differences
| Feature | Highlights | Lowlights |
| Color Direction | Lighter than the base color | Darker than the base color |
| Visual Effect | Brightens the hair and adds light reflection | Adds depth, richness, and dimension |
| Maintenance | Often higher, may require toning and touch-ups | Usually lower and easier to maintain |
| Best For | Lightening the overall look | Softening or deepening hair color |
| Hair Volume Look | Can make hair look light and airy | Makes hair appear thicker and fuller |
Can You Have Both Highlights and Lowlights Hair?
Yes—and this is actually one of the most popular hair color strategies.
Combining highlights and lowlights creates a multi-dimensional, natural-looking result that mimics how hair naturally catches light. This technique works especially well for:
- ◆Brunettes wanting a soft color lift
- ◆Blondes who want more depth
- ◆Mature hair that needs dimension
- ◆Transitioning between seasons
Stylists often recommend using both to avoid hair looking flat or overly processed.
Lowlights vs Highlights for Different Hair Colors
Blonde Hair
- ◆Highlights make blonde hair brighter and more radiant
- ◆Lowlights add contrast and prevent a “washed-out” look
Best option: Both, for a balanced blonde.
Brunette Hair
- ◆Highlights add warmth and visible dimension
- ◆Lowlights deepen the base and enhance richness
Best option: Highlights for a brighter look; lowlights for a subtle upgrade.
Black Hair
- ◆Highlights create dramatic contrast and definition
- ◆Lowlights are rarely used alone, but can add softness
Best option: Soft highlights or mixed tones for depth.
Maintenance: Which Is Easier to Care For?
If low maintenance is your goal, lowlights usually win.
Highlights often require toning, root touch-ups, and purple shampoo
Lowlights blend more naturally with your base color
Lowlights grow out softer and less noticeable
That said, modern techniques like balayage highlights can also be relatively low maintenance.
Lowlights Hair vs Highlights Hair: Which Looks More Natural?
This depends on the application—but generally:
Lowlights look more natural because darker tones mimic natural shadows
Highlights can look natural when done subtly (babylights, balayage)
For the most realistic look, combining both is often the best solution.
Choosing Between Highlights and Lowlights
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Do I want my hair to look brighter or deeper?
2) How much maintenance am I comfortable with?
3) Is my hair currently too dark or too light?
4) Do I want a bold change or a subtle upgrade?
Your answers will point you toward highlights, lowlights, or a mix of both.
Final Thoughts: Lowlights vs Highlights Hair
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the lowlights vs highlights hair debate. Highlights are perfect for adding brightness and creating a fresh, radiant look, while lowlights bring depth, dimension, and balance. Both techniques can completely transform your hair when done correctly.
If you want a natural, modern, and versatile style, combining highlights and lowlights is often the smartest choice. The key is choosing tones that complement your skin tone, hair texture, and lifestyle.
When in doubt, consult a professional stylist—or test the look with highlight wigs or lowlight wigs before committing to permanent color. Hair should feel fun, confident, and uniquely you.
