How do I Choose Highlights?

Choosing the right highlights involves selecting shades that complement your base hair color without creating a harsh contrast. Here's how to choose highlights effectively, based on expert advice:

Understanding the Basics

The key principle is to maintain a natural look. This is done by staying within a certain range of your base color. As noted by an expert, "The universal rule is to keep highlights within four shades of your base color — any more can look harsh."

Choosing the Right Shade

The optimal highlight shade depends on your natural hair color:

• Brunettes: Opt for warmer tones such as caramel.
• Auburns: Choose copper gold for a complementary look.
• Blondes and Grays: Baby blonde highlights work very well.

Practical Tips for Choosing Highlights

Here are some actionable tips that will help you choose the best highlight color:

• Consider your skin tone:
  • Cool skin tones: Look better with ashy or cool blonde highlights.
  • Warm skin tones: Look best with gold, caramel, or honey blonde highlights.
• Think about your maintenance: The more contrast your highlights have with your base color, the more often they will require touch-ups.
• Start subtle: Begin with fewer, finer highlights, and increase the amount and thickness as you become more comfortable.
• Consult a professional: If you're unsure, a hairstylist can assess your hair and skin tone to recommend the most flattering options.
• Look at examples: Browse magazines or look online for styles that you like. This helps you narrow down your choices and provide the stylist with an idea of what you want.

Example Scenarios

Maintaining Your Highlights

Once you have highlights, it's important to use color-safe products and avoid over-washing. This will help extend the time between touch-ups, which keeps your hair healthy.