The quest for the perfect hair color is a journey many embark on, often involving highlights, lowlights, and sometimes, both. A common question that arises is: Can you put lowlights over highlights? The short answer is yes, but it’s crucial to understand the process, the potential benefits, and the possible pitfalls before taking the plunge. This article delves into the intricacies of combining these two coloring techniques to achieve your desired look.
Understanding Highlights and Lowlights
Before exploring the possibility of layering lowlights over highlights, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental differences between them. Highlights are designed to lighten strands of hair, creating brighter, more vibrant sections. This is typically achieved using bleach or a lightening agent. The goal is to add dimension and create a sun-kissed effect.
On the other hand, lowlights involve adding darker strands of hair to create depth and contrast. They are usually a shade or two darker than your base color. Lowlights work to break up the monotony of a single color and can also help tone down overly bright highlights.
The Role of Contrast in Hair Color
Contrast is the key element that highlights and lowlights bring to the table. Highlights introduce brightness, while lowlights add shadow. The interplay between these light and dark shades creates dimension and makes the hair appear fuller and more dynamic. Without contrast, hair color can look flat and lifeless.
Why People Consider Lowlights Over Highlights
There are several reasons why someone might consider adding lowlights over existing highlights. Perhaps the highlights have become too bright or brassy. Maybe the hair has been over-processed and needs some depth restored. Or, it could simply be a desire for a more natural, blended look. Lowlights can be an effective way to address these concerns and achieve a more balanced color.
The Process of Applying Lowlights Over Highlights
Applying lowlights over highlights is a delicate process that requires careful planning and execution. It’s not simply a matter of slapping on some darker color and hoping for the best. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
Consultation and Color Selection
The first and most crucial step is a consultation with a skilled colorist. This allows you to discuss your desired outcome, assess the current condition of your hair, and determine the appropriate shades for the lowlights. The colorist will consider your base color, the existing highlights, and your skin tone to choose lowlight colors that complement your overall look. This step is important because selecting the wrong shade can lead to undesirable results, such as muddy or uneven color.
Sectioning and Application Techniques
Once the colors have been chosen, the hair is carefully sectioned. The colorist will then strategically apply the lowlights, typically using foils or a balayage technique. The placement of the lowlights is critical. They should be placed in areas where depth and dimension are needed, avoiding areas where you want the highlights to remain prominent. Different application methods exist to achieve varied effects, from soft, blended looks to more defined contrast.
Processing Time and Rinsing
The lowlights are left to process for a specific amount of time, depending on the desired depth of color and the porosity of the hair. Regular monitoring is crucial to prevent over-processing. After the processing time, the hair is thoroughly rinsed.
Toning and Conditioning
A toner may be applied to neutralize any unwanted brassiness or warmth and to further blend the highlights and lowlights. Finally, a deep conditioning treatment is essential to replenish moisture and restore the hair’s health and shine.
Benefits of Adding Lowlights to Highlights
Adding lowlights to highlights can offer a multitude of benefits, transforming your hair and enhancing your overall appearance.
Creating Depth and Dimension
One of the primary advantages of lowlights is their ability to create depth and dimension. By adding darker strands of hair, you break up the monotony of a single color and create a more dynamic and visually appealing look.
Correcting Overly Bright Highlights
If your highlights have become too bright or brassy, lowlights can be an effective way to tone them down and create a more natural-looking color. They help to diffuse the brightness and add a touch of sophistication.
Adding Warmth and Richness
Depending on the color selection, lowlights can also add warmth and richness to your hair. This is especially beneficial for those with cool skin tones who want to add a touch of warmth to their overall appearance.
Blending and Softening Highlights
Lowlights can help to blend harsh highlights, creating a smoother transition between the highlights and your base color. This results in a softer, more natural look.
Minimizing Damage and Promoting Hair Health
Adding lowlights can sometimes be a healthier alternative to constantly bleaching or highlighting the hair. It can give your hair a break from harsh chemicals and allow it to recover. Darker colors also tend to reflect light better, making the hair appear shinier and healthier.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While adding lowlights to highlights can be a fantastic way to enhance your hair color, there are also some potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind.
The Risk of Muddy or Uneven Color
One of the biggest risks is the potential for muddy or uneven color. This can occur if the colors are not chosen carefully or if the application is not precise. It’s essential to work with a skilled colorist who has experience in combining highlights and lowlights.
Potential for Damage
While lowlights are generally less damaging than highlights, they still involve the use of chemicals. Over-processing can lead to dryness, breakage, and other forms of hair damage.
Maintenance Requirements
Adding lowlights can increase the overall maintenance requirements of your hair color. You may need to visit the salon more frequently to touch up the lowlights and maintain the desired look.
Cost
Combining highlights and lowlights can be a more expensive process than simply getting highlights or lowlights alone. Be sure to factor in the cost of the service when making your decision.
Tips for Maintaining Lowlights and Highlights
Once you’ve achieved the perfect combination of lowlights and highlights, it’s essential to take steps to maintain the color and health of your hair.
Use Color-Safe Products
Switch to color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. These products are formulated to be gentle on colored hair and to help prevent fading.
Limit Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can damage colored hair and cause the color to fade more quickly. Try to limit your use of heat styling tools and always use a heat protectant spray before styling.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Exposure to the sun can also cause hair color to fade. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Schedule Regular Touch-Ups
To maintain the vibrancy of your lowlights and highlights, schedule regular touch-up appointments with your colorist. This will help to keep your color looking fresh and prevent any unwanted brassiness or fading.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some people may be tempted to try applying lowlights over highlights at home, it’s generally best to seek professional help. A skilled colorist has the knowledge and experience to choose the right colors, apply them correctly, and minimize the risk of damage.
Attempting to do it yourself can lead to disastrous results, such as uneven color, brassiness, or even hair damage. It’s always better to invest in a professional service to ensure a beautiful and healthy outcome.
Alternatives to Lowlights for Toning Down Highlights
If you’re hesitant about adding lowlights, there are alternative ways to tone down overly bright highlights.
- Toning Glazes: A toner or glaze can neutralize unwanted warmth or brassiness without adding significant depth. They are a gentle way to adjust the tone of your highlights.
- Root Smudging: Root smudging involves blending your natural roots into the highlights, creating a softer transition and reducing the overall brightness.
Achieving the Desired Look: Finding the Right Balance
Ultimately, the key to successfully layering lowlights over highlights lies in finding the right balance. It’s about creating a harmonious blend of light and dark shades that complement your skin tone, enhance your features, and achieve your desired aesthetic.
The journey to the perfect hair color might take time and experimentation, but with the right knowledge and a skilled colorist, you can achieve a stunning and personalized look. Don’t be afraid to explore different techniques and color combinations to find what works best for you. The most important thing is to prioritize the health and integrity of your hair throughout the process.
Conclusion
So, can you put lowlights over highlights? Absolutely! It’s a versatile technique that can add depth, dimension, and richness to your hair. However, it’s essential to approach the process with care and consideration. By understanding the benefits, potential drawbacks, and maintenance requirements, and by working with a skilled colorist, you can achieve a beautiful and balanced hair color that you’ll love. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and take steps to maintain the color and shine for long-lasting results.
Can I put lowlights over my highlights?
The success of adding lowlights over highlights depends on factors like your hair’s current condition, the contrast between the highlights and lowlights, and the skill of the colorist. It’s crucial to choose lowlight shades that complement your existing highlights and skin tone. A professional colorist can assess your hair and recommend the best approach to achieve your desired result, minimizing the risk of unwanted tones or damage.
Will lowlights damage my hair after having highlights?
To further mitigate damage, use deep conditioning treatments regularly before and after the lowlighting process. Consider opting for a demi-permanent or semi-permanent color for the lowlights, as these are less harsh than permanent dyes. Regular trims to remove any split ends and using heat protectant sprays when styling your hair will also help keep your hair healthy and strong.
How do I choose the right lowlight color to complement my highlights?
Also, think about the level of contrast you want to achieve. If you want a subtle change, choose lowlights that are only one or two shades darker than your base color. For a more dramatic effect, you can go a bit darker. A professional colorist can help you assess your skin tone, highlight undertones, and desired outcome to recommend the perfect lowlight shade for your hair.
Can I put lowlights over my highlights at home?
If you choose to DIY, do thorough research, choose a high-quality color kit specifically designed for lowlighting, and follow the instructions carefully. Do a strand test first to assess the color and timing before applying it to your entire head. It’s also helpful to have a friend assist you to ensure even application, especially in the back of your head. However, for best results and to minimize the risk of errors, consult a professional.
How long should I wait after highlighting my hair before adding lowlights?
If your hair is in relatively good condition after highlighting, you can proceed with lowlights sooner, perhaps within a few days. Communicate with your stylist about any dryness or damage you might be experiencing. Using hydrating treatments between the highlighting and lowlighting processes will also help strengthen your hair and prevent further damage.
How often should I get lowlights to maintain the dimension in my highlighted hair?
If you prefer a more low-maintenance approach, you can stretch the time between lowlight appointments to 3-4 months. As the lowlights fade and your hair grows, the contrast between your highlights and base color will become less pronounced, resulting in a softer, more blended look. Regular glossing treatments can also help extend the life of your lowlights and keep your hair looking vibrant.
What aftercare routine should I follow after getting lowlights over highlights?
Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible, as heat can damage color-treated hair and cause it to fade faster. When you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner to refresh your lowlights between salon visits. Regular trims will also help remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.