Half-head vs Full-head Highlights: A Bright Decision
Looking to add some dimension to your hair or go full-on blonde bombshell? Highlights are the ultimate glow-up. They add depth, enhance your natural colour, and can be as bold or as subtle as you want. But the big question: half-head or full-head? Let’s break it down.
Full-head highlights:
Are the ultimate glow-up. Full-head highlights cover all your hair and every part of your head from front to back and root to tips, creating a uniform, multi-dimensional yet consistent colour. It’s ideal for those seeking a major transformation, whether lightening up your natural shade or experimenting with bold tones.
Half-head highlights:
Think of it as a lighter commitment, literally. Half-head highlights focus on the top and sides of your hair, leaving the bottom layers untouched. This is much more strategic and creates a more subtle, naturally lightened look – perfect for adding texture and depth without going all-in.
Which Highlights Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your personal style, maintenance preferences, and how much of a statement you want to make. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you, so here goes: –
Full-head Highlights Are For You If…
You’re ready for a dramatic change – whether it’s going icy blonde, warm caramel, platinum or lightening darker hair.
You want a consistent, all-over colour that pops from every angle.
You’re happy to commit to regular maintenance.
Half-head Highlights Are For You If…
You love a low-maintenance look but still want to add depth and dimension.
You’re after that sun-kissed, “I-just-got-back-from-holiday” look.
You want to frame your face.
You like versatility – depending on how light you go half-head highlights can seamlessly grow out, meaning fewer trips to the salon.
What Colours Are Highlights?
Highlights can be customised in almost any shade to suit your style and hair colour. Some popular options include:
Blonde tones: Ash, platinum, caramel, honey, or golden hues.
Brunette tones: Subtle mocha, chestnut, or coffee shades.
Creative colours: Pastel pinks, soft blues, lavender, or bold shades like emerald green and fire red.
Customising Your Highlights
At Blue Tit, we don’t do cookie-cutter colouring. We work with your hair texture, skin tone, eye colour and lifestyle to create something that feels authentically you. Maybe you want creamy balayage or high-contrast platinum highlights? Or perhaps something playful, like pastel hues woven throughout the hair? Whatever your vibe, we’ve got you.
We’re also big on sustainability. All our products are environmentally friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free, so your new look comes with no baggage.
Pro tip: If you’re lightening your hair, an Olaplex treatment is your new best mate – it keeps strands strong and healthy.
Can You Highlight Dark Hair?
Yes, brunettes can absolutely get in on the action. Some great colour options for brown and black hair include:
Warm tones: Caramel, toffee, or bronze for a natural glow.
Cool tones: Ash brown or icy blonde for an edgy look.
Creative tones: Jewel hues like deep plum, teal, or burgundy for a bold statement.
Different Techniques to Highlight Hair
There are various ways to create highlights, depending on your desired look:
Airtouch: Uses a hairdryer to separate strands for an ultra-blended, soft finish – ideal for a natural grow-out.
Foil Highlights: The classic technique for defined, full coverage of even highlights.
Balayage: A freehand technique for sun-kissed, lived-in colour.
B2B Highlights: Superfine highlights, packed tight for youthful all-over glow.
Ombre/Sombre: Creates a gradient effect with lighter tips and darker roots.
Your Stylist will help you choose the right technique based on your goals and hair history.
Best Way to Highlight Dark Hair?
Balayage: Perfect for dark hair as it creates a seamless gradient from dark roots to lighter ends.
Airtouch: This delivers soft, blended highlights with no harsh lines.
Face-Framing Highlights: Brighten your face while keeping most of your hair dark.
Best Subtle Way to Highlight?
For a subtle look, try:
B2B: Ultra-thin highlights that are packed tight for a natural effect.
Balayage: Handpainted for specific placement and a soft and natural gradation
Airtouch: For a natural sun-kissed finish.
Toning: The Secret to Perfect Highlights
Listen up it’s a fact that, highlights can pick up unwanted brassy tones. That’s where toning comes in. We use Oway’s Hcolor and Agricolor – plant-based, organic, and 100% bespoke to your shade. A toner is added over the whole head in you desired colour to bring a natural glossy look to you hair.
Creative Highlighting: For Those Who Dare
Feeling bold? Try:
- Chunky Highlights – Retro, statement streaks.
- Peekaboo Highlights – Hidden pops of colour underneath.
- Rainbow or Pastel Highlights – Playful, multi-hued magic.
How Often Should You Get Highlights?
- Full-head: Every 6–8 weeks for max brightness.
- Half-head: Can be stretched to 10–12 weeks.
- Low-maintenance option: Balayage or Airtouch for longer-lasting results.
Half-Head vs. Full-Head Highlights: What’s Your Move?
- Want a big transformation? Full-head hightlights.
- Love natural, sun-kissed vibes? Half-head highlights.
- Prefer low-maintenance colour? Highlighting using Balayage or Airtouch. (Check out Low Maintenance Hair Colouring).
- Want to cover up root growth? Half-head.
Inspired? Get in touch with your local London salon and get creative with your favourite Stylist.
