Types of Highlights (Which One Is Right for You?)

1) Full Head Highlights

A full head means highlights throughout the whole head, including underneath.

Best for:

• clients who want a noticeable transformation

• going significantly lighter

• blending a lot of natural depth

• refreshing old highlights that feel grown out

What it looks like:

• the most overall brightness

• the most uniform blonde effect

• often the biggest “change” result

If you want to feel like you’ve had a full refresh, full head highlights are the most impactful.

2) Half Head Highlights

A half head typically focuses on the top and sides (the most visible areas).

Best for:

• clients who want brightness but not maximum lift

• those who want lower maintenance than full head

• people who wear hair down often

• refreshing the front and crown without fully redoing underneath

What it looks like:

• bright, fresh top layers

• softer underneath (more natural dimension)

• often a more affordable and quicker appointment than a full head

Half head is popular because it balances visible brightness with a softer grow-out.

3) Face Framing Highlights

Face framing highlights brighten the hairline and the front pieces.

Best for:

• clients who want a glow-up without a full highlight

• refreshing your look for events, holidays, or a new season

• adding brightness without committing to full maintenance

What it looks like:

• instant brightness around the face

• soft, flattering dimension

• can be paired with a toner for a polished finish

Face framing is one of the most underrated ways to look “fresh” fast.

4) Baby Lights

Baby lights are very fine, delicate highlights.

Best for:

• clients who want the most natural result

• softer blending with minimal contrast

• those who want highlights that don’t look stripey

What it looks like:

• subtle brightness

• very blended and soft

• often the most “natural blonde” style when done well

If you want people to say “Your hair looks amazing” but not immediately know why—baby lights are often the answer.

5) Foils vs Balayage (Quick Explanation)

Highlights are often foil-based, while balayage is more hand-painted.

If you’re choosing between them:

• Foils = more precise brightness, more lift, more “blonde” potential

• Balayage = softer grow-out, more lived-in, more natural blend

Many clients combine both depending on their starting colour and goals.

The Secret Weapon: Toner (Why Highlights Look Expensive)

Highlights are only half the story. The other half is toner.

Toner refines the colour to create the shade you actually want:

• creamy beige blonde

• ash blonde

• honey blonde

• caramel blend

• cool champagne

• neutral “expensive blonde”

Without the right toner, highlights can look:

• too yellow

• too brassy

• too harsh

• too uneven

With the right toner, highlights look smooth, glossy, and premium.

At Sama Hair Studio, we tailor toner to:

• your skin undertone

• your natural base colour

• how bright you want to go

• your maintenance preference

Choosing the Best Highlight Shade for Your Skin Tone

If you suit warm tones

You may love:

• honey blonde

• golden beige

• caramel highlights

• warm creamy tones

Warm highlights can make your complexion look glowy and soft.

If you suit cool tones

You may love:

• ash blonde

• cool beige

• champagne blonde

• smoky blonde

Cool tones can look very clean and modern—but they may need more toning maintenance to stay fresh.

If you want a “balanced” look

Neutral tones are often best:

• natural beige

• soft creamy blonde

• gentle brightness without heavy gold or heavy ash

This is often the most wearable choice for busy clients in the South eastern suburbs who want highlights to look great day-to-day without constant upkeep.

What to Ask For During Your Highlights Consultation

When you book highlights, clarity is everything. Here are client-friendly questions that get you a better result:

1. “How light can my hair safely go in one appointment?”

2. “What tone will suit my skin and my eyebrows?”

3. “Do I need full head or half head for my goal?”

4. “How will the regrowth look in 8–12 weeks?”

5. “What maintenance will I need at home?”

6. “Should we include a haircut to refresh the ends?”

A quality salon consult is what separates “nice highlights” from perfect highlights.

Keeping Highlights Healthy (So Your Hair Stays Soft)

A common fear is: “Will highlights damage my hair?”

The truth: lightening changes the hair structure, but healthy results are absolutely possible with the right method and aftercare.

How we keep highlighted hair looking healthy

• controlled lift (not over-processing)

• choosing placement that suits your hair condition

• correct toner selection

• recommending home care that matches your hair type

• pairing with strengthening or smoothing treatments when needed

If your hair feels dry after colour, treatments can help bring softness and shine back.

Highlights Maintenance: How Often Should You Come Back?

This depends on your desired brightness and your natural regrowth speed.

Common maintenance schedules

• Face framing refresh: often more flexible

• Half head: typically a regular refresh to keep it bright

• Full head: best maintained on a consistent schedule if you like maximum blonde

But here’s the key: placement affects grow-out. A more blended approach can look great longer. During your consult, we’ll recommend a plan that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Highlights for Busy Clients (Work, Kids, and Real Life)

If you don’t want high maintenance, you can still do highlights—just choose smarter options:

• softer placement through the root area

• balanced, neutral toner

• a cut that supports the colour (layers help dimension show)

• treatments that keep hair soft so styling is easier

The goal is not just highlights that look good today—it’s highlights that still look good when you’re rushing out the door on a weekday.

Endeavour Hills + South Eastern Suburbs (Dandenong & Hallam)

Many of our clients travel to us from Dandenong and Hallam because they want:

• personalised highlight placement

• premium toning results

• a calm, professional salon experience

• consistent blonde results over time

If you’re in the South eastern suburbs, we’ll help you choose a highlight plan that fits your routine so you get beautiful colour without stress.

Common Highlights Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1) Going too light too fast

A safe blonde journey often takes steps. The best results come from planning, not rushing.

2) Skipping toner maintenance

Toner is what keeps highlights looking clean and expensive.

3) Using the wrong shampoo

Some products strip toner or make hair feel rough. We’ll recommend what suits your hair.

4) Not trimming ends

Fresh ends make highlights look brighter and healthier. That’s why pairing highlights with a haircut can elevate the final result.

FAQs About Highlights

“Will highlights cover grey hair?”

Highlights can blend grey, especially around the front and part line, but grey coverage depends on how much grey you have and your base colour. We’ll recommend the best strategy after seeing your hair.

“Do highlights always turn yellow?”

No. Yellowing is usually about toner fading, product choice, and water. With the right toner plan and home care, highlights can stay creamy and fresh.

“Can I get highlights if my hair is damaged?”

Often yes, but we may recommend a treatment plan first, or a more gentle approach. Hair health always comes first.