Why Highlight-Lowlights Are the Must-Have Hair Trend of 2025

Highlight and lowlight foiling continues to be one of the most requested color services—and for good reason. This technique creates rich, multi-dimensional color that adds depth, contrast, and movement to the hair, making it a go-to for clients seeking a polished, natural-looking result.

Many clients come in inspired by dimensional looks like J.Lo’s signature color. Achieving that level of depth and brightness typically requires a combination of highlights and lowlights. Highlights are applied using lighter tones or lightener to brighten the hair, while lowlights use complementary darker shades to create balance and dimension.

Foiling allows for precise placement, keeping each section controlled so tones don’t blend unintentionally. This results in a cleaner, more defined finish compared to techniques where colors may overlap. While balayage can also create dimension, highlight and lowlight foiling offers more structure and control, especially for clients looking for a fuller, more evenly distributed result.

Rather than creating a streaky effect, this technique blends tones seamlessly. Lowlights are typically placed between the lightest and darkest shades to soften contrast and enhance depth. The result is hair that appears thicker, more voluminous, and naturally dimensional—especially when customized by a specialist in hair color Boston.

Benefits of Highlight/Lowlights

1)  Perfect to balance out overly highlighted color and to shift tones.

2)  Creating a more natural-looking color pallet. Your stylist will choose between baby-lights, thin or thick hair weave, or slice foiling techniques. 

3)  Naturally blended color leads to longer-lasting hair color and less frequent visits to the salon.

4)  Helps to add different hues such as warm or cool without toning and shifting the natural base color, best done with semi-permanent hair color. 

5)  Help to color correct over-processed hair, but should be done by an expert hair colorist.

6)  Grey color blending with both highlight and lowlights creates an exquisite look especially on "salt and pepper hair color.  The end result is a less harsh shade, and yes grey hair can be highlighted.

7)  When considering a color change with all-over color, try some lowlights to darken the hair.

8)  Highlights and lowlights will brighten dull ends of the hair.

Highlight Lowlight Foil With Veila Pull-Thru Hair Extensions

 

 

What To Consider

Lowlights will fade on pre-lightened hair, especially in the sun or while shampooing.  it is important to consider the health of your hair before adding lowlights since bleaching over them is not recommended.  As with all hair colors, proper hair care is required to prevent damage and color fading.

Consider using purple shampoo and conditioning masks, Olaplex makes both and are specifically formulated for processed hair.  Avoid using high heat from a curling or flat iron since this is a sure-fire way to damage hair and destroy hair color.  

Test Drive Your Hair Color

When considering a color change, use some pieces of Veila pull-thru hair extensions to add dimension or blend in a new shade.  Hair extensions are not always intended to add length and are very helpful in adding hair color.  The Veila method is applied without glue, tape, or sewing, therefore they are very gentle on the hair.  I often add a few panels of hair extensions to add a complimentary hair color without coloring or bleaching my client's hair.

Conclusion

Hair color is a powerful expression of your personal style, and with so many techniques and tones available, there’s no shortage of ways to create a look you truly love. From subtle dimension to bold contrast, the right combination of highlights and lowlights can transform your hair into something that feels modern, polished, and uniquely yours.

While inspiration is everywhere—from social media to color charts—achieving the right result comes down to working with a skilled professional who understands how to customize color based on your hair’s history, condition, and goals. This is especially important if your hair has been previously colored, as corrective steps may be needed to create a clean, even foundation.

For the most seamless and dimensional results, working with a specialist in hair color Boston ensures your color is tailored with precision and care.

Ready to enhance your hair with customized dimension? Book a highlight and lowlight appointment and create a look designed specifically for you.