Half-Head Highlights

Half-Head Highlights are placed on particular areas of your hair, usually near your face and hairline, to create more definition and framing around your features.

Half-Head Highlights and Full-Head Highlights use the same application technique, but the effects are quite different. Half-Head Highlights only focus on the top, crown and sides of your hair, leaving the underneath and back darker for contrast. Full-Head Highlights are woven throughout your whole head for an even lightness.

Half-Head Highlights focus on the top, crown and sides of your hair to create extra depth and volume. We offer Half-Head Highlights as a new service, or to top up your root colours of an existing half or full head.

Half-Head Highlights last for up to eight weeks before you need to think about topping up the shades again.

A half head of highlights can be an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their hair with a natural and subtle effect, without the commitment of a full head of colour. This technique allows you to add brightness and dimension while requiring less upkeep. Here are some additional benefits:

Lower Maintenance: If you prefer a colour refresh that requires fewer salon visits, a half-head of highlights could be the perfect choice.

Subtle Brightening: If you want to enhance your natural colour without making a dramatic change, you may appreciate the soft, blended effect of half highlights.

Layered Hairstyles: This technique can complement layered hair beautifully by adding depth and movement.

Hair Type and Length

When considering half-head highlights, it’s important to take your hair type and length into account. This technique works particularly well on medium to long hair, as it adds dimension without overwhelming the natural flow. Whether your hair is light, or dark, half-head highlights can enhance your base colour, giving your hair subtle brightness and depth. By focusing on the top layers, the highlights blend seamlessly with your natural shade, creating a soft, multi-dimensional effect.

Desired Outcome

Before choosing half-head highlights, it’s helpful to think about the look you want to achieve. This technique is ideal for anyone seeking subtle lightening and a more natural, sun-kissed appearance. Half-head highlights are great for adding brightness without changing the overall colour dramatically, giving your hair a gentle lift while maintaining a natural feel. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their hair without committing to a bold transformation.

Maintenance

One of the standout benefits of half-head highlights is the low maintenance aspect. Since only the top layers are highlighted, regrowth is less noticeable, and the transition is much smoother compared to a full head of highlights. This makes half-head highlights a practical option for those who prefer fewer salon visits and a more relaxed hair care routine.

Consider Your Skin Tone

When choosing half-head highlights, it’s also important to consider your skin tone. The right shade can complement your complexion and enhance your overall look. Whether you have warm or cool undertones, selecting a colour that works well with your skin tone will ensure a natural, flattering result. For guidance on how to choose the best colour for your undertones, take a look at our guide to choosing hair colour based on your skin tone and undertone.

Choosing the right shade for your half-head highlights is all about finding a look that flatters your skin tone and suits your personal style. Tina Farey, Rush Editorial Director and founding member of the Art Team, shares her expert advice: “The key is to work with your skin tone. Warm undertones shine with golden, caramel, or honey blondes, while cooler tones suit ash or pearl shades beautifully. But it’s also about reflecting your personal style—whether you prefer a more subtle, natural look or something a bit bolder, your highlights should always feel like a true extension of who you are.”

Half-head highlights are the perfect choice for anyone looking to add depth and brightness to their hair without the time and cost commitment of full head highlights. Not only are they more affordable, but they’re also less time-consuming, requiring fewer salon visits for touch-ups. This makes them a fantastic option for those with busy schedules or those looking for a low-maintenance solution. Half-head highlights brighten and add dimension to your hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect without drastically changing your colour. It’s a subtle yet impactful way to refresh your look while keeping maintenance to a minimum

To help your half-head highlights stay fresh and vibrant, a little care goes a long way. Start with a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, ideally sulphate-free, to protect your highlights and minimise fading while keeping your hair nourished. These gentle formulas maintain the vibrancy of your colour without stripping moisture.

To prevent brassiness and keep your highlights looking cool, consider using a purple or blue shampoo once or twice a week. These toning shampoos help neutralise any yellow or orange undertones, ensuring your highlights remain fresh. A deep conditioning treatment or hair mask every couple of weeks can also keep your hair hydrated and in great condition.

It’s also worth being mindful of heat styling as overuse of heat tools can lead to damage. To protect your highlights, try to limit blow drying, straightening, or curling, and always apply a heat protectant before styling. Let your hair air dry when possible or use a hairdryer on a lower heat setting.

Half-head highlights add beautiful dimension and depth to your hair, and the right styling techniques can help showcase this contrast and variation.

Loose Waves to Emphasise Colour

Loose waves are a great way to emphasise the natural dimension of your half-head highlights. The soft, relaxed texture allows the light and dark sections to shine through, giving your hair a sun-kissed, multi-dimensional look. Use a curling tong to create loose, beachy waves, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the look natural but long-lasting.

Updos to Highlight Contrast

Updos are an excellent way to show off the contrast between the top layers of your hair and the natural colour underneath. A loose bun, messy chignon, or high ponytail can highlight the lighter strands on top while subtly blending the darker hair beneath. For added texture and movement, pull out a few soft strands around your face, allowing the highlights to frame your features.

Enhance with Texturising Sprays or Serums

To really bring out the shine and texture of your highlights, try using a texturising spray or serum. These products add volume and definition, giving your hair a fuller, more tousled look that showcases the variation in your colour. Texturising sprays can also help enhance the natural waves or curls in your hair, while a lightweight serum will keep the highlights looking glossy and smooth without weighing your hair down.