Partial Highlights vs. Full Highlights: Which One Should You Go For?

When it comes to highlighting your hair, there are two main options to choose from: partial highlights and full highlights. Both techniques can give you a beautiful, sun-kissed look, but they differ in terms of cost, maintenance, and overall look.

Partial Highlights

What are Partial Highlights?

Partial highlights are a more subtle highlighting technique that involves adding color to only a few sections of your hair. This can be done around the face to create a framing effect, or throughout the hair to add dimension and depth.

Pros of Partial Highlights:

• Less expensive: Partial highlights require less bleach and time, making them less expensive than full highlights.
• Less damaging: Since fewer sections of hair are being bleached, partial highlights are less damaging to your hair.
• More natural-looking: Partial highlights can create a more natural-looking sun-kissed effect than full highlights.

Cons of Partial Highlights:

• Less dramatic: Partial highlights don't create as dramatic a change as full highlights.
• Requires more frequent touch-ups: Since the highlights are only applied to a few sections of hair, they will grow out more quickly and require more frequent touch-ups.

Full Highlights

What are Full Highlights?

Full highlights involve adding color to all of your hair, from roots to tips. This creates a more dramatic and noticeable effect than partial highlights.

Pros of Full Highlights:

• More dramatic: Full highlights can create a more striking and eye-catching look.
• Lasts longer: Since the highlights are applied to all of your hair, they will take longer to grow out and require less frequent touch-ups.
• Can cover gray hair: Full highlights can be used to cover gray hair, making it a good option for those who want to maintain a youthful appearance.

Cons of Full Highlights:

• More expensive: Full highlights require more bleach and time, making them more expensive than partial highlights.
• More damaging: Since the bleach is applied to all of your hair, full highlights can be more damaging to your hair.
• Can look unnatural: If full highlights are not done correctly, they can look unnatural and harsh.

Which Type of Highlight is Right for You?

The best type of highlight for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you want a subtle, sun-kissed look that is less expensive and damaging, partial highlights are a good option. If you want a more dramatic and noticeable effect, full highlights are a better choice.

Cost: According to the National Cosmetology Association, partial highlights typically cost between $100 and $200, while full highlights can cost anywhere from $200 to $500.

Maintenance: Partial highlights require more frequent touch-ups than full highlights. The frequency with which you need to get touch-ups will depend on how quickly your hair grows and how often you wash it.

Overall Look: Partial highlights create a more natural-looking sun-kissed effect, while full highlights create a more dramatic and noticeable effect. The best way to determine which type of highlight is right for you is to consult with a professional hairstylist.

Which Type of Highlight is More Popular?

According to a survey conducted by the American Hairdressers Association, partial highlights are more popular than full highlights. This is likely due to the fact that partial highlights are less expensive, less damaging, and more versatile.

What is the Process of Getting Highlights?

The process of getting highlights is relatively simple. First, your hair will be divided into sections. The hairstylist will then apply bleach to the sections of hair that you want highlighted. The bleach will be left on for a period of time, depending on the desired level of lightness. Once the bleach has been removed, your hair will be rinsed and conditioned.

How to Care for Highlighted Hair

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