Partial vs Full Highlights: A Guide to the Best Look for Your Hair

Partial Highlights vs Full Highlights

When it comes to highlighting your hair, there are two main options: partial highlights and full highlights. Both techniques can create beautiful, natural-looking results, but there are some key differences between the two.

Partial Highlights

Partial highlights are a great option if you want to add some subtle dimension and brightness to your hair without making a major change. This technique involves highlighting only a few strands of hair, usually around the face and crown. Partial highlights are less noticeable than full highlights, and they can be a good way to test out the look before committing to a more drastic change.

Full Highlights

Full highlights involve highlighting all of the hair on your head. This technique creates a more dramatic look, and it can be a good way to lighten your hair overall or add some bold streaks of color. Full highlights require more maintenance than partial highlights, and they can be more damaging to your hair.

Which Technique is Right for You?

The best way to decide which highlighting technique is right for you is to consider your hair type, your desired look, and your budget. Partial highlights are a good option for people with fine or thin hair, as they can add volume and dimension without weighing the hair down. Full highlights are a better choice for people with thicker hair who want a more dramatic look.

Cost

The cost of highlights varies depending on the length of your hair, the number of highlights you want, and the salon you go to. Partial highlights typically cost less than full highlights, but they may require more frequent touch-ups.

Maintenance

Partial highlights require less maintenance than full highlights. You can usually go 6-8 weeks between touch-ups, depending on how quickly your hair grows. Full highlights may need to be touched up every 4-6 weeks.

Damage

Both partial and full highlights can damage your hair, but full highlights are more likely to cause breakage and dryness. It is important to use a deep conditioner and heat protectant spray to help minimize damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Going too light. When choosing a highlight color, it is important to stay within two shades of your natural hair color. Going too light can make your hair look brassy and unnatural.
2. Getting too many highlights. Too many highlights can make your hair look over-processed and damaged. It is important to find a balance between adding dimension and keeping your hair healthy.
3. Not using a deep conditioner. Deep conditioning is essential for keeping highlighted hair healthy and hydrated. Use a deep conditioner at least once a week to help repair damage and prevent breakage.
4. Not using a heat protectant spray. Heat protectant spray helps to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat styling. Always use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools on your hair.

FAQs

1. How long do highlights last?
   Highlights typically last for 6-8 weeks, but this can vary depending on your hair type and how quickly your hair grows.
2. Can I highlight my hair at home?
   It is possible to highlight your hair at home, but it is not recommended for beginners. It is important to have the proper tools and training to avoid damaging your hair.
3. How much do highlights cost?
   The cost of highlights varies depending on the length of your hair, the number of highlights you want, and the salon you go to. Partial highlights typically cost less than full highlights, but they may require more frequent touch-ups.
4. What is the difference between partial highlights and full highlights?
   Partial highlights involve highlighting only a few strands of hair, usually around the face and crown. Full highlights involve highlighting all of the hair on your head.
5. Which highlighting technique is right for me?
   The best way to decide which highlighting technique is right for you is to consider your hair type, your desired look, and your budget.
6. How can I avoid damaging my hair when highlighting it?
   It is important to use a deep conditioner and heat protectant spray to help minimize damage. You should also avoid going too light or getting too many highlights.