I used to think that if I wanted highlights on my dark hair, I’d have to go all out. Like, full-on bleach-blonde, say goodbye to my shiny strands, right?
Well, thank goodness for my trusty stylist, who swooped in and saved my hair! She suggested starting with half head highlights to ease into the lighter look without the damage.
At first, I wasn’t sure how subtle highlights would really show up. But let me tell you, when I saw the result, I was so happy.
It gave me that glow-up I craved without the frazzle—and my hair still felt healthy.
If you’re thinking about making a change but want to avoid the full-bleach plunge, half head highlights might just be your hair’s new best friend.
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Table of Contents
- What Are Half Head Highlights?
- Half Head Highlights vs. Full Head Highlights
- 7 On-Trend Half Head Highlight Ideas You’ll Love
- Are Half Head Highlights Right for You?
- How to Choose the Right Color for Your Half Head Highlights
- Will Half Head Highlights Work For Gray Coverage?
- How Long Do Half Head Highlights Last?
- Caring for Your Half Head Highlights
- Final Thoughts
- Our Research & Review Process
- Authors
What Are Half Head Highlights?
Half head highlights (aka partial highlights) are a partial technique where only the top section of your hair—typically the crown, sides, and front—are lightened, leaving the bottom layers natural.
This method gives your hair a touch of brightness without going full blonde bombshell, which is great for keeping things low-maintenance and less damaging.
They’re ideal if you want to try highlights for the first time or if you’re looking for a change that doesn’t require hours in the salon chair.
Plus, the grow-out process is super subtle, making it perfect for those who don’t want to rush back for root touch-ups every few weeks.
Expert Insights
“Start slow! Going from dark to light too quickly can cause serious damage. Half head highlights allow for a gradual transition, keeping your hair healthy and strong.”
– Sophia Hilton, Founder of Not Another Salon
Half Head Highlights vs. Full Head Highlights
So, what’s the difference between half and full head highlights?
- Half head highlights: Lighten only the top layers and sides, making it a more natural, low-maintenance look.
- Full head highlights: Lightens all over for a bolder, more dramatic change that requires more frequent upkeep.
Here’s a quick rundown of the differences:
7 On-Trend Half Head Highlight Ideas You’ll Love
If you’re ready for some inspo, here are seven on-trend half head highlight ideas that are chef’s kiss. These looks will have you strutting out of the salon like the hair queen you are!
#1 Honey Caramel Highlights
Warm, golden honey tones that blend seamlessly with dark brunette hair, giving it that perfect sun-kissed glow.
The caramel adds dimension while still keeping your overall look low-maintenance.
Expert Insights
“Caramel tones work beautifully with warmer skin tones, bringing out the golden hues in your complexion.”
– Zara Kenyon, Wella Professionals.
#2 Ash Blonde Babylights
If you’re craving a lighter, cooler look but want to keep it subtle, ask your stylist for ash blonde babylights.
These ultra-fine highlights create a soft shimmer effect without an overly dramatic contrast.
#3 Mocha Balayage
Perfect for brunettes! Mocha balayage adds ribbons of lighter chocolate tones throughout the top of your hair, giving it depth and texture without a drastic color shift.
#4 Copper Tones
For redheads or those with warmer complexions, copper half head highlights are the ultimate fall hair trend. This fiery tone adds vibrancy while still looking natural.
Expert Insights
“Copper highlights really enhance warmer skin tones. Plus, they bring an effortless brightness that doesn’t need constant upkeep.”
–Marie Thompson, Hair Color Expert at Strand Lock.
#5 Sandy Blonde with Root Blur
This look creates a smooth transition between darker roots and sandy blonde tips, making it look like you’ve just come back from the beach.
Bonus: It’s one of the lowest maintenance looks out there!
#6 Hazelnut Highlights
Hazelnut highlights work beautifully on brunettes by adding a touch of warmth and richness to the top layers, giving your hair that luxe, dimensional effect.
#7 Golden Blonde with Honey Lowlights
This blend of golden blonde highlights with honey lowlights adds a soft, glowing contrast that keeps your hair looking natural yet vibrant.
It’s perfect for blondes who want a little more depth.
Are Half Head Highlights Right for You?
If you’re thinking about refreshing your look without a full transformation, half head highlights could be exactly what you need. Here’s a simplified breakdown of who they’re best for and why:
Hair Type & Texture:
- Thin or Fine Hair: Adds volume and dimension without weighing your hair down or causing damage, since only the top layers are lightened.
- Thick or Textured Hair: Provides a subtle, multi-dimensional look that enhances depth while keeping the natural texture intact.
Color Intensity:
- Subtle, Natural Look: Perfect for those wanting a soft, sun-kissed glow. The highlights are focused around the top and face-framing areas for a natural brightness.
- Bold Change: Want something more dramatic? You can still achieve a striking contrast with higher contrast shades or by combining half head highlights with balayage or ombré.
Face Shape & Style:
- Face Framing: Highlights can be placed strategically to enhance your facial features. Great for elongating round faces or softening the look of oval and heart-shaped faces.
Lifestyle Preferences:
- Low Maintenance: If you have a busy lifestyle, half head highlights are perfect because they require less frequent salon visits. The grow-out is more subtle, so your color will look great for longer.
What’s Great About Half Head Highlights
Lower Maintenance: Because you’re only highlighting the top and sides, regrowth is less noticeable, meaning fewer touch-ups are needed.
Time-Saving: Takes less time to apply than full highlights, so your salon appointments are quicker (and less expensive)!
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Half Head Highlights
Choosing the perfect color for your half head highlights comes down to three things: your current base color, your skin tone, and how dramatic you want the change to be.
- For Brunettes: Stick with caramel, honey, or mocha tones for a natural lift that won’t feel too dramatic.
- For Blondes: Golden or sandy blonde shades are great for a sun-kissed vibe. Want something cooler? Go for ash blonde or platinum touches.
- For Redheads: Play up your fiery locks with copper or strawberry blonde highlights to add a bit of flair.
Expert Insights
“If you want a natural, sun-kissed effect, keep your highlights within two shades of your natural color.”
– Oliver Greene, Master Stylist at Strand & Lock
Will Half Head Highlights Work For Gray Coverage?
Absolutely! Half head highlights can blend gray hairs beautifully without needing to color your whole head.
Cooler tones like ash blonde are perfect for blending grays, while warmer shades, like caramel, can soften the contrast between grays and your natural color
How Long Do Half Head Highlights Last?
You’ll typically get a solid 6-8 weeks of glow before your highlights start to grow out.
But here’s the great news—because half head highlights focus only on the top and sides, the regrowth is much less obvious compared to full highlights
If you want to keep your look fresh between appointments, ask your stylist about a T-section touch-up—a quick top-up for just your parting and crown area
Caring for Your Half Head Highlights
After you’ve had your highlights done, show your hair some love! Here’s how to keep it looking fresh and fabulous:
- Sulfate-free shampoo: This will help preserve your color without stripping your hair. Try: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, which is designed for color-treated hair and infused with ingredients that moisturize without fading your color
- Purple shampoo: If you’ve gone blonde, this is your go-to for keeping brassiness at bay.Try: Fanola No Yellow Shampoo, a go-to for toning brassiness in blonde and lightened hair
- Deep conditioning treatments: Keep your hair hydrated to avoid breakage and dryness. Try: Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, a cult favorite for restoring strength and moisture to damaged hair
- Cool water rinses: Hot water can fade color faster, so stick to cooler temperatures when washing your hair.
- Heat protectant spray: If you can’t skip the hot tools, be sure to protect your locks first! Try: Ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray, a lightweight product that shields your hair from heat damage up to 446°F
Expert Insights
“Treat your highlighted hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week to keep it soft, shiny, and damage-free.”
– Enza Piazza, Hair Stylist & Color Consultant
Final Thoughts
Half head highlights are a fantastic option if you want to add brightness and dimension to your hair without the upkeep of full highlights.
Whether you’re going for something soft and subtle or rich and warm, there’s a half head highlight look out there to suit your style.
And trust me, once you see those sun-kissed strands catching the light, you’ll be hooked! Ready for your glow-up? Time to book that appointment!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
