Planning Your Next Hair Color: Incorporating Lowlights into Your Style

When it comes to refreshing your hair color, choosing the right technique and shades can make all the difference. One of the most popular ways to add depth, dimension, and richness to your hair is by incorporating lowlights. Whether you’re looking to soften your highlights or add contrast to your natural color, lowlights can elevate your overall style and give your hair a more multi-tonal and natural look.

In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to plan your next hair color appointment, with a specific focus on incorporating lowlights into your style. We’ll explore the different types of lowlights, how to select the right shades for your hair, and tips for maintaining your lowlights for long-lasting, beautiful results.

What Are Lowlights?

Before we dive into the specifics of incorporating lowlights into your hair color, let’s first define what lowlights are. Lowlights are darker shades of color applied to sections of your hair. They are placed underneath the highlights or natural color, adding contrast and dimension. While highlights are lighter than your base color, lowlights are typically darker, creating a multi-dimensional effect that makes your hair look fuller, more vibrant, and more textured.

Unlike highlights, which often require regular touch-ups, lowlights are a great way to achieve a natural, low-maintenance look. They are also ideal for people who want to soften the effects of highlights or make their hair look richer without changing the base color too drastically.

Why You Should Consider Lowlights for Your Next Hair Color Appointment

Lowlights offer a variety of benefits that can enhance your hair in ways that highlights alone can’t. Here’s why you should consider adding lowlights to your next hair color appointment:

1. Adds Depth and Dimension

Lowlights are a fantastic way to add depth and dimension to flat or one-dimensional hair. If your hair color feels lackluster or too flat, lowlights can create a more voluminous, multi-tonal effect. This makes your hair look fuller and more lively.

2. Creates a More Natural Look

If you have highlights that are too stark or contrasting with your natural color, lowlights can help soften the overall effect. They blend beautifully with your natural shade, providing a more cohesive and natural look. Lowlights work especially well if you have light blonde hair and want to create the effect of sun-kissed hair without the harsh contrast of traditional highlights.

3. Low Maintenance

Unlike highlights that need frequent touch-ups, lowlights require less maintenance. Because they are usually closer to your natural color, the grow-out is more seamless, and you won’t have noticeable roots as quickly. This makes lowlights an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance color option.

4. Adds Richness

If your hair color feels dull or lacks vibrancy, incorporating lowlights can inject some richness and shine into your hair. Whether you're looking to add a few darker pieces or completely transform your hair with a new color, lowlights can give your hair that glossy, vibrant finish.

How to Incorporate Lowlights into Your Style

When planning your hair color appointment, incorporating lowlights involves more than just picking a shade. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to approach this process and ensure your lowlights complement your natural color and overall style:

Step 1: Consider Your Base Color

The first thing to consider when incorporating lowlights is your natural hair color. If you have blonde hair, you’ll want to choose lowlight shades that blend seamlessly with your light locks. If you’re a brunette, you can opt for deeper lowlights that create rich contrast.

For example:

• Blonde hair: Caramel, honey, or soft brown lowlights work best.

• Brunette hair: Dark chocolate or espresso lowlights will add a bold contrast.

• Red hair: Auburn or burgundy lowlights can enhance the richness of red tones.

Step 2: Select the Right Shade

The key to successful lowlights is choosing a shade that complements your natural color and enhances your style. Lowlights should be darker than your natural color, but they don’t have to be extreme. Opt for a color that is about 1-3 shades darker than your base color for a soft, natural effect.

Here’s how to select the right shade:

• Blonde hair: Warm brown, caramel, or light mocha.

• Brunette hair: Dark brown, chocolate, or deep espresso.

• Red hair: Auburn, burgundy, or deep mahogany.

Step 3: Decide on the Placement

Lowlights can be applied in different ways depending on the effect you want to achieve:

• All-over lowlights: For a full, dimensional look, your stylist may apply lowlights throughout your hair, creating an overall deep, multi-tonal effect.

• Face-framing lowlights: To add depth around your face, lowlights can be placed near the hairline. This creates a softer, flattering look, particularly for people with light or medium-colored hair.

• Root lowlights: This method is ideal for blending highlights with your natural color, especially if you're trying to soften a grow-out line. The darker roots transition naturally into the lighter ends, creating a more seamless blend.

Step 4: Consider Your Desired Outcome

Think about the overall look you want to achieve. Do you want a subtle enhancement, or are you looking for a more bold contrast? If you want to add more depth without changing your overall color too much, opt for softer lowlights in shades that are close to your natural color. For a more dramatic effect, you can go darker with more defined lowlights.

Maintaining Your Lowlights: Tips for Long-Lasting Results

Once you’ve incorporated lowlights into your hair, it’s essential to maintain the color for the best results. Here are some tips for keeping your lowlights vibrant and healthy:

1. Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

To preserve the vibrancy of your lowlights, use color-safe shampoos and conditioners that won’t strip your hair of its color. These products are specifically designed to protect color-treated hair and help maintain the richness of your lowlights.

2. Limit Heat Styling

Excessive use of heat can cause color to fade more quickly. If possible, try to limit heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. If you must use them, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.

3. Get Regular Touch-Ups

While lowlights require less maintenance than highlights, it’s still important to get regular touch-ups to keep your color looking fresh. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, aim to schedule an appointment every 8-10 weeks to maintain the look.

4. Deep Condition Regularly

Color-treated hair can become dry, so it’s important to keep your strands hydrated. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to nourish your hair and keep it looking healthy and shiny.

Conclusion: Why Lowlights Are a Perfect Addition to Your Hair Color

Incorporating lowlights into your hair color is a great way to add depth, dimension, and a more natural, multi-tonal look. Whether you’re looking to soften your highlights, add richness to your natural color, or create a dramatic contrast, lowlights are the perfect solution for a versatile and customizable style.

When planning your next hair color appointment, consider adding lowlights to complement your natural hair color and enhance your overall look. By selecting the right shade and placement, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result that complements your unique style.

Book your next appointment today and discover how lowlights can transform your hair into a stunning, dimensional masterpiece!