Are you looking to add a pop of color to your hair but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options out there? Don't worry, we've got you covered! When it comes to highlights, there are three main techniques to consider: face-framing, partial, and full highlights. Each of these methods can result in a gorgeous transformation, but it's all about finding the one that suits your style and preferences the most. Ready to dive in and discover the differences between them? Keep reading to find out which highlight technique is the perfect match for you!
Face-Framing Highlights
Face-framing highlights feature delicate strands of lighter hues that are strategically placed at the front of your hair, creating a luminous effect that beautifully accentuates your face. They’re a great way to refresh your look without too much effort – after all, you color just a few strands of hair. Plus, they’re highly customizable, as you can use this technique to see a fun pop of color, not just blonde. Think red, copper, and more!
Face-framing highlights are considered partial highlights since they focus only on certain strands. A great example of this is money-piece hair, which was extremely popular in 2023. Add to that the fact that they are typically less expensive (due to less product being used and quicker application), and you’ve got a great option for a quick and easy glow up.
Partial Highlights
Partial highlights typically refer to a half head of highlights – between a face-framing highlight and full highlight.
Partial highlights are a great way to add dimension and lightness to your hair without straying too far from your natural color or ending up with too much of a solid blonde look.
Full Highlights
Full highlights are applied all over, from top to bottom. This will achieve the most lightness throughout your hair, including the back and underside of your hair.
Understanding the Difference Between Each Service
Okay, so we’ve explained the basics of face-framing highlights vs. full and partial highlights, but we didn’t delve into too much detail – let’s change that! We’ll start with the pros and cons of each, and then move on to some gorgeous ideas you can bring to your colorist at your next visit to a Hair Color Bar!
Face-Framing Highlights
Face-framing highlights are great because they are less expensive, quicker to apply, and require less maintenance. There is also the benefit of less chemical processing on the hair since fewer sections are being lightened. It’s perfect if you want to give your hair some rest after a period of more extensive highlighting or bleaching.
A downside to face-framing highlights is that they are only focused on select strands or areas of the hair, so the least amount of coverage or lightness is achieved. But if that’s the look you’re going for, it’s a great choice to help brighten the strands around your face.
Partial Highlights
Partial highlights are typically the go-to for adding overall lightness through the top and front of your hair without doing a full head of highlights.
On the other hand, since partial highlights typically aren’t applied to the underside of your hair, the lightness will not be as visible if you often wear your hair in a ponytail or bun.
Full Highlights
Full highlights are something to consider if you are looking for a much lighter result overall, or you want to lighten the underside of your hair as well as the top, sides, and back of your crown.
Keep in mind that you typically do not need to get full highlights every time you highlight your hair. Since the regrowth underneath is not as noticeable as it is through the top and front, it may be best to alternate between face-framing, partial, and full highlights.
