Half Head Highlights

What to expect at your appointment

Your stylist will start with a quick chat about the look you're after, check your hair history, and talk through placement and tone. Then:

• Sectioning and application: Fine strands are woven or sliced from the top half of your head, then wrapped in foils with lightener or painted freehand depending on the effect you want
• Processing: The colour develops for around 30–45 minutes (timing varies by your hair and the shade you're going for)
• Rinse and tone: Once rinsed, a toner is applied to refine the colour, cool any warmth, and blend everything beautifully
• Finish: Shampoo, condition, and blow-dry to show off your new dimension

The whole service takes around 75 minutes, though thicker or longer hair can take a little longer. We also offer a free 15-minute consultation for new clients if you'd like to chat through options before booking.

Who it suits (and who might want something else)

Half head highlights work brilliantly if you:

• Want brightness around your face but are happy for the underneath to stay richer and darker
• Prefer a softer, lower-maintenance result than a full head of foils
• Are looking to add movement and tone without a full colour commitment
• Like the idea of highlights that grow out more naturally

If you want light colour all through—including the layers underneath—a full head of highlights will give you more coverage. And if you're after a really soft, hand-painted finish with no foils, balayage might be your best bet. Your stylist can talk you through what will work for your hair and the look you have in mind.

Keeping your colour fresh

Because lightened hair needs a bit more love, here's how to make your highlights last:

• Use a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner—we stock and use Keune at the salon, and the team can recommend what suits your hair
• Wash less often if you can (dry shampoo is your friend) to help preserve tone and moisture
• Apply a hydrating mask weekly, especially if your hair feels dry
• Protect from heat with a spray or serum before styling
• Book a toner or gloss top-up between highlight appointments to keep your colour looking fresh—toner can fade over a few weeks, especially if you wash frequently

Most clients come back for a root touch-up or full refresh every 8–12 weeks, depending on how much regrowth they're comfortable with. The darker base underneath means regrowth is often less obvious than with a full head, so you've got a bit more flexibility.

Tailoring the technique

No two half heads look the same. Your stylist can adjust:

• Placement: More around the face for a bold frame, or evenly distributed for all-over softness
• Thickness: Fine babylights for subtle sun-kissed tone, or chunkier weaves for more contrast
• Tone: Cool icy blondes, warm honey tones, or anything in between
• Combination work: Add a root shadow for depth, or blend with balayage for a softer finish

Bring a few inspiration photos if you have them—it really helps, especially if you're trying highlights for the first time or switching up your usual look. And if you've had previous colour (especially box dye or dark tints), do mention it—it affects what's safely achievable in one visit. Our stylists are trained and experienced (we're a Keune Ambassador salon, and the team regularly attends training and industry events), so they'll work with your hair's history to get the best result without compromising condition.