Have you ever looked at a head of hair and noticed those soft, subtle ribbons of darker color woven throughout? That beautiful, lived-in dimension is often the handiwork of a coloring technique called low lighting. While highlights brighten and lift, low lights do the opposite, adding depth and shadow for a more natural, multi-dimensional look.
Think of it like this: if your hair is a canvas, highlights are the bright strokes of paint, and low lights are the darker shades that create contrast and make the entire picture pop. It’s a fantastic way to add richness and movement without a drastic, all-over color change.
How Low Lighting Adds Depth to Your Hair
Low lighting works by strategically placing strands that are a shade or two darker than your base color. This creates a beautiful contrast that makes your natural hair color, and any existing highlights, appear brighter and more vibrant. It’s a game of perception; the darker tones make the lighter ones stand out more, resulting in a look that has incredible body and visual interest.
Is Low Lighting Right for You?
This technique is wonderfully versatile. It’s perfect for anyone feeling their color looks a bit flat or one-dimensional. If you have highlights that seem too stark or blonde, adding low lights can soften the effect and create a more blended, sun-kissed appearance. It’s also a great option for those wanting to tone down previously lightened hair or add a touch of richness to faded color.
What to Expect During a Low Light Appointment
When you go for a low light service, your colorist will select a shade that complements your base color. Using foils or a free-hand painting technique, they will carefully section and apply the darker color to specific pieces of hair. The goal is a seamless blend, not a chunky stripe. The process is very similar to getting highlights, but with a darker color palette, and it typically takes about the same amount of time.
Caring for Your Low Lighted Hair
To keep your new dimension looking its best, a color-safe shampoo and conditioner are your best friends. These will help protect the toner and color from fading too quickly. Using a weekly deep conditioning treatment can also help maintain the health and shine of both your natural hair and the newly colored sections.
Low lighting is a subtle yet powerful way to enhance your hair’s natural beauty. By introducing darker tones, it builds a foundation of depth and contrast that makes your entire hairstyle look richer, fuller, and effortlessly beautiful.