You’ve probably heard the term “lowlights” before, but what exactly are they and how do they work? Your stylist will use a foil highlight technique or even a balayage to add in a color that is several shades darker than your base color to achieve lowlights. Hence, the same methods are used to create lowlights and highlights; the only distinction is whether the colored strands are lighter or darker than the base color.

Gorgeous color transformations can be achieved by blending highlights and lowlights to create contrast and dimension. Continue reading for the most effective lowlights vs. highlights examples and a thorough guide on enhancing your hair color with lowlights.

When Hair with Lowlights Is a Good Idea

There are several reasons why getting hair lowlights would be desirable. Sometimes all you want to do is give your highlighted hair more depth. In this instance, a darker hue will enhance the visibility of the lighter highlights. This is a common occurrence with today’s highly fashionable modern dimensional colors.

Take a look at this blonde hair sample that has no lowlights. It has less depth and a more solid appearance.

Watch now as the lowlights bring it to life. The darker shade makes the lighter ones appear brighter next to it.

If you have really light or brassy hair from the summer sun, a colorist may also suggest getting lowlights to fix your hair color. With the help of lowlights, you can get rid of some brass and give your mane a lovely, natural look.

Women who frequently get blonding and who have had highlights applied in a row may also need to return to their initial dimension. If so, you can restore some of your natural hair color by adding lowlights.

Adding waves or curls to your hair will help your lowlights stand out more when styling it. Your highlights and lowlights will not be as noticeable if you wear your hair straight.

View the top looks that have highlights and lowlights that you may want to imitate!

1. Brown Hair with Highlights and Lowlights

Balayage offers a natural look, adding lowlights for dimension. This style combines traditional brown balayage with highlights and lowlights.

2. Brown Lowlights

Foilayage creates dimension for brunettes, mimicking balayage with teasing to achieve lighter blonde tones. Lowlights are added for dimension and to enhance blonde highlights.

3. Caramel Lowlights

For fall, caramel lowlights tone down highlights, creating a warm, dimensional caramel look perfect for the season.

4. Icy Blonde Highlights with Lowlights

Natural brunettes transitioning to blonde can use lowlights and root shadowing to add depth and make blonde tones pop, requiring multiple sessions for a light blonde result.

5. Natural Redhead with Brighter Red Lowlights

Highlights and lowlights enhance natural red hair, adding dimension and richness. Brighter red lowlights complement golden blonde highlights for an intricate look.

6. Burgundy Lowlights with Copper Highlights

Burgundy and copper tones bring warmth to brown hair, enhancing olive skin tones. Highlights and lowlights create a vibrant, dimensional effect.

7. Lowlights to Add Depth to Blonde Hair

Leaving depth beneath blonde highlights enhances their appearance, making hair look lighter overall. Natural blondes can achieve a lighter look with lowlights, creating dimension.

8. Ash Lowlights for Cool Hair Color

Darker ash tones complement icy blonde highlights, maintaining a cool overall look. Adding both cool-toned highlights and brown lowlights achieves dimension and eliminates warmth.

9. High Contrast Face-Framing Highlights

Placing lowlights behind face-framing highlights creates a bold blonde effect around the face, enhancing dimension and contrast.

10. Lowlights for Gray Hair

Lowlights are used for gray blending, with cool-toned highlights and lowlights close to natural color. Regular toning sessions and purple shampoo at home help maintain the look.