Underlayer Highlights: 60+ Subtle Techniques for Depth
Be bold, show color, and enjoy flexibility in your styling with streaked refinement beneath the top layer of hair. From the hidden rainbow to the cleverly placed splash of color, these techniques are waiting to be discovered.
Table of content
Underlights
Underlights are your secret color boost for the hair, perfect for showing off your wild side without causing a stir at the office! Imagine being able to flaunt vibrant rainbow colors – all without compromising the top layer of your hair. This highlighting technique is ideal for adding blonde accents or playing with strong contrasts without overwhelming the overall look. You love changing up your style according to your mood, don't you? With underlights, you can create a look in minutes that can be both hidden and subtle or bold and unique. For a big reveal, simply choose hairstyles that showcase your underlights, or tuck them away elegantly for a professional appearance. A true 2-in-1 wonder of hair artistry!
Chunky Highlights
Chunky highlights are the perfect makeover for your hair if you're in the mood for a true style statement! With their broad, bold streaks, you can add that certain something to your look. They stand out prominently against the base tone of your mane and evoke delight—or they may polarize. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and express your personal style. These block highlights can be up to two fingers wide and can be placed around the face to define and accentuate your look. Whether you want to add a bright color accent or just slightly disrupt your natural hair color, chunky highlights are versatile and cater to your desire for drama. Remember, the colored sections need extra care to keep your hair healthy and the colors vibrant. Use special shampoos and conditioners for colored hair to maintain the brilliance of your highlights. Are you ready to shine with chunky highlights?
Block Highlights
In the world of hairstyles, it's all about bold contrasts right now – be part of it and bring fresh flair to your hair with block highlights! Block highlights, also known as chunky highlights, are making a bold comeback. They emerge from under your top layer and create an impressive, vivid brightness or a strong hint of color in your mane. Unlike subtle techniques like balayage, they give you a daring, clearly visible color experience. To ensure your block highlights last, make sure to use color protection products. They maintain the glamour and brilliance of your new color accents. By the way, block highlights are also excellent for creating the appearance of more volume – a real plus for thin hair. Consult with your stylist about which shades complement your style and get ready for a look that will turn heads!
Effect Highlights
Effect highlights are true transformation artists: They create subtle yet impactful highlights beneath the top layer of hair, which only become visible when you tie your hair into a ponytail or loosely pin it up. This sophisticated hide-and-seek technique results in a surprising play of colors with every movement. Whether in vibrant colors or soft pastels, effect highlights can be perfectly tailored to your individual look. It's important to give your mane the necessary care after the salon visit—moisturizing masks and high-quality oils can help maintain the radiance and smoothness of your highlights.
Zigzag Highlights
Zigzag highlights are like the salt in the soup of your hairstyle: They add that special touch and bring a dose of surprise! Imagine the light dancing through your hair, revealing new, exciting color accents with every movement. You create these untamed flashes by having your stylist work with zigzag sections and place highlights under the top layer of hair. The twist: depending on how you style your hair, the color play changes. Whether you wear a ponytail today, loose waves tomorrow, or a casual bun the day after, a new side of your style is always on display. Sounds like fun, right? Treat your hair to this playful transformation and enjoy the envious glances!
Related styles
Care Tips for Color-Treated Underlayer Hair
Color-treated hair requires special attention to remain healthy and vibrant. If you've opted for underlights, it's essential to preserve the stunning colors while taking care of your hair.
- Avoid washing your hair too frequently to protect the color. If necessary, use lukewarm instead of hot water.
- Invest in a quality conditioner specifically designed for colored hair and use it regularly. It helps maintain color brilliance for a longer time.
- Opt for hair masks that provide moisture. Coloring can make your hair dry and brittle more quickly. A weekly intensive treatment can help remedy this.
- Avoid heat-based styling as much as possible. If you cannot do without a hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron, be sure to use a heat protectant.
- Give your hair a break from time to time and wear it down so that the strands under the top layer can recover.
- Discuss with your hairdresser when it makes sense to re-dye to maintain color intensity without overstraining the hair.
Styling Options to Accentuate Underlights
Underlights offer exciting possibilities when it comes to styling. Depending on the occasion and your mood, you can either highlight or hide them.
- *Half-up Bun*: Perfect for showing off your colorful streaks. Gather the top third of your hair and let the dyed underlayer peek through.
- *Loose Braids*: Braid your hair loosely and let some strands hang free. This plays with light and color, giving a dreamy look.
- *Ponytail*: Pull your hair up into a high ponytail. This way, the underlights stand out beautifully, especially if they contrast with the color of your top hair.
- *Updo with a Twist*: Pin your hair up and incorporate twisted strands to set colorful accents.
- *Side-Swept Style*: Wear your top hair tucked behind one ear and asymmetrically showcase the vibrant underlights on the other side.
Handling Underlights in the Professional Workplace
Underlights are perfect for bringing flexibility to your style in a professional setting. Here are a few tips on how to wear them confidently: - Plan your hairstyle according to your workday. For meetings or formal occasions, you can discreetly hide your underlights with a closed hairstyle. - Use sophisticated hairstyles where color accents only become visible with certain movements to discreetly impress your colleagues. - Consider loose updos that lightly cover your underlights but can reveal a more creative look with a few adjustments if needed. - For a professional look without showing the underlights, sleek styles where the top layer completely covers the colored underlayer are recommended. - If you ever feel like showing off your underlights in the office, choose softer tones for the colored hair that look refined yet still emphasize your individuality.
