Hair Coloring Terms and Techniques

Before visiting your salon for a hair color makeover, it's always great to learn some technical lingo, so that you know what to ask for and understand what's going on!

Highlights and Lowlights
These are both essentially the same technique. A weave of hair is colored, but made either lighter or darker. The thinner the strands of highlighter hair, the more natural the look will be. If this is your first time, it's best to start off with really subtle highlights, so that the change is not too overwhelming. If you are happy with the results, experiment with either slightly chunkier or darker or lighter lights for different effects.

Color Slices
These will give a bolder, more defined look and a less natural-looking result, but if you want to make a real style statement and stand out, this is the technique for you. You could initially try some bold, semi-permanent slices that will wash out after a few shampoo applications.

Halo Lights
These are highlights, but not in the traditional sense. The term refers to the placement of the highlights - usually in a T-shaped section on the top of the hair. This creates a flattering glow around the face and it's a great way to 'lift' your style.

Dip-dyeing
Inspired by the art of dip-dyeing clothes, this is where just the very ends of your hair are colored with either subtle or vibrant tones. For dramatic results, go for contrasting color like red ends on dark brown hair.

Block Color
This is an all-over color, from roots to ends. Often has a toner on top to remove or add warmth to the hair, as one color can appear 'flat'.

Paneling
Chunks of color are applied to the hair using foils. Different layers of color are used and the technique often gives a dramatic high-fashion finish.