Getting highlights for your hair might be one of the best decisions ever. When done right, they can complement your complexion, make your features look more defined, and boost your confidence. They can make you feel like a whole new person!

However, getting highlights you’ll instantly fall in love with is not easy. Some will grow on you with time, others you might want to get rid of immediately. But with a skilled hair colorist, you won’t have to worry about that.

Here are some tips you should keep in mind, though.

Make Sure Your Skin’s Undertones and Highlights Are in Sync

If you’re unsure how light you need to go, think of your natural hair color as a base. Most hair experts suggest not going more than two or three shades lighter than your natural hair color or the base color. Also, it should stay in the same tonal family.

Choose highlights that work with your skin complexion and don’t make your face look dull. So, for instance, if you’ve got warm undertones (green veins), choose cool shades like beige blonde. On the other hand, if you have cool undertones (blue veins), choose strawberry or buttery blondes instead.

Don’t Overlook Size and Placement

How your highlights are spread out in your hair will greatly affect the overall look. Ideally, you want the lightest and thickest highlights framing your face. From there, they should gradually get darker and thinner toward the crown.

The less the contrast, the better the highlights will look overall. For this, you need to place the highlights closer together.

Choose Symmetry

The haphazard look from balayage looks great for a while, but you can easily get over it in a few days. For a longer lasting appeal, go for something more symmetrical and balanced.

We’d suggest using foils, as it’s one of the most reliable techniques. It can really help you control the lightness, size, and placement of the highlights. Foils will help you achieve a look that’s beautiful and well put together.

Don’t Take the DIY Route

Many people consider giving themselves highlights at home, but we wouldn’t recommend that. Experimenting with your hair is great but damaging them to the point of no return is a very real possibility.

The difference between professional highlights and a DIY job will be very obvious, and it’s just not something you’d want to risk. Moreover, highlights often involve bleach, precision, and mixing two or more colors, i.e., things a professional understands best.

Listen to Your Hair Colorist’s Advice

Choosing to go to a professional hair colorist instead of DIY-ing your way to highlights is a good decision but listening to their advice is even more crucial. They have been doing this for years and have worked on several hair colors and textures. They’re bound to have a fair idea of what would look good on you—let them suggest something for you.

For best results, ask them to show you their work and point out highlight styles that you like so that they have a fair idea of your expectations.

If you need someone you can trust with your hair, come over to HeadRush salon. We’re a beauty salon Glen Cove located in New York, and our hair stylist Glen Cove are some of the best in the city.

Set up an appointment and come discuss your highlight ideas with us.