When you go to the salon, you want to walk out with gorgeous Hair. That’s just a given. Did you know that when you color your hair it’s a collaboration with your colorist to get that perfect shade? Talking to them about the results you want with your hair can help them determine whether highlights, or lowlights are the right decision for you.

There is quite a difference between the two, so think about what your “before” hair looks like and what you want your “after” look to be uniquely you. Beauty in color for hair is truly an art, so here’s all the details you need to know about each of these coloring processes.

What Are Highlights?

Highlights are when a colorist dyes the hair in different strands to make it look sun kissed. Glowing. Radiant. Similar to the color you had as a child when you just played outside. It’s not all over color, it’s strategically placed all around the head, usually near the crown of the head and towards the front. Any color hair can have highlights, even hair that first is processed with an all over color.

For example say you are a strawberry blonde naturally, but as you are getting older your color isn’t as vibrant as it used to be. HIghlights can brighten up your natural shade without being too dramatic. Or you can go the opposite effect and get a very strong differential between your base color and the highlights. It all depends on what you prefer. Most people want expertly placed, subtle highlights that bring a glow to their features. A celebrity examples to look to would be Jennifer Anniston. Her honey “bronde” color with natural looking highlights is a popular request in many salons across America.

What Are Lowlights?

Lowlights are the exact opposite of highlights. It dyes parts of the hair 2-3 shades darker than the base color. It can be really lovely with a rich depth that looks amazing when lowlights are done right.

Sometimes they are added just to balance out the brightness of highlights every other time you get your hair colored. They aren’t as popular in general as highlights, but great examples of celebrities who rocks the lowlight look are Jessica Biel or Kate Beckinsale.