How Do I Choose the Best Highlight Colors?

When choosing the most flattering highlight colors, it's best speak to your hair designer for advice before you decide to highlight your hair. You may want to consider your original hair color, your skin tone, and the maintenance required for the different type of highlights. If you want to add definition to fine hair, choose a highlight color in a shade or two lighter than your natural hair color. You may also wish to consider a process known as caramelization, which adds a glossy finish to your highlights. In addition, consider a highlighting technique that will not subject your hair to stress, as traditional bleaching may do.

Several factors should be considered when choosing highlight colors, including maintenance and care. Some highlight colors require more maintenance than others. For instance, if you choose a red shade of highlights, you'll need to re-touch the color more frequently. Even permanent red hair dye tends to fade much faster than other colors. For highlighting in any shade of red, it's best not to do it at home. Enlist a professional hairstylist for your highlighting needs, as she can offer the best solutions and professional results.

Some redheads prefer a warm color of fuchsia for hair highlights. Those with fuchsia highlights should use a shampoo and conditioner designed for chemically treated hair, to avoid damage and fading. In addition, choose a formula that protects against damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Brunette hair often works well with auburn or red highlights. Remember not to overdo, or you may defeat the purpose. Ask your hair stylist to show you photographs of models with these types of highlights so you can get ideas. Consider your skin tone when choosing red highlight colors. If you have olive skin, choose a warm highlight shade such as copper, rather than one of the cooler tones.

If your hair is a medium brown shade, you might consider adding blond highlights. Your stylist might suggest alternating shades of blond, such as ash and sandy blond. This can be a good look for spring and summer, if you want to freshen your hair color without making a drastic change.

Natural blondes may want to try auburn or strawberry blond highlights, then add a few well placed lowlights in a darker shade of blond or brunette. When choosing blonde highlight colors, be cautious about chemicals that are often used. Peroxide may cause damage to the hair shaft, especially when overused.