Highlights vs Lowlights: What’s the Difference?

Which Do I Choose - Highlights or Lowlights?

If you're looking for a way to add dimension, movement and a multi-dimensional finish to your hair, you’ve probably come across highlights and lowlights. At Studio 74 Salon in Peterborough, these two colour techniques are some of the most popular ways to transform your look — but they create very different results depending on whether you want to go lighter, deeper, or both.

Call us today to book your appointment 01733 577 599 or book online.

full head of lowlights in blonde hair peterborough
full head blonde highlights on long hair at studio 74 salon in peterborough
lowlights on brunette long hair at studio 74 hair salon in peterborough

Highlights Make Hair Lighter & Brighter

Highlights are created by weaving sections of hair and colouring them lighter than your natural shade. At Studio 74 Salon, Peterborough, they can be tailored from soft, fine weaves for a sun-kissed effect to bolder placements for a more statement look. The goal is to add brightness, movement, and a lighter overall finish.

Lowlights Add Depth & Richness

Lowlights do the opposite. Instead of lifting the hair, sections are coloured darker than your base tone. This adds richness, contrast and depth, helping to create a more multi-dimensional colour result. It’s a great option if hair looks too light or needs more tonal depth and definition.

Weave Size & Placement Changes the Result

At Studio 74 Salon in Peterborough, both highlights and lowlights are fully customised. Fine weaves create soft, blended movement, while thicker sections or bold colour slices give a stronger, more dramatic effect. This flexibility allows your stylist to create anything from subtle dimension to high-impact colour.

Hair Health & Maintenance

Maintaining healthy hair is essential for long-lasting colour. Highlights typically require more maintenance, with regrowth becoming visible every 6–8 weeks. Lowlights can sometimes be lower maintenance depending on placement and tone. Using professional colour care products helps keep hair strong, shiny and vibrant between appointments.

Combining Highlights and Lowlights for Multi-Dimensional Colour

Many clients at Studio 74 Salon, Peterborough choose a combination of highlights and lowlights to create natural movement and a truly multi-dimensional finish. This blended approach avoids flat colour and gives a softer, more lived-in result that grows out beautifully.

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between highlights and lowlights depends on the result you want. Highlights give a brighter, lighter appearance, while lowlights create richer, deeper tones. If you want the best of both, combining them delivers balanced dimension and movement.

Not sure what suits you? The team at Studio 74 Salon, Peterborough can help you choose the perfect colour placement based on your hair type, lifestyle and maintenance routine.

Book Your Colour Appointment Online Today

 Call us on 01733 577 599 or book online.