The key to achieving the best hair highlights is getting a natural-looking result. The colour should subtly add radiance to your hair and face, increase the impression of volume and create healthy shine, all while looking as if you've simply spent a few days in the sun. Here are four of our favourite ways of using high
Beige blonde balayage
We melt for this icy beige blonde balayage that's sure to keep you cool whatever the temperature outside. The key to these highlights is that they start right at the roots, combining different neutral and cool shades of blonde all the way down to the tips. The result is an ultra-professional chic hair colour that gives volume and dimension; perfect if you've got naturally thin hair.
Top tip: If you have thin hair, layers can give you thicker-looking locks. It doesn't mean you can't have blunt ends, though. Ask your stylist about working in some subtle layering around the face, and opt for a slightly off-centre part to create more movement in the hair.
Caramel brown hair with highlights
If you prefer your colour to look completely natural with just a hint of sunkissed gold, try these caramel shades placed expertly down the lengths. The colour blends in beautifully with darker hair, subtly lifting the entire look. It can also be a great way of discreetly transitioning to an all-over lighter colour. Your hair colourist will take your natural skin tone and hair colour into consideration when picking the best shades for your look, because not everyone suits the same tones.
Top tip: to give longer hair a glossy yet natural shine without it looking greasy, rub just a few drops of hair serum in your palms, then stroke down the lengths of the hair. This will catch the light as you move, and help keep the hair cuticles moisturised.
Ombré for mid-length wavy hair
Give your mid-length hair some personality with a wavy blonde ombré. Dark at the roots, blonde at the tips, your ombré doesn't have to be symmetrical all the way round. Bring the sunshine to your face with highlights around the cheek and jaw level that then fade slightly at the back, for a less intense colour demarcation all the way round. Wavy hair looks best with these highlights, as the different colours weave around one another and the light reflects off the blonde sections.
Top tip: If you're not a naturally curly girl, try incorporating (a 2-in-1 gel and cream) into your hair before styling. It provides up to 72 hours of defined bouncy curls with a soft touch.
Blonde balayage for dark hair
Those with darker hair will often shy away from highlights (especially blonde ones) because they're worried it'll look unnatural, but in truth this is where the artistry of your hair colourist comes in. Even black hair with highlights can look beautifully effortless. The trick is about keeping the highlights where the sun would naturally hit the hair, focusing on the front layers, and using a wide spectrum of colours, from dark caramel to brighter blonde, all in the same tone (warm or cool). Long glossy waves will help merge all the colours together, for a stunning polychromatic look that shimmers in the light.
Top tip: The longer your hair, the heavier it becomes, and risks losing volume and vitality. To prevent this, use a colour-protecting shampoo and a conditioner that don't weigh down the hair fibre but still provide nourishment and protection. Series Expert offers , a haircare collection specifically for highlighted hair that boosts colour while also reviving the hair itself.
