One of the highlights of my life was the first time I had my hair highlighted. (See what I did there?) I was in second grade, sitting in the chair at my grandma's salon as she pulled strands of my hair one by one through a cap with tiny holes in it. It took forever, and it hurt a little, but when it was done, I thought I was the most gorgeous girl in the world. I eventually graduated from pull-through caps to balayage and foils, but a good highlight session is still my favorite thing.
Depending on the highlight idea your stylists execute, you can make your natural color appear richer, add dimension, or brighten up your natural tone. Highlights are also a great stepping stone if you don't feel like changing your shade completely. "Highlights offer that perfect in-between. You can add light, shape, and texture without sacrificing the depth and richness of your natural color. It’s more dimensional, more tailored—and way less maintenance than a full color change," celebrity hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador Jacob Schwartz tells Marie Claire. "Highlights let me customize the brightness to exactly where you want it to go—around the face, through the ends, or just a subtle lift."
