Tips for Achieving Natural-Looking Highlights

Allure Hair Studio
Nov 17
4 min read

Adding highlights to your hair can brighten your look and add dimension, but achieving natural-looking highlights requires skill and care. Whether you want subtle sun-kissed strands or a more noticeable contrast, the goal is to enhance your hair without making it look artificial or harsh. This guide will walk you through practical tips and expert advice to help you get the most flattering, natural results.

Understanding Natural-Looking Highlights

Natural-looking highlights mimic the way the sun would naturally lighten your hair. They are usually softer, with gradual transitions between your base colour and the lighter strands. To achieve this effect, it’s important to consider your skin tone, hair colour, and the placement of the highlights.

Choose the right shade: Opt for colours that are one to three shades lighter than your natural hair. Avoid stark contrasts that can look unnatural.
Consider your skin tone: Warm skin tones pair well with golden or caramel highlights, while cooler skin tones suit ash or beige tones.
Placement matters: Highlights should frame your face and blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Avoid chunky or overly uniform sections.

By focusing on these elements, you can create a look that enhances your features and feels effortless.

Close-up view of hair strands with subtle sun-kissed highlights — Subtle sun-kissed hair highlights

Subtle highlights that blend naturally with the base hair colour

Techniques for Creating Natural-Looking Highlights

There are several techniques hairstylists use to create natural-looking highlights. Understanding these can help you communicate your preferences clearly and get the best results.

Balayage

Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates soft, graduated highlights. It mimics how the sun naturally lightens hair, with more colour towards the ends and less near the roots. This method is low maintenance and grows out beautifully.

Foil Highlights

Foil highlights involve sectioning hair and applying colour with foils. For a natural look, the highlights should be fine and varied in thickness. Avoid thick, chunky foils that create harsh lines.

Babylights

Babylights are very fine, delicate highlights that add subtle brightness. They are perfect for those who want a barely-there effect that still adds dimension and shine.

Toning

After lightening, toning is essential to neutralise unwanted brassiness and achieve the perfect shade. A toner can add warmth or coolness depending on your desired look.

By choosing the right technique and working with a skilled colourist, you can achieve highlights that look like they were kissed by the sun.

How to Maintain Natural-Looking Highlights

Maintaining your highlights is key to keeping them looking fresh and natural. Here are some tips to help you care for your highlighted hair:

Use colour-safe shampoo and conditioner: These products help preserve the vibrancy of your highlights and prevent fading.
Limit heat styling: Excessive heat can damage hair and cause colour to fade faster. Use heat protectant sprays when styling.
Deep condition regularly: Highlighted hair can be drier, so use a nourishing mask once a week to keep hair healthy and shiny.
Avoid over-washing: Washing hair too often strips natural oils and colour. Aim for 2-3 washes per week.
Schedule regular touch-ups: Depending on your hair growth and highlight style, visit your stylist every 8-12 weeks to refresh your colour.

Following these steps will help your highlights stay vibrant and natural-looking for longer.

Eye-level view of hairdresser applying highlights with foil — Hairdresser applying foil highlights for natural effect

Applying fine foil highlights to create a natural blend

Choosing the Right Stylist for Your Highlights

Finding a stylist who understands how to create natural-looking highlights is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the right professional:

Look for experience: Choose a colourist with a strong portfolio of natural highlight work.
Read reviews: Client feedback can give insight into the stylist’s skill and customer service.
Consult before booking: Discuss your hair goals and ask for their recommendations.
Ask about products: A good stylist uses high-quality, gentle products that protect your hair.
Consider the salon environment: A clean, professional salon with friendly staff makes the experience more enjoyable.

If you want to ensure you get the perfect hair highlights, booking a consultation with a trusted salon is a great first step.

Enhancing Your Highlights with Styling Tips

Once you have your natural-looking highlights, styling can enhance their beauty and make them stand out even more. Here are some easy styling tips:

Use texturising sprays: These add volume and movement, helping highlights catch the light.
Try loose waves: Soft curls create dimension and showcase the different tones in your hair.
Avoid heavy products: Thick creams or gels can weigh hair down and dull the colour.
Protect from the sun: UV rays can fade colour, so use hair products with UV protection or wear a hat outdoors.
Refresh with gloss treatments: A gloss can add shine and tone your highlights between salon visits.

These styling habits will keep your hair looking vibrant and natural every day.

Embracing Your New Look

Natural-looking highlights can transform your appearance, adding brightness and depth without looking overdone. With the right approach, you can enjoy a fresh, sun-kissed look that complements your style and personality.

Remember, the key to success is subtlety, proper technique, and good maintenance. Whether you choose balayage, babylights, or foil highlights, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty with a soft, blended finish.

Take your time to find a skilled stylist and follow these tips to enjoy your highlights for months to come. Your hair will thank you for the care and attention, and you’ll love the effortless glow that natural-looking highlights bring.