Half-head highlights provide a subtle yet impactful way to refresh your hairstyle without the commitment of a full head of highlights. This versatile and low-maintenance colouring technique is extremely popular adding brightness, texture, and dimension to the hair.
Looking to refresh your style without committing to a full head of highlights? Our experienced stylists at Rush are always available to help you achieve the perfect look. They take into consideration important factors such as hair type, skin tone, and personal preferences.
What Are Half-Head Highlights?
Half-head highlights involve lightening the top layer of hair and the sections around the face while leaving the layers underneath in their natural colour. This technique creates a beautifully blended and dimensional look that feels fresh and subtle.
To apply half-head highlights, the process starts by sectioning off the top half of the hair and applying colour to this area using foils or painted freehand. By focusing on 50% of the hair, half-head highlights provide a more subtle and natural result, as well as a lower maintenance option compared to a full head of highlights.
Rush Colour Consultant and Artistic Team Member Kirsty Judge explains, “Half-head highlights are a fantastic option for anyone looking to refresh and brighten their look without undergoing a complete colour transformation. They are extremely flattering and versatile, making them a very popular choice.”
How Are Half-Head Highlights Different from Full-Head Highlights?
Half head
Full head
Coverage: A key difference between full-head and half-head highlights is the level of coverage. Full-head highlights involve applying colour to every layer of hair, creating an overall brightened effect. In contrast, half-head highlights focus on the top layers and most visible layers.
Time: Because there are fewer sections of hair to work on, a half-head of highlights takes less time to apply, making the process quicker. On the other hand, full-head highlights take more time since they cover every layer. Additionally, half-head highlights tend to grow out more gracefully than full highlights, which can lead to fewer salon visits and less upkeep.
Effect: The overall effect is another key difference. Half-head highlights provide a more subtle change, adding brightness and dimension to the top layers for a soft, sun-kissed finish. In contrast, full-head highlights result in a more dramatic and uniform look, ideal for anyone who fancies a change with a bold all-over colour transformation.
How Are Half-Head Highlights Different from Partial Highlights?
Partial Highlights
Half-head Highlights
Coverage: A key difference between half-head highlights and partial highlights is the level of coverage. Half-head highlights focus on the top layer of the hair, offering a broader application. In contrast, partial highlights are more strategic and typically involve applying colour to only select sections of hair, usually focusing on the areas that frame the face.
Effect: The overall effect of the two techniques also differs. Half-head highlights provide more uniform brightness across the top layers, making them perfect for adding texture and dimension. On the other hand, partial highlights offer a focused, face-framing glow, making them ideal for clients who desire a subtle enhancement.
How Are T-section Highlights Different from Half-Head Highlights?
T-Section Highlights
Half-Head Highlights
Coverage: T-Section highlights cover just the top section of the head, focusing on the crown and parting areas for a more subtle, natural effect. Half-head highlights extend lower, covering 50% of the hair, including the sides and back, creating more depth and a multi-dimensional look.
Effect: T-Section highlights are great for a minimal, sun-kissed glow or blending regrowth with a soft understated finish, half-head highlights provide a more noticeable contrast and depth, making them a good choice for someone looking for a brighter, multi-dimensional effect without the commitment of a full head of colour.
If you’re considering half-head highlights for a more natural, low-maintenance look, book your half head highlights appointment at Rush today.
Who Should Choose Half-Head Highlights?
A half head of highlights can be an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their hair with a natural and subtle effect, without the commitment of a full head of colour. This technique allows you to add brightness and dimension while requiring less upkeep. Here are some additional benefits:
Lower Maintenance: If you prefer a colour refresh that requires fewer salon visits, a half-head of highlights could be the perfect choice.
Subtle Brightening: If you want to enhance your natural colour without making a dramatic change, you may appreciate the soft, blended effect of half highlights.
Layered Hairstyles: This technique can complement layered hair beautifully by adding depth and movement.
Seung Ki Baek, a Stylist within Rush Espom and a member of the Rush Artistic Team recommends half-head highlights as a practical option for clients. He explains “Half-head highlights are perfect for clients who want a refreshed, brighter look without committing to a full head of colour. They add just the right amount of dimension and brightness to the hair, giving a natural finish that is easy to maintain.”
Think half-head highlights are the perfect match for your style? Check out our expert services on half head highlights and book a consultation with one of our experienced stylists.
Key Considerations When Choosing Half-Head Highlights
Hair Type and Length
When considering half-head highlights, it’s important to take your hair type and length into account. This technique works particularly well on medium to long hair, as it adds dimension without overwhelming the natural flow. Whether your hair is light, or dark, half-head highlights can enhance your base colour, giving your hair subtle brightness and depth. By focusing on the top layers, the highlights blend seamlessly with your natural shade, creating a soft, multi-dimensional effect.
Desired Outcome
Before choosing half-head highlights, it’s helpful to think about the look you want to achieve. This technique is ideal for anyone seeking subtle lightening and a more natural, sun-kissed appearance. Half-head highlights are great for adding brightness without changing the overall colour dramatically, giving your hair a gentle lift while maintaining a natural feel. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their hair without committing to a bold transformation.
Maintenance
One of the standout benefits of half-head highlights is the low maintenance aspect. Since only the top layers are highlighted, regrowth is less noticeable, and the transition is much smoother compared to a full head of highlights. This makes half-head highlights a practical option for those who prefer fewer salon visits and a more relaxed hair care routine.
Consider Your Skin Tone
When choosing half-head highlights, it’s also important to consider your skin tone. The right shade can complement your complexion and enhance your overall look. Whether you have warm or cool undertones, selecting a colour that works well with your skin tone will ensure a natural, flattering result. For guidance on how to choose the best colour for your undertones, take a look at our guide to choosing hair colour based on your skin tone and undertone.
Choosing the Right Colour for Half-Head Highlights
Choosing the right shade for your half-head highlights is all about finding a look that flatters your skin tone and suits your personal style. Tina Farey, Rush Editorial Director and founding member of the Art Team, shares her expert advice: “The key is to work with your skin tone. Warm undertones shine with golden, caramel, or honey blondes, while cooler tones suit ash or pearl shades beautifully. But it’s also about reflecting your personal style—whether you prefer a more subtle, natural look or something a bit bolder, your highlights should always feel like a true extension of who you are.”
Benefits of Half-Head Highlights
Half-head highlights are the perfect choice for anyone looking to add depth and brightness to their hair without the time and cost commitment of full head highlights. Not only are they more affordable, but they’re also less time-consuming, requiring fewer salon visits for touch-ups. This makes them a fantastic option for those with busy schedules or those looking for a low-maintenance solution. Half-head highlights brighten and add dimension to your hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect without drastically changing your colour. It’s a subtle yet impactful way to refresh your look while keeping maintenance to a minimum
How to Apply Half Head Highlights: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Before Your Appointment
Find out if you’ll need a skin and patch test before your visit to ensure everything goes smoothly. On the day, please arrive at the salon five minutes before your appointment so we can make sure you’re comfortable and ready to begin.
Step 2: Consultation with Your Rush Stylist
Your expert stylist will take the time to understand your vision and discuss the desired shade, ensuring the highlights are perfectly tailored to complement your look and lifestyle.
Step 3: Application
Once the consultation is complete, your stylist will carefully mix your chosen shade. Sections of your hair will be delicately woven and either wrapped in foils or painted freehand to create a natural, seamless finish.
Step 4: Processing and Rinsing
As your highlights develop, you can sit back, relax with a drink or magazine, and enjoy the calm of our salon. Once ready, the foils will be removed, and your hair will be shampooed. If needed, a toner will be applied to refine the colour.
Step 5: Styling
After your hair has been shampooed and conditioned, your stylist will blowdry your hair to bring your highlights to life. They’ll also suggest styles—like soft waves, a sleek finish, or a bouncy blowdry—that will best showcase your new look.
How Long Do Half-Head Highlights Take?
The process typically takes around 1.5 hours. This includes your consultation, application, development time, rinsing, and styling.
Note: At Rush, we personalise every step of the process to suit your unique hair type, texture, and style preferences.
How to Care for Your Half-Head Highlights
To help your half-head highlights stay fresh and vibrant, a little care goes a long way. Start with a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, ideally sulphate-free, to protect your highlights and minimise fading while keeping your hair nourished. These gentle formulas maintain the vibrancy of your colour without stripping moisture.
To prevent brassiness and keep your highlights looking cool, consider using a purple or blue shampoo once or twice a week. These toning shampoos help neutralise any yellow or orange undertones, ensuring your highlights remain fresh. A deep conditioning treatment or hair mask every couple of weeks can also keep your hair hydrated and in great condition.
It’s also worth being mindful of heat styling as overuse of heat tools can lead to damage. To protect your highlights, try to limit blow drying, straightening, or curling, and always apply a heat protectant before styling. Let your hair air dry when possible or use a hairdryer on a lower heat setting.
Styling Tips for Half-Head Highlights
Half-head highlights add beautiful dimension and depth to your hair, and the right styling techniques can help showcase this contrast and variation.
Loose Waves to Emphasise Colour
Loose waves are a great way to emphasise the natural dimension of your half-head highlights. The soft, relaxed texture allows the light and dark sections to shine through, giving your hair a sun-kissed, multi-dimensional look. Use a curling tong to create loose, beachy waves, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the look natural but long-lasting.
Updos to Highlight Contrast
Updos are an excellent way to show off the contrast between the top layers of your hair and the natural colour underneath. A loose bun, messy chignon, or high ponytail can highlight the lighter strands on top while subtly blending the darker hair beneath. For added texture and movement, pull out a few soft strands around your face, allowing the highlights to frame your features.
Enhance with Texturising Sprays or Serums
To really bring out the shine and texture of your highlights, try using a texturising spray or serum. These products add volume and definition, giving your hair a fuller, more tousled look that showcases the variation in your colour. Texturising sprays can also help enhance the natural waves or curls in your hair, while a lightweight serum will keep the highlights looking glossy and smooth without weighing your hair down.
Book Your Half-Head Highlights at
Ready to refresh your look with half-head highlights? Book your appointment today at your nearest Rush salon. and let our expert stylists create the perfect highlights for you.
FAQ’s
Half-head highlights involve lightening the top layer of hair and the sections around the face, while leaving the layers underneath in their natural colour. This technique creates a beautifully blended, dimensional look that feels fresh and subtle. The process starts by sectioning off the top half of the hair and applying colour to this area using foils. By focusing on 50% of the hair, half-head highlights provide a more natural, sun-kissed effect, and offer a lower-maintenance option compared to a full head of highlights.
Half-head highlights typically take around 1.5 hours. This includes consultation, colour application, processing time, rinsing, and final styling.
At Rush, half-head highlights start at £97, depending on your hair length and type. This price includes the consultation, application, processing, and styling. For a more accurate estimate, it’s best to contact your local Rush salon.
What’s the difference between half-head and full-head highlights?
The main difference between half-head and full-head highlights is the amount of hair covered. Full-head highlights involve applying colour to the entire head of hair, while half-head highlights focus only on the top and most visible layers. Half-head highlights offer a more subtle result and are lower maintenance, while full-head highlights provide a more dramatic, all-over-lightened look.