Lowlights Before and After: Transforming Your Hair with Subtle Depth

Are you looking to add dimension and depth to your hair without committing to a drastic change? Lowlights might be the perfect solution for you! In this guide, we’ll explore the captivating world of lowlights before and after transformations, where subtle changes can make a big impact on your overall look. Whether you want to enhance your natural hair color or create a multi-dimensional effect, lowlights offer endless possibilities to revitalize your locks. 

Join us on a journey through stunning before-and-after examples that showcase the magic of lowlights in hair transformation.

What are Lowlights?

Lowlights are a hair coloring technique that involves adding darker shades to your natural hair color. This technique is usually done using foils or balayage, depending on the desired effect. Lowlights’ primary goal is to add depth, dimension, and texture to the hair while creating a more natural and subtle look.

They can be used to add warmth or coolness to hair colors, create contrast, or enhance natural curls. With the right technique and color combination, lowlights can transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and dynamic.

How do Lowlights Work?

Lowlights work by adding darker shades to your natural hair color. Unlike highlights, which lighten your hair, lowlights add depth and dimension by darkening some sections of the hair. A stylist will use foils or balayage to apply the lowlights, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your natural hair color.

Lowlights can be applied to any hair length or texture and custom made to suit every hair type, skin tone, and desired look. They are most commonly used on brunettes, but they can also be used on blondes or redheads. Lowlights’ versatility makes them an excellent choice for those looking to add dimension and depth to their hair without a drastic change.

Benefits of Lowlights 

Subtle Change

Unlike highlights, which can create a dramatic contrast, lowlights offer a more subtle change to your hair color. This technique creates a natural-looking result that is perfect if you want to enhance your existing hair color without going overboard.

Versatile

Lowlights can be customized to suit every hair type, skin tone, and desired look. Whether you want to add warmth or coolness to your hair color, create contrast, or enhance natural curls, lowlights can give you the look you desire.

Low Maintenance

Lowlights require minimal upkeep compared to other coloring techniques. Since they blend in with your natural hair color seamlessly, regrowth is less noticeable. Plus, you won’t need to touch up your lowlights as often as you would with highlights.

Safe for Hair

Lowlights are safe for hair because they don’t involve lifting the hair’s color. The darker shades are applied to the hair shafts, making them less damaging than other coloring techniques.

Lowlights Before and After Transformation

Before the Transformation

Your journey toward a new hair identity begins with introspection:

Your natural hair color sets the stage. Are you embracing it, or are you seeking a dramatic departure?

Consider the color you aspire to achieve. Lowlights can be chosen to enhance your natural shade or to create a stunning contrast.

Your transformation should reflect your personality and style. Are you aiming for a chic, sophisticated look or something bold and adventurous?

Seek guidance from a professional colorist. They possess the expertise to help you select the ideal lowlight shades, ensuring your transformation aligns with your vision.

After the Transformation

Once the lowlights have been integrated into your hair, the transformation unfolds:

New Identity: Lowlights breathe new life into your appearance, unveiling a transformed version of yourself. The change can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your chosen shades and placement.

Confidence Boost: The right lowlights can instill confidence. With each glance in the mirror, you’ll see a more vibrant, dimensional, and eye-catching you.

Maintenance: Depending on the specifics, lowlights can be low-maintenance. They can gracefully transition as they grow out, reducing the urgency for frequent touch-ups.

Lowlights vs. Other coloring techniques

Lowlights vs. Highlights

Lowlights add darker shades to your hair, while highlights add lighter ones. Lowlights create a more subtle change in your hair color, while highlights can create a more dramatic look.

Lowlights vs. Balayage

Lowlights involve adding darker shades to your hair using foils or balayage, depending on the desired effect. Balayage is a freehand technique that involves painting the hair with color. Although both techniques aim to create depth and texture, they differ in application and result.

Lowlights vs. Ombre

Lowlights create a more natural-looking result compared to ombre, which creates a more noticeable gradient effect. Ombre involves lightening the hair’s ends, while lowlights darken some sections of the hair.

Tips for Maintaining Lowlights 

Use Color-Safe Shampoo

Using a color-safe shampoo is essential to maintain your lowlights’ vibrancy and prevent fading. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and designed specifically for colored hair.

Avoid Hot Showers

Hot water can cause damage to your hair, making it dry and brittle. To preserve your lowlights, avoid hot showers and use lukewarm water instead.

Protect Your Hair from the Sun

UV rays can cause hair color to fade quickly. To protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat or apply a leave-in conditioner with built-in UV protection.

Schedule Regular Touch-Ups

Although lowlights require less maintenance than highlights, they do require touch-ups every few months. Schedule regular appointments with your stylist to maintain your lowlights’ vibrancy and ensure they blend seamlessly with your natural hair color.

Deep Condition Regularly

Regular deep conditioning treatments can help keep your lowlights healthy and vibrant. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like argan oil or keratin.

Final Takeaway

In essence, lowlights are your ticket to transformation. They grant depth, richness, and allure to your hair, which can take you from one identity to another with elegance and flair. Your unique journey with lowlights can be subtle or bold, but it will undoubtedly reflect your inner self. Collaborate with a professional colorist to uncover the full potential of your transformation and savor the extraordinary results. Embrace your hair as a canvas, and let lowlights guide you through a stunning metamorphosis.

20 BEST 40TH-BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO RING IN THE NEXT DECADE

Turning 40 is a milestone worth celebrating in style, and the perfect gift can make it even more special. The best 40th-birthday gifts reflect the recipient’s personality and interests, ensuring they feel truly appreciated on their big day. Whether you’re shopping for a best friend, a hard-to-please family member, or a partner who seems to have everything, we’ve got something to impress them.

For a hassle-free option, a curated gift set is always a winner—especially if it includes indulgent beauty finds. Prefer a more personal touch? Create a themed gift box tailored to their interests, whether it’s a spa-inspired self-care kit, travel must-haves, or cozy home essentials. Personalized gifts, like a custom book or monogrammed accessories, show thoughtfulness and effort, making them extra meaningful. If you’re looking to go big—perhaps with a group gift or a luxurious splurge—an upscale item will leave a lasting impression.

Our golden rule for gifting? Choose something they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves but would be absolutely thrilled to receive. From thoughtful presents for women to fun finds for men and sentimental treasures for loved ones, our gift guide takes the guesswork out of shopping. Just don’t forget to top it off with a heartfelt, handwritten card they’ll cherish forever.

INSTANATURAL VITAMIN C TONER – $12.55 (AMAZON), $20.00

Give her skincare routine a refresh with this brightening toner. Infused with witch hazel, lavender, and botanical extracts, it helps cleanse and hydrate while combating signs of aging. One reviewer raved, “My skin looks hydrated and smoother instantly—so glad I tried this product!”

MOROCCANOIL SHOWER GEL CLEANSER – $20.00 (AMAZON, SEPHORA, MOROCCANOIL)

Treat her to a little luxury in the shower with this ultra-hydrating body wash. Former Shop TODAY editor Ellen Abraham describes it as “an affordable luxury that smells amazing and leaves your skin silky smooth.” Ideal for those with sensitive skin, this cleanser is a must-have.

AOA STUDIO PAW PAW COLLECTION GIFT SET – $25.55 (MISS A), $31.60

For the homebody who loves a little pampering, this set is a beauty lover’s dream. It includes cozy slippers, a highlighter set, a handheld mirror, and more for the ultimate self-care experience.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS MINI SPICE EYESHADOW PALETTE – $29.00 (ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS, ULTA, SEPHORA)

A makeup essential for everyday looks or glamorous nights out. Featuring warm and shimmery tones, this palette is a favorite among beauty lovers. Ellen Abraham says, “This timeless eyeshadow palette has everything you need for both natural and bold styles.”

DEARFOAMS EZ FEET SCUFF SLIPPER – $37.99 (WALMART)

After a long day, her feet will thank her for these ultra-cozy slippers. Made with 100% Australian sheepskin lining and plush cushioning, they provide ultimate comfort and warmth.

THE COMFY ORIGINAL OVERSIZED MICROFIBER & SHERPA WEARABLE BLANKET – $41.99 (AMAZON), $49.99 (QVC), $54.99

For someone who’s always cold, this wearable blanket is a game-changer. It’s oversized, ultra-soft, and perfect for lounging around the house—or even staying cozy outdoors.

BALA BANGLES – $55.00 (AMAZON, TARGET)

These stylish, adjustable weights add extra resistance to workouts, whether worn on wrists or ankles. A favorite among fitness enthusiasts, Bala Bangles are perfect for elevating her cardio sessions.

SAHIRA JEWELRY DESIGN DARIA HOOPS – $58.00 (SAHIRA)

A timeless jewelry piece, these tarnish-free gold hoops are a perfect addition to her accessory collection. Simple yet stylish, they’ll complement any outfit effortlessly.

ARTIS FINI COSMETIC BRUSH – $65.00 (HSN)

If she’s looking to upgrade her makeup tools, this premium blending brush is a must-have. Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown says, “I’d heard so much about Artis brushes—I tried it, and it’s hands down the best blending tool I own.”

SWEEJAR STORE PORCELAIN TEA SET – BRITISH ROYAL SERIES – $69.99 (AMAZON), $75.99

For lovers of historical dramas and elegant tea parties, this stunning tea set includes a teapot, teacups, saucers, a sugar bowl, a cream pitcher, and a stainless-steel strainer. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxation and conversation.

STILOSA ESPRESSO MACHINE BY DE’LONGHI – $75.99 (TARGET), $83.99, $99.95 (QVC)

A coffee lover’s dream! This compact yet powerful espresso machine makes barista-quality coffee at home. Senior Partnership Editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says, “There’s truly no better way to start my day.”

RENÉE ROULEAU TRIPLE BERRY SMOOTHING PEEL – $88.50 (RENÉE ROULEAU)

This antioxidant-rich peel helps brighten and even skin tone, making it a skincare essential. “I use this peel weekly, and it has transformed my skin,” says Ellen Abraham.

VERA BRADLEY WEEKENDER TRAVEL BAG – $101.25 (VERA BRADLEY), $135.00

Spacious, stylish, and durable, this quilted weekender bag is perfect for quick getaways. Made of nylon, it’s lightweight yet sturdy—ideal for frequent travelers.

AERANGIS DISCOVERY JOURNEY GIFT SET – $110.00 (AERANGIS, ETSY)

If one candle isn’t enough, this set offers three signature scents, a wick trimmer, and a scent story card for a luxurious aromatherapy experience.

NEW YORK TIMES CUSTOM BIRTHDAY BOOK – $125.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

A thoughtful keepsake, this book compiles The New York Times front pages from every year since her birth—perfect for history buffs and nostalgic moments.

HATCH RESTORE SMART SLEEP ASSISTANT – $169.99 (HATCH)

For the woman who needs better sleep, this all-in-one device combines a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, and meditation app to create the ultimate nighttime routine.

LILYSILK TRIMMED SILK WOMEN’S LONG-SLEEVE PAJAMA SET – $185.00 (LILYSILK)

Made from 100% grade 22 Momme Charmeuse silk, this ultra-luxurious pajama set is perfect for beauty sleep in style.

OSTRICHPILLOW GO NECK PILLOW – $69.00 (OSTRICHPILLOW, AMAZON)

Ideal for frequent travelers, this memory foam neck pillow offers 360-degree support for restful sleep—even on the most turbulent flights.

PERSONALIZED BOURBON BARREL FLIGHT WITH GLASSES – $85.00 (UNCOMMON GOODS)

For whiskey lovers and entertainers, this handcrafted bourbon barrel flight comes with four tasting glasses—perfect for a refined home bar setup.

EMBER TEMPERATURE CONTROL SMART MUG² – $121.99 (AMAZON), $127.99 (TARGET), $149.95 (QVC)

No more cold coffee! This smart mug keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for hours. One happy customer shared, “It truly keeps my beverage at the same set temperature long enough for me to enjoy every last drop at my own pace!”

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