Hair care: Highlights and lowlights

Are your tresses looking tired? Has your hair gone ho-hum? Forget the flat, single-tone dye job of years gone by - instead go for a more natural look using highlighting and lowlighting. We asked Millie Jones, senior colourist at London's Jo Hansford Salon, for the low-down on the technique

What's the difference between a highlight and a lowlight?

Quite simply, a highlight lightens and brightens the hair, while a lowlight darkens and deepens it. Think blonde, gold and chamomile tones for highlights; reds, plums and aubergine shades for lowlights.

Usually, two or three colours are used throughout the hair for a multifaceted, shimmering effect - any more than that and the hues can lose their contrast and look a bit muddy.

Why is it so popular?

Highlights and lowlights provide a great way to update your look without making too dramatic a change. They're ideal when you're growing out a style and you're in that awkward, in-between stage when you don't really like your hair.

Highlights and lowlights also allow you to brighten your hair, especially during winter, when we could all use a little pick-me-up. At this time of year, many women's hair is naturally lighter on the ends after spending time in the sun during the summer.

As a result, hair often takes on a dull, drab appearance. Highlights and lowlights can really brighten up your look.

Which hair types are best for highlights and lowlights?

Actually, any length, style or condition of hair can benefit from highlighting or lowlighting. Whatever your natural colour, you shouldn't go more than three or four shades lighter or darker, as the results will be too harsh and unnatural.

Have a look at our celebrity highlights gallery