Now that you know different hair color variants, let’s move on to learn different types of hair coloring techniques as well as popular highlight options.
8 Different Types of Hair Coloring Techniques and Highlights
Bored with your hair but not ready for a commitment? Don’t chop it off! Instead, give your hair a makeover by experimenting with different types of highlights. Check out the list of the most popular types of hair color highlights that help you achieve a new hair look while using minimal color on your hair:
1. Global
Global is one of the most popular hair coloring techniques that focuses on applying one uniform color all over your hair from root to tips. It is perfect for beginners or someone willing to cover grey hair.
2. Traditional Highlights
Traditional highlights adopt a technique called foiling where hair experts lighten each strand of hair (section-wise) from root to end and leave some natural hair in between each foil. You can create various looks using traditional highlights.
3. Babylights
Among the different types of highlights, these are ideal to achieve a warm, sun-kissed effect on your hair. These add a subtle color to your lengths and leave a light shimmery glow.
4. Balayage
The French word ‘Balayage’ means ‘to sweep’. Wondering what is balayage? Contrary to the traditional highlight technique, hair experts use their hands and follow a sweeping motion to paint random sections of the hair. You can go for a grey, burgundy, ash-blonde, or honey-balayage to achieve natural-looking lengths. So, what are you waiting for? Spice up your look with this different type of highlight and make heads turn!
5. Peekaboo
Want to try something unique and fun? Try the Peekaboo highlights! This type of hair color highlight focuses on coloring sections of hair that remain hidden beneath the top layer. So when you style, move your hair, or tie up your lengths, those highlights get the chance to "peek" out. Indulge in a playful hair transformation and add bold colors without going overboard.
6. Ombré
Looking for a stunning hair color transformation? Go straight to a salon and tell your hair expert to create an Ombré highlight. In this highlighting technique, the hair changes from one color to another in a shadow tone (darker at the top and lighter at the bottom). The exciting results can be seen at the ends of your hair.
7. Sombré
If you don’t want a dramatic look like ombré, then say yes to sombré highlights. Sombré is a term coined by joining ‘subtle’ and ‘ombré’. By opting for these highlights, you can confidently flaunt darker shades at the root and lighter shades at the ends of your hair.
8. Dimensional Highlights
Add dimension to your hair by getting contrasting hair highlights (imagine dark brown with lighter caramel highlights). These highlights create an illusion of voluminous hair and suit those with curly or wavy hair.
So, what are you waiting for? Equipped with all the information on different types of hair colors and different types of highlights, it’s time to select one and breathe a new, vibrant life into your hair. Read our guide on 2025 Hair Color Trends to know what’s trending and be at the top of the hair color game.
Browse through the vast L’Oréal Paris Hair Color range and try our Hair Diagnosis tool to find the best hair color match. Want to know more about safe hair color shades? Read our guide on hair color without bleach and ammonia options and transform your look without causing any damage.