Hair Color

A Complete Guide on Different Types of Hair Colors and Highlights

While it’s exciting to plan about getting a new hair color or a few highlights here and there, your work doesn’t end at simply deciding the shade! There are multiple things you need to plan before starting the process. For starters, how to choose from the different types of hair colors - permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary? Or how to select from the different types of hair coloring techniques - global, balayage or simply have highlights? If it’s the latter, then what are the different types of highlights that you should consider?

Did we confuse you with these questions? Well, don’t worry! We’ll answer all these questions, and more, in this guide that covers different types of hair colors as well as different types of highlights to choose from. We have also listed some of the best options so that you can get the perfect hair color transformation. ?

In This Article:

What are the different types of hair color?

  • Permanent hair color: Its long-lasting formula penetrates deeper into the layer of hair and stays on the lengths until they grow out. You need to go for touch-ups as your hair grows.
  • Semi-permanent hair color: This type of hair color coats the outer layer of hair for a subtle color change. It lasts less than a permanent hair color variant and gradually washes out.
  • Temporary hair color: This variant offers instant color change that lasts until your next wash. Perfect for experimenting.

What are the different types of hair color highlights?

  • Global: One uniform color applied all over hair.
  • Traditional highlights: Using the foiling technique, hair color experts lighten each strand of hair from root to end.
  • Babylights: Thin highlights to mimic a sun-kissed look.
  • Balayage: Hand-painted highlights for a natural, blended result.
  • Pekaboo: Hidden highlights that add a pop of color when revealed.
  • Ombré: Gradual color transition from dark roots to lighter ends.
  • Sombré: A softer and subtler version of ombré with a soothing color blend.
  • Dimensional highlights: Uses contrasting highlights to add depth and the illusion of volume.
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Different Types of Hair Color

    1. Permanent Hair Color

    Permanent hair colors are one of the popular types of hair colors. As the name suggests, permanent hair color is created with a long-lasting formulation that stays on your lengths till they grow out or you opt for a touch-up. This type of hair color is designed with a more complex formula to penetrate the deeper levels of the hair fiber. It means you can flaunt long-lasting color without any signs of fading.

    Remember, permanent hair colors give long-lasting hair makeovers, but not everlasting benefits. So, you should redo your hair color to cover new hair growth. If you’re exploring different types of hair colors to achieve 100% grey coverage, permanent hair colors are your best bet.

    Our Recommendations:

    Explore the L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Ultra Visible (stays for up to 32 washes) and L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème range. Both these ranges consist of no-ammonia hair color to illuminate dark hair, equip with super gloss, and make each hair strand nourished and strong. You can start out with chic shades like L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Ultra Visible (Cherry Burgundy) or L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Regular (4.2 Plum Brown) to get the desired result.

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    2. Semi-Permanent Hair Color

    Semi-permanent hair colors, on the other hand, coat the external layer of the hair lengths and subtly change your hair color without any major commitment. The color particles settle on the outer layer of the hair, making it ideal for fragile and damaged hair (due to mild formulation). However, it tends to last for a good number of days, making it the best of both worlds when it comes to different types of hair color.

    Remember, this type of hair color fades with every wash, hence it is an excellent choice for those looking for a semi-permanent solution and who love to experiment with various color options.

    Our Recommendations:

    We recommend you opt for the L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss range. The no-ammonia formula gives ultra-glossy color and shine that lasts up to 28 shampoos and washes. Some of the popular semi-permanent hair color options from this range include L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Regular (Raspberry) and L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Regular (Mahogany).

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    3. Temporary Hair Color

    If you’re simply looking to experiment with different types of hair colors, this is your best pick. Temporary hair color changes your hair color instantly, however, it doesn’t last very long. Usually, this type of hair color has larger molecules that sit very close to the hair surface to deliver an instant brightening effect.

    Remember, this type of hair color lasts only until your next wash, hence it is ideal for those who are looking for instant solutions for grey roots or running short on time.

    Our Recommendations:

    Try the L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch if you’re looking for quick touch-ups before heading out the door. Available in two natural-looking shades: L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch (Black) and L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch (Dark Brown), these colors easily cover grey roots in one quick spray.

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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.

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Let the new year be all about self-love, and giving yourself stunning makeovers with a touch of elegance and style. From cherry cola to mocha mousse, there are so many new hair color trends that you can explore and experiment with. And to ease things for you, we&rsquo;re here with our exclusive guide on some of the trending hair color ideas that are expected to rule 2025. Forget high-maintenance shades - this year&rsquo;s hair color trends are all about flaunting natural and subtle enhancements that don&rsquo;t require much upkeep and seamlessly blend with your unique features. So, pick a color and get ready to make heads turn!</p>" } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 3, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/hair-color-blogs/what-is-no-ammonia-hair-color-and-how-does-it-benefit-your-hair", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"What Is No-Ammonia Hair Color And How Does It Benefit Your Hair", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/know-the-benefits-of-no-ammonia-hair-color.jpg?rev=28b95e9b3712469fa5e800e4f00615a1", "height":675, "width":1500 }, "datePublished": "2023-07-13T11:15:45+00:00", "dateModified": "2023-07-13T11:16:33+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"Coloring your hair is one of the simplest ways to transform your whole look and put on a new avatar in no time. 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Read on to know more about how ammonia-free hair colors work and what are the benefits." } , { "@type":"ListItem", "position": 4, "url" : "https://www.lorealparis.co.in/beauty-magazine/hair-color-blogs/10-brown-hair-colour-shades-you-should-try-this-chocolate-day", "item":{ "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type":"WebPage" }, "headline":"10 Brown Hair Colour Shades You Should Try This Chocolate Day", "image":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/apac/in/articles/banners/hair-colour-shades-you-should-try-this-chocolate-day.jpg?rev=ed35d47a4bb0442e82ef1c638c51f34e", "height":900, "width":2000 }, "datePublished": "2023-07-13T11:10:55+00:00", "dateModified": "2023-07-13T11:12:14+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "L'Oréal Paris" }, "publisher":{ "@type":"Organization", "name":"L'Oréal Paris", "logo":{ "@type":"ImageObject", "url":"https://www.lorealparis.co.in/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/shared/baseline/navigationext/loreal-paris-black-logo.svg?rev=043a5893295a412fb46ec561cbd31147", "width":189, "height":60 } }}, "description":"Does the brown colour remind you of chocolate? 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