Get the lowdown on hair highlights.

Putting highlights in your hair is a great way to create a new look without the major change to an all over hair dye. They can also help hide gray hairs and contribute to a younger appearance. Or if you are just after a sun-kissed look, then hair highlights are definitely the way to go.

Highlights or lowlights - which one do I want for my hair?

The key to successful highlights is choosing shades that suit your natural hair color, skin complexion and hair style. For example, short hair does not highlight well and you may be better off going for a full color hair dye. However, for highlights the rule of thumb is that you should not go more than four shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color, and usually two or three shades are used in the highlighting process to create depth.

So which is you it you want - highlights or lowlights? The difference between highlights and lowlights is obvious really - highlights lighten and make your hair appear brighter, whereas lowlights darken and deepen the appearance. Therefore, highlight tones would include blonde, gold, yellow and orange shades, while lowlight tones include shades of red, brown and burgundy.

Just what color highlights (or lowlights) look good on you depends on your skin tone. On pale skin almost any color looks good. If you have pink skin then you will need more neutral grey tones to offset your skin tone, whereas reds and blonde tones will tend to emphasize it. On a sallow or olive complexion then the dark tones of reds and browns look good.

The only other major decision that needs to be made for perfect highlights is choosing the right size. You can have anything from fine wispy highlights to thick chunky ones. Which works for you again depends on your natural hair color, skin tone and what look you are trying to achieve. If its the first time you have ever had highlights, its probably best to go for subtle colors and thin highlights.

If you are concerned your highlights or the process will damage your hair, don't worry. Most hair colorists these days use semi permanent vegetable dyes which, unlike chemical dyes, do not alter the structure of the hair. They are non-toxic and cling to the cuticle of the hair leaving it soft, shiny and full of body. Even a permanent dye will plump up the cuticle making your hair look thicker and fuller.

Whichever highlighting process is used a good after care routine is important. Use a conditioner once a week to maintain your hair in good condition. And if you use a color enhancing shampoo, this will refresh and prolong the color of the highlights, as they deposit a tiny amount of color into the hair every time you wash it. Depending on your hair length and style, you can expect the color in highlights to last between 2 to 3 months before it needs re-touching.

Now you have the lowdown on highlights, get experimenting on what looks good on you!