What are lowlights?

You might wonder what hair color looks best on an older woman, and lowlights could be the solution for a subtle, youth-boosting lift. By weaving darker strands into your base shade, lowlights add dimension, disguise greys, and refresh your look without bold regrowth lines. With over 60 years of innovation in professional tints like Salermvision, you can choose from formulas that blend naturalness, shine, and long-lasting coverage.

Understanding lowlights basics

 

Lowlights are sections of hair dyed a shade or two darker than your base color to create depth and contrast. They work by:

• Softly blending grey strands into your natural tone
• Framing your face with subtle shadows
• Adding richness without lightening the hair

Unlike highlights, lowlights deposit pigment instead of stripping it. A demipermanent dye can add bright accents but may fade in 6–8 weeks (demipermanent dyes). For longer-lasting depth, choose a professional-grade permanent tint such as Salermvision or Keyra, available at Camila’s Beauty Supply.

Selecting your lowlight shades

Consider your natural tone, skin undertones, and greying level. Follow these tips:

• Match undertones: Warm skin pairs with red or golden lowlights, while cool complexions suit ash or neutral shades.
• Stay within two levels: Going too dark can look harsh. Two shades deeper maintains harmony with your base.
• Think about grey coverage: For more blend, choose a shade close to your base or check what color is best to cover grey hair?
• Balance highlights and lowlights: A mix softens the effect and adds movement. Not sure whether to lighten or darken? See should you go darker or lighter with hair color as you age?

Good news, finding the right tone gets easier with professional advice—you don’t have to guess alone. For deeper inspiration, explore which hair color is the best?.

Applying lowlights like a pro

You’ll get the most consistent results at a salon, but at-home kits can work if you follow each step carefully.

Professional salon process

1. Consultation: Your stylist assesses your base, greys, and goals
2. Sectioning: Hair is divided into panels for precise placement
3. Placement: Lowlight color is applied with a brush or cap, focusing on mid-lengths and ends
4. Processing and rinse: Timed to your tint’s instructions, then rinsed and conditioned

A pro can blend lowlights with highlights for a multi-dimensional finish. If you need touch-ups later, see how to correct hair color.

At-home application steps

1. Choose a kit: Pick a permanent tint in your chosen shade
2. Prep tools: You’ll need gloves, a tint brush, clips, and a timer
3. Section hair: Clip into four quadrants for even coverage
4. Apply color: Work in small sections, starting at the back
5. Process and rinse: Follow the packaging times, then condition with a colour-safe formula

(Quick tip: test one strand first to confirm your shade.)

Caring for your lowlights

To keep your lowlights looking fresh, guard against fading and dryness:

• Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner made for coloured hair
• Wash in cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in pigment
• Limit heat styling or use a heat protectant spray
• Schedule a toner or gloss every 8–12 weeks to refresh depth

If you notice uneven fade, explore our hair color fading solutions. For stray tones or uneven coverage, visit fading and correction.

Quick recap and next steps- What are lowlights?

1. Lowlights are darker strands that add depth and conceal greys
2. Choose shades within two levels of your base and match undertones
3. Have a pro apply for best results, or follow an at-home kit step by step
4. Maintain with gentle, colour-safe products and cool water
5. Refresh your lowlights with periodic toners or gloss treatments

Pick one step to start, maybe a shade consultation, and enjoy your softer, more dimensional hair.

FAQs

What are lowlights?
Lowlights are sections of hair dyed darker than your base color to add depth and subtly blend greys.

How long do lowlights last?
Permanent lowlights typically last 8–12 weeks before root regrowth becomes noticeable.

Can lowlights help cover grey hair?
Yes, lowlights blend grey strands into your base, softening contrast and making regrowth less obvious. For more, see what color is best to cover grey hair?.

Is at-home lowlight application safe?
You can achieve good results with the right kit and careful sectioning, but salon application reduces the risk of uneven color.

When should I refresh my lowlights?
Plan a refresh every 3 months or when you see fading—in-salon toners or gloss treatments can help extend vibrancy.