If you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between partial and full highlights, it comes down to how much of your hair is colored.
Partial highlights focus on specific sections, usually the top layer and the sides, giving a softer, face-framing effect. Full highlights cover your entire head, creating a more dramatic, all-over color change.
Whether you want a subtle refresh or a bold transformation, understanding partial vs full highlights will help you choose the look (and upkeep) that fits your style.
Quick Comparison: Partial Highlights vs Full Highlights
| Feature | Partial Highlights | Full Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Top and sides only | Entire head |
| Look | Subtle, natural, face-framing | Bold, dramatic, complete change |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance | Lower upkeep | More frequent upkeep |
| Best For | Low-maintenance styles, adding dimension | Major color changes, more styling variety |
(Related: Top Balayage Hair Trends to Watch in 2024.
What is a Partial Highlight?
A partial highlight involves lightening only certain sections of your hair. Most stylists focus on the top layer and sides, which naturally frame your face.
Partial highlights are perfect if you want:
- A natural, sun-kissed look
- A more budget-friendly option
- Less damage from chemical processing
- Lower maintenance (since regrowth blends more easily)
They’re also a great way to try out color without committing to a full head change.
What is a Full Highlight?
A full highlight means applying color to your entire head. This can completely transform your look, whether you want to go several shades lighter or create a multi-dimensional style with highlights and lowlights.
Full highlights are ideal if you:
- Want a dramatic change in color
- Have fine hair and want more depth and texture
- Like variety in styling and want your highlights visible in updos and ponytails
Partial vs Full Highlights: Benefits and Considerations
Benefits of Partial Highlights
- Cheaper than full highlights
- Less damaging to hair overall
- Natural-looking results
- Lower maintenance between salon visits
Benefits of Full Highlights
- Dramatic, noticeable change
- Adds texture and depth to fine hair
- More styling options since color is visible everywhere
Maintenance, Cost, and Time
If you’re comparing partial highlights vs full highlights, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Cost: Full highlights cost more than partial highlights because they require more time and product.
- Time in the chair: A partial highlight session is usually quicker.
- Upkeep: Full highlights need touch-ups more often, typically every 6-8 weeks, while partial highlights can often stretch longer between appointments.
- Damage risk: The more hair you process, the more careful you need to be with conditioning and repair treatments.
Some stylists recommend alternating between full and partial sessions to maintain color while reducing cost and damage.
How to Choose Between Partial and Full Highlights
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a soft, subtle change or a bold transformation?
- How much time and money do you want to invest in upkeep?
- Do you like seeing highlights throughout your hair or mainly around your face?
If you’re unsure, a good stylist can guide you. Bring photos of looks you like, and be honest about your maintenance habits.
Highlighting Your Hair: The Process
As with anything, highlighting your hair is both an art and a science. Typically, stylists will take the segment of hair to be highlighted and cordon it off from the rest of your natural hair, typically with a piece of foil. Inside of this foil, your hair is soaked with a bleaching agent that helps lift the color.
During this time, some stylists will apply heat or let the foiled hair air dry with each option resulting in a bright or softer tone depending on the stylist’s application and client’s preferences.
Stylists will often variegate colors in subtle ways for a more natural look and, again, depending on the client’s preferences, can bring out a natural hue or more noticeable color change.
As for highlighting itself, there are a number of options in how this can be approached with full highlights being one of the more popular options.
Partial Highlights: What Shades Work Best?
One of the biggest questions clients have about partial highlights is whether or not they work with all shades of hair.
The answer really depends on the client’s desired look and the current hair color more than anything else but, more often than not, people who want a dramatic change will not be satisfied with a partial treatment.
This is mainly because it is incapable of offering the coherent aesthetic and complete coverage that a full treatment gives.
Considerations for Partial Highlights vs Full Highlights
Partial highlights tend to be better for clients that don’t have a lot of time to spend on maintenance and are comfortable with new growth showing.
They’re also great for clients that want a refresh without breaking the bank. Conversely, clients seeking a dramatic change often alternate between full and partial treatments in order to maintain their look.
This can often be expensive but also very time-consuming. In this configuration, visible roots can ruin the overall aesthetic appearance of the hair and need to be addressed as soon as possible.
If you are often crunched for time or you can’t imagine yourself visiting a salon roughly every six weeks, a full treatment might not be the best option for you.
Working with a Stylist You Trust
A confident stylist that knows how to help the client realize her dreams will be able to guide you through what will achieve those results.
Whether it is a full treatment or partial highlights, don’t be afraid to embrace change and work with new techniques that can help you achieve the look you desire.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Partial and Full Highlights
What is a partial highlight?
A partial highlight lightens only specific sections of your hair, usually the top layer and sides, for a softer, face-framing effect. It’s lower cost, less maintenance, and a great option for a natural look.
What is a full highlight?
A full highlight colors your entire head, creating an all-over lighter look. It’s ideal for dramatic color changes, adding depth to fine hair, and giving you more styling options.
Are partial highlights better than full highlights?
Neither is “better”, it depends on your style goals and maintenance preferences. Partial highlights are subtle, budget-friendly, and easier to maintain, while full highlights give a bold, high-impact result.
How much do partial highlights cost compared to full highlights?
Partial highlights usually cost less because they cover less hair and require less time. Full highlights are more expensive but create a complete color transformation. Prices vary by salon and stylist.
How long do partial highlights last?
Partial highlights typically last 2-3 months before new growth becomes noticeable. You can extend their life with color-safe products and regular conditioning treatments.
Do full highlights damage your hair more than partial highlights?
Full highlights can cause more damage since more hair is processed. Using deep conditioning treatments and spacing out appointments can help keep hair healthy.
Can I alternate between partial and full highlights?
Yes. Many people alternate between full and partial highlight appointments to keep their color fresh while reducing cost and damage over time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose partial highlights for a gentle refresh or a full highlight for a striking new look, both can transform your style. The right choice depends on your budget, time, and desired effect.
Whichever you pick, keep your hair healthy with regular deep conditioning, gentle cleansing, and professional color care advice. A well-maintained color, whether partial or full, always looks fresh and flattering.
- About the Author
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Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
2 Comments
Your explanations are clear and easy to understand, making it much easier to choose the right hair color option
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m delighted to hear that the explanations were helpful for you. Choosing the right hair color can be a fun yet challenging decision, and I’m glad I could assist in making it a bit easier. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask. Happy coloring!