Reviewed by Anna, owner and educator at Elevate Salon + Spa, who trains every stylist through Elevation Training. Updated September 2026.
Depth without a flat, solid shade
Going darker does not have to mean one solid color. Lowlights weave deeper tones through your hair so there is contrast between strands, which is what gives brunette and bronde hair its richness. They are a common next step when highlights have built up and your hair looks brighter or flatter than you want, and they can blend gray so it reads as dimension instead of a line at the part.
Lowlights only add depth. They are not for adding lighter pieces, so if you want brightness around your face and top, partial highlights are the service to book. If you want your whole head evenly deeper from roots to ends, all over color is the fuller option. Lowlights sit in between: darker overall, with the movement and variation of dimensional color, and you can add a gloss when you book.
Lowlights are offered across the team, including Madison for brunette dimension, Nicole for dimensional brunettes and reds, Rachel for brunettes and reds, Justin for dimensional gray coverage and Mei Leigh for dimensional color, and others on the team.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lowlights and highlights?
Highlights add lighter pieces for brightness. Lowlights add deeper tones for richness and contrast. If you want to go brighter, book partial highlights or another Go Lighter service. If you want to go darker but still see dimension, lowlights are the right choice.
Will lowlights cover my gray?
Lowlights can blend or cover gray. Because the deeper tones are woven through the hair, gray tends to read as part of your dimension rather than a solid line. Your stylist looks at how much gray you have and explains what to expect at the consultation.
Should I choose lowlights or all over color?
Choose all over color if you want one even shade from roots to ends. Choose lowlights if you want to be darker but still see variation between strands. If you cannot decide, your stylist can walk you through both, and all over color can also be booked with added lowlights.
Do I need the gloss?
Not always. You can add a gloss or choose no gloss when you book. A gloss adds shine and refines tone, which helps if your existing color has gone brassy or dull. If you are unsure, your stylist can advise during the consultation.
I have a lot of old highlights. Can lowlights help?
Yes, and it is one of the most common reasons guests book them. Deeper tones placed between the lighter pieces bring back depth and make the color look intentional again. Tell your stylist about your lightening history at the consultation so the plan fits your hair.