What are hi/lo lights?
Highlights are pieces of hair made lighter than your base color. Lowlights are pieces made a little deeper. Used together, they create movement, so your hair doesn't read as one flat block of color. That is why the menu lists them together as hi/lo lights.
Esther chooses the size and spacing of each section by looking at your cut, your part and how you wear your hair. Fine sections give a soft, blended look. Slightly bolder pieces show more contrast. Highlights are usually placed in foils, which keep the lightened sections separate from the rest of your hair while they process.
Full or partial highlights: which do you need?
Partial hi/lo lights ($175+) focus on the areas people see most: around your face, along the part and through the top layer. They suit a first visit, a refresh between full sessions, or anyone who wants a softer change.
Full hi/lo lights ($250+) go through the whole head, including underneath. Choose full if you often wear your hair up, want a bigger change, or want brightness all the way through. The "+" means "and up": length, thickness and your hair's color history change the final price, and the free consultation gives you the exact quote.
Why do clients love color first, then highlights?
It is the combination Esther's clients ask for most. First, an all-over color evens out your base, deepens or warms the shade, and covers or softens gray. Then highlights go on top to add light around the face and through the crown. The base looks rich and the surface looks sunny.
Doing it in that order means the highlights are planned for your new base, not the old one, so the contrast is just right. Read the full story in color first, then highlights.
How do you keep highlights looking fresh?
Lightened hair needs a little extra kindness, especially in the Florida sun. A few habits make a real difference:
- Wash with a gentle, color-safe shampoo and lukewarm or cool water.
- Use a heat protectant before blow-drying or using hot tools.
- Wear a hat in strong sun and rinse with fresh water after the ocean or pool.
- Book a glaze between visits if your tone starts to look brassy or dull.
- Follow the steps in hair care after highlights for the first weeks.
Do highlights make fine or thin hair look fuller?
Often, yes. Lighter and deeper pieces side by side create depth, and depth reads as volume. On fine hair, Esther keeps the placement soft so the part doesn't look sparse. A cut and blow-dry with lift can add even more fullness.
“I have very thin hair. Esther always does a great job highlighting, cutting and blowdrying! My hair looks voluminous when she's done!”
— Lauren S., haircut & blow-dry
To plan yours, text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation. A daylight photo of your hair and one or two pictures of highlights you like are a great start.
Questions clients ask
How much do highlights cost in Palm Beach?
With Esther, partial hi/lo lights are $175+ and full hi/lo lights are $250+. Long or thick hair, or hair with old color in it, can take more time and product. The free consultation gives you the exact price before she begins, so there are no surprises at the end.
What is the difference between highlights and balayage?
Highlights are usually placed in foils in neat sections, which gives brighter, more even lift from root to end. Balayage is painted on by hand for a softer, sun-kissed look that grows out gently. Esther can help you choose, or combine the two, at your consultation.
How often should highlights be redone?
It depends on how fast your hair grows, how much contrast you have and how polished you like it to look. A common approach is to alternate partial and full sessions, which keeps things fresh without lightening the same hair over and over. Esther will suggest a rhythm that fits you.
Can I get highlights if I color my gray?
Yes. That is exactly why color first, then highlights is so popular with Esther's clients. The all-over color takes care of the gray, and the highlights add brightness and dimension on top, so your hair looks rich at the root and light where the sun would hit it.