There’s a big difference between highlights that look intentional and highlights that don’t.
The wrong highlights can leave your hair looking stripey, brassy, or like a single line of color around your face. The right highlights look like the sun put them there. The difference is technique. It’s where the foils go, how they’re placed, and how the toner is mixed at the end.
At Smith Hair Salon, we use Matrix professional bleach for lifting and Pravana for custom toning. Every foil is placed for your face shape, your haircut, and your hair pattern. We tone every service so your color looks finished, not raw. The result is highlights that grow out clean and look great even months after your appointment.
From a soft refresh to a full transformation.
Tap any card to book your spot. Every highlight service includes toning and a blow dry so you walk out finished and ready.
Partial Highlights
Foil highlights placed throughout the top half and sides of the head. About half head coverage. Great for adding brightness without going full head. Includes toning and a blow dry.
Book Now → MaintenancePartial Highlights with Root Touch-Up
Partial highlights paired with a root touch-up to cover regrowth. Keeps your color looking fresh and seamless. Includes toning and a blow dry.
Book Now → DimensionPartial Highlights with Solid Color
Partial highlights for brightness, plus solid color for richness and depth. Great when you want both dimension and an overall color shift. Includes toning and a blow dry.
Book Now → Brighter OverallFull Highlights
Foil highlights placed throughout the whole head for an all over brighter look. Great for going lighter or adding maximum dimension. Includes toning and a blow dry.
Book Now → Full RefreshFull Highlights with Root Touch-Up
Full highlights paired with a root touch-up for a complete refresh. Brightens the head and covers regrowth in one visit. Includes toning and a blow dry.
Book Now → Big ChangeFull Highlights with Solid Color
Full highlights with solid color underneath for richness. Great for a bigger transformation with both brightness and depth. Includes toning and a blow dry.
Book Now →Highlights for every kind of look.
Highlights work for almost any hair type and color goal. The trick is picking the right service for what you actually want. Read more about highlights vs balayage.
- iAnyone wanting to go lighter without committing to full color.
- iiPeople with darker hair who want to add brightness and dimension throughout.
- iiiBlondes who want to keep their color bright with regular maintenance.
- ivAnyone who likes the bright, sparkly look that only foils can give.
- vPeople with regrowth who want highlights and root coverage in one visit.
- viClients who want a bigger change with both highlights and a base color.
Your highlights visit, step by step.
Every highlights appointment follows the same simple flow. Here’s what to expect when you sit in the chair.
Real consultation
Your colorist sits with you, looks at any reference photos, and asks about your hair history. We listen first.
Custom foil pattern
Your colorist maps out where the foils go. Placement matters more than the number of foils. We plan around your face shape and your haircut.
Foil application
Matrix professional bleach is painted onto sections and wrapped in foils. The foils help the bleach lift evenly for a clean, bright result.
Process and rinse
Foils process for the right amount of time. Your colorist checks them often to hit the perfect lift. Then a gentle wash to lock in the color.
Tone and blow dry
A custom toner blends the highlights with your base color. Then a blow dry so you walk out polished and ready.
Product picks and formula on file
Your colorist will recommend the right at home products for your highlights. We also save your formula so your next visit starts faster.
- Wait 48 to 72 hours before your first wash.This gives the toner time to lock in. Your tone stays true longer when you give it time to settle.
- Use a purple shampoo once a week.Purple shampoo neutralizes brassy and yellow tones in blonde highlights. Once a week is plenty for most hair types.
- Skip sulfates.Sulfates strip toner and color fast. A sulfate free shampoo from Eufora is the single biggest at home upgrade for highlights.
- Wash less often.Every wash takes a little tone with it. Aim for 2 to 3 washes a week. Use dry shampoo on non wash days.
- Heat protectant, every time.Heat fades color and tone. Use a heat protectant before any hot tool. No skipping.
- Book a toner between visits.A toner every 4 to 6 weeks brings tone and shine right back. It’s the easiest way to keep highlights looking fresh between full visits. Read more color care tips here.
Highlights questions, answered.
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What is the difference between partial and full highlights?
Partial highlights cover about half the head. The foils are placed throughout the top half and sides of the head, but not underneath. Full highlights cover the entire head. Foils are placed throughout, from the top all the way down to the underneath sections. The difference is the placement and how much of the head is covered, not just where the brightness shows. -
Do highlights include a toner at Smith Hair Salon?
Yes. Every highlight service at Smith Hair Salon includes a custom toner. Toner refines the shade, takes out unwanted brassiness, and pulls the highlights and your base color together so the finish looks blended and intentional. A blow dry is also included. -
How long does a highlights appointment take?
Timing depends on your hair length, thickness, and the service you choose. Partial highlights usually take 2 to 3 hours. Full highlights can take 3 to 4 hours. Combo services with a root touch-up or solid color take longer. Plan a longer block of time so you can relax in the chair without rushing. -
How often should I refresh my highlights?
Most clients refresh highlights every 8 to 12 weeks. The exact timing depends on how bright you like your color, your haircut, and how fast your hair grows. A gloss or toner every 4 to 6 weeks between full visits keeps tone fresh and shiny. -
What is the difference between highlights and balayage?
Highlights are painted onto sections of hair and wrapped in foil. The foil lifts the color brighter and gives a more uniform, sparkly result. Balayage is hand painted onto the hair without foil. It looks softer, more natural, and grows out with no harsh line. Highlights are great for maximum brightness. Balayage is great for low maintenance, lived in color. -
Will highlights damage my hair?
Highlights involve lightening the hair, which can be drying if not done with care. At Smith Hair Salon we use Matrix professional bleach for the lift and Pravana for custom toning. We add bond protectors when needed to keep your hair feeling soft and strong. We also recommend Eufora at home care to keep your hair healthy between visits. -
Can I get highlights and a haircut on the same day?
Yes. Many clients book a haircut with their highlight service. Plan for a longer visit, usually 3 to 5 hours total. Booking both at the same time saves you a return trip and gives you a fully refreshed look in one appointment.
Book your highlights today.
Whether you already know what you want or you’d like to start with a free consultation, we’re ready when you are. New clients are always welcome.