Full head highlights in London

Highlights were the original colour service and they’re still going strong. Not everything needs to be a balayage.

A full head lifts your whole head of hair, root to tip, for the brightest possible result. It’s thorough, it’s transformative, and when it’s done well it’s one of the most satisfying things we do.

What actually happens at the appointment

Your colourist works through the whole head systematically. Sections the hair, wraps each piece in a foil with lightener inside. Top, sides, underneath, every bit.

After processing, the foils come out, the lightener is rinsed, a toner goes on to get the exact shade of blonde you’re after. Then the blowdry.

Two and a half to four hours depending on your hair and how light you’re going. Worth blocking out the afternoon.

How is it different from balayage?

Highlights lift more evenly, closer to the root, all the way through. The result is brighter. More uniform. More thoroughly lit.

Balayage starts below the root and fades gradually toward the end. Softer, more sun-kissed, lower maintenance.

Neither is better. They’re just different results. Maximum brightness and regular appointments? Highlights. Something more lived-in that goes longer between visits? Balayage. A lot of our clients actually have both.

How often?

Every eight to ten weeks, broadly. The lightener goes closer to the root so you’ll notice regrowth before you would with balayage.

Some clients come in for a half-head top-up at the halfway point rather than a full head every time. We’ll suggest whichever makes most sense for your hair.

Book at SCL London

Notting Hill, Fitzrovia and Liverpool Street. Free consultation available if you’re not sure what you want. We’re good at helping you work that out.

FAQ’s

• What is included in a full head of highlights?

  A full head of highlights covers the entire head from root to tip using foils to lift sections of hair to a lighter shade. We add on a toner to achieve the desired blonde tone and finishes with a blowdry.

• How long do full head highlights take?

  A full head of highlights at SCL typically takes four hours depending on hair length, density and starting colour.

• How much do full head highlights cost in London?

  Full head highlight pricing at SCL is based on the time, the technique and the amount of hair involved. A free consultation will give you an accurate quote.

• How often do full head highlights need refreshing?

  Most clients with a full head of highlights return every 6 to 10 weeks as the root regrowth becomes visible.

• What’s the difference between full head and half head highlights?

  A full head covers the entire head including underlayers. A half head covers the top and sides only. Full head gives a more complete all-over result. Half head is a quicker, more targeted service.