17 Stunning Pictures of Partial Highlights That Are Simply Beautiful

Avery Hunt
Avery Hunt Hair Colorist

Partial highlights are a hair coloring technique that colors only select sections of your hair. These highlights on any hair length are guaranteed to leave a fantastic impression!

Expert colorist Justine Petrucci shares her insights on this technique. She explains that “partial highlights are for someone wanting a more natural appearance or a bit of a refresh. It’s a way to enhance their color and make it appear finished before they’re ready for a complete highlight.”

“Dry shampoo! Sometimes it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing less – less washing,” Justine advises regarding her top product recommendation. “A partial highlight is going to alter the texture [of your hair], making it drier, so you should be able to extend the time between washes,” she notes.

No need for high upkeep and intricate hairstyling routines! This coloring style adds a beautifully natural dimension that allows you to appreciate your hair every day. Remember to use color-safe products for your new partial hair color!

Take a look at these stunning images of how to style partial highlights.

Photos
a stylish partial highlights on dark hair

#1 Stylish Partial Highlights on Dark Hair

Yep—partial highlights on dark hair do the trick! The result is convincing when you only desire a subtle lightness to your hairstyle. Texture and soft waves at the ends will elevate and contribute to your transformation.

a dimensional balayage partial highlights

#2 Dimensional Balayage Partial Highlights

If there’s a queen of radiant blonde, you can be crowned for that as you embrace this trend! These balayage partial highlights will showcase the beauty of your long, wavy locks. The stylishness proves unbeatable!

an elegant platinum blonde partial highlights

#3 Elegant Platinum Blonde Partial Highlights

Embrace your grey hair, and soon you’ll discover it’s a key element to achieving a beautiful new hairstyle. Enjoy having long, straight hair with platinum blonde partial highlights. Your greys will seamlessly blend with the color, creating a look that feels entirely natural.

an ideal for brown tresses

#4 Ideal for Brown Tresses

You can always revert to the classic and beloved coloring technique, and yet, achieve the perfect look! Decide where you want to position your highlights for a naturally blended balayage effect. Also, consider adding some face-framing pieces, which are fantastic for those with brown hair. Its medium-length chop and beach waves are what will enhance your appearance.

A Red and Violet Partial Highlights for Medium Hair

#5 Stunning Red and Violet Partial Highlights

Why settle for just one vibrant hue when you can embrace two? The secret is to maintain a dark base to enhance the color’s vibrancy. Aim for complementary tones to prevent any clash. Placement of color is key. Think about bringing images of your desired styles to your appointment. Here’s a great tip: always choose a color-safe shampoo to prevent rapid fading. Bold colors need upkeep, so discuss this in advance.

A Long Wavy Dark Hair with Subtle Chocolate Partial Highlights

#6 Deep Brown Hair with Delicate Chocolate Highlights

With a partial placement, incorporating a few highlights can enhance your hair color with a chocolate nuance. Sometimes, a slight touch of lightness is all your hair craves. Your stylist will first lighten your deep brown hair with bleach. Then, a lovely shade will be applied to complement your darker tone and complexion.

A chic curly hair partial highlights

#7 Chic Curly Hair Partial Highlights

Effortless and exceptionally stylish appearance? Who wouldn’t desire that? Revitalize your long natural waves with handpainted shades of blonde. These partial highlights for curly hair are an excellent choice to enhance your beachy vibe.

a relaxed partial highlights on brunette hair

#8 Relaxed Partial Highlights on Brunette Hair

A vibrant balayage, indeed! Here are just the right highlights to enhance your locks and complement soft waves. These partial highlights on brunette hair will give you the most effortless vibe ever. Embrace a long haircut because that’s how you can rock various hairstyles.

a stunning styles for dirty blonde hair

#9 Stunning Styles for Dirty Blonde Hair

Go for a half head of highlights that look stunning on dirty blonde hair! Opt for partial highlights if you don’t want to be out of the trend. Wear it on a ponytail for a simple approach or add curls and waves for a much more glamorous finish. As long as you have your locks longer than your shoulders, the sky’s the limit when it comes to styling.

an ideal for light brown hair

#10 Ideal for Light Brown Hair

These partial highlights are perfect for light brown hair to enhance your existing color. These are particularly flattering for a fair skin complexion. A root smudge on long hair is a clever technique to let your hair grow out seamlessly.

A Dimensional Honey Caramel Partial Highlights for Short Hair

#11 Textured Honey Caramel Short Hair

If you’re interested in a transformation for your hairstyle, consider the textured honey caramel short haircut and color combination! The caramel highlights beautifully complement the short haircut, enhancing its shape and making it perfect for a new season. When working with shorter hairstyles, it’s essential to apply hair color and highlights with a unique approach. I recommend using soft crown highlights for the most appealing contrast.

A transformation with partial hughlights a before and after

#12 Transformations with Partial Highlights: A Before and After

Partial highlights create the perception of a full coverage look by incorporating your darker shades as lowlights. The change from before to after partial highlights is remarkable! Is your mid-length hair dealing with a brassy-toned blonde that has much depth at the roots? Refresh it with a foilayage treatment. It’s sure to enhance your diamond blonde tone, providing depth to your hairstyle. Style it with beautiful waves, and with that color, you’ll shine!

A subtle highlights for dimensional short hairstyles

#13 Subtle Highlights for Dimensional Short Hairstyles

Transform your neck-length blunt cut into a contemporary style. Elevate it with beach waves to highlight your chop and enhance movement and flow. Incorporating dimension is also a fantastic option, so here are the subtle highlights on short hair for you!

A Soft Sandy Blonde Partial Highlights on Medium Hair

#14 Subtle Sandy Blonde Shades

If a soft blonde shade that complements your cooler skin tone is what you desire, ask your stylist to give you a sandy beige blonde hair color. A partial highlight will provide a blonde touch on your crown and the sides while your hair stays dark underneath. Such a blend of light and dark tones creates a stunning contrast in your hair color.

A perfect for dark brown hair

#15 Perfect for Dark Brown Hair

Perfect for dark brown hair, this half-head of highlights does nothing but liven up your balayage. It creates a refreshing finish that carries out more of the dimension to your look. You will find it very suitable for your long, thick tresses, styled with classy waves.

a chic partial highlights for straight hair

#16 Chic Partial Highlights for Straight Hair

Highlighting blonde tones is remarkably adaptable for various hair types. Indeed, partial highlights on straight hair create stunning effects! It’s the popular technique that adds depth even when your long strands are smooth and without curls.

A Bold Red Partial Highlights on Long Wavy Dark Hair

#17 Vibrant Red Highlights on Dark Tresses

Ask your stylist to apply vibrant red highlights alongside deep dark shades. For this, you need a partial highlight with striking panels. Some red hues can be integrated into your natural hair color without bleach if your hair is level 5 and above. This is for achieving brighter shades. Your hair’s underlying layer should be treated with a level 3 color to create a dark chocolate tone.