Brown, Blonde, Red & More

Hair highlights are the easiest way to add dimension, brightness, and personality to your look—without committing to an all-over color change. At primp. in Charlotte, highlights are one of our most-requested services, and for good reason: done right, they make your hair look thicker, your face look brighter, and your whole vibe look elevated.

Here’s your complete guide to hair highlights and how to choose the right style for you.

What Are Hair Highlights?

Hair highlights are strands of hair lightened or colored to contrast with your base shade. They can be subtle or bold, placed throughout the head or focused around the face, and done with foils, balayage, or a combination of techniques.

Highlights work on every hair color. Whether you’re looking for brown highlights, blonde highlights, red highlights, or something more custom, the right placement makes all the difference.

Highlight Styles for Every Base Color

Brown Hair with Highlights

Brown hair with highlights is the ultimate in low-maintenance dimension. Highlights on brown hair can range from soft caramel ribbons to brighter blonde pieces around the face. If you want a gradual brightening without going full blonde, this is the move.

Blonde Hair with Brown Highlights

Feeling like your blonde is looking a little too “one note”? Blonde hair with brown highlights (also called lowlights) adds depth, dimension, and a richer, more expensive finish. It’s perfect for fall and winter transitions.

Red Highlights

Red highlights bring warmth and serious personality. We love them on brunette bases in auburn or copper tones, or as bold accents on blonde hair for an edgier look.

Dark Hair with Highlights

Dark hair with highlights needs a skilled colorist to avoid brassiness. At primp., we use careful lightener selection and toning to keep your contrast clean, bright, and glossy—never orange.

Black Hair with Highlights

Black hair with highlights is all about intentional placement. We often recommend chunkier, face-framing pieces or subtle caramel tones to add dimension without over-processing your hair.

Curly Hair Highlights

Curly hair highlights require a specialized approach. Because curls bend the light differently than straight hair, placement matters more than density. Our curly-trained stylists know how to paint highlights that pop through every coil and wave.

Foil Highlights vs. Balayage Highlights

• Foil highlights give you maximum brightness, uniform placement, and bolder contrast.
• Balayage highlights are hand-painted, softer, and grow out seamlessly.
• Combination techniques mix both for dimensional color that photographs beautifully.

Not sure which is right for you? During your consultation, your stylist will look at your hair texture, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences to recommend the best option.

Caring for Your Highlights

To keep highlights bright and healthy:

• Use purple or blue shampoo (for cool tones) once a week.
• Hydrate with a weekly mask—highlighted hair needs extra moisture.
• Schedule a hair gloss between highlight appointments to refresh tone.
• Limit hot tool use and always apply heat protectant.

Book Your Highlight Appointment

Whether you want bright, beachy blonde highlights or subtle brown highlights to add dimension, primp. in Charlotte is your go-to for custom color. Book your highlight consultation today.