Why Gusto Loves Doing Half Head Highlights

Imagine this: you've just left the salon with hair that looks like you've spent three weeks soaking up Mediterranean sunshine, yet you've only been under the foils for two hours in central London. This isn't magic, it's the art of half head highlights, and there's a reason why this technique has become one of the most requested services in London's top salons.

Recent industry data shows that 68% of highlight clients now choose half head over full head applications, with many preferring the natural, effortless finish it creates. But what makes this technique so special, and why do professional colourists—including our award-winning team at Gusto Hairdressing—absolutely love working with it?

What Exactly Are Half Head Highlights?

Half head highlights focus on lightening the top layer of your hair, particularly around the face, crown, and sometimes through the parting area.

half head vs three thirds foils

Unlike full head highlights that cover every strand, this technique leaves the underneath layers in your natural shade, creating that coveted dimensional look that's both sophisticated and naturally radiant.

The coverage includes:

  • Face-framing sections for brightness

  • Crown area for lift and volume

  • Top layers for overall luminosity

  • Strategic placement around your natural parting

This selective approach means you get maximum impact with minimal commitment—perfect for London's busy lifestyle where maintenance time is precious.

Why Professionals Love the Half Head Technique

Customisation at Its Finest

What makes half head highlights particularly appealing to professional colourists is the level of personalisation possible. Each application can be tailored to complement your natural hair colour, face shape, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for subtle sun-kissed ribbons or bolder contrast placement, the technique adapts beautifully to individual needs.

Lower Maintenance, Higher Satisfaction

The beauty of half head highlights lies in their forgiving regrowth pattern. Because only the top sections are lightened, regrowth appears softer and more natural, allowing clients to extend their salon visits to 10-12 weeks rather than the 6-8 weeks typically required for full head applications.

highlights vs lowlights

This makes it an incredibly practical choice for London professionals who want gorgeous hair without constant upkeep.

Perfect for Hair Health

Professional stylists appreciate that half head highlights are gentler on hair condition. By leaving the underneath layers untouched, there's less overall chemical processing, which means healthier hair and more vibrant results. This is particularly important for clients who've had previous colour treatments or heat damage from styling.

The London Advantage: Why Location Matters

Central London salons have access to the latest professional colour technology and techniques that make half head highlights truly exceptional. The precision required for this technique demands expertise that comes from working with diverse hair types and staying current with international trends.

Pricing and Value

In central London, half head highlights typically range from £100-£240, making them roughly 35% more affordable than full head treatments whilst still delivering that transformative result.

How much for highlights in London

This cost-effectiveness, combined with the extended time between appointments, makes them an intelligent investment in your look.

The Perfect Canvas

London's dynamic lifestyle calls for hair that works from boardroom to cocktail bar. Half head highlights provide exactly this versatility, professional enough for the West End and the City, glamorous enough for Shoreditch, and effortlessly chic for anywhere in between.

Who Should Choose Half Head Highlights?

You're an ideal candidate if you:

  • Want subtle brightening without dramatic change

  • Prefer low-maintenance colour routines

  • Love natural, sun-kissed dimension

  • Are new to highlights and want to test the waters

  • Have naturally darker hair and want face-framing brightness

  • Need a technique that works with your busy schedule

Consider alternatives if you:

  • Want to go several shades lighter overall

  • Prefer uniform, all-over blonde results

  • Don't mind frequent salon maintenance

  • Are looking for dramatic colour transformation

Maintaining Your Half Head Highlights

Essential aftercare includes:

  • Purple shampoo once weekly to combat brassiness

  • Deep conditioning treatments every two weeks

  • Heat protection spray before styling

  • Regular gloss treatments to maintain vibrancy

Professional tip: Book toner appointments between full colour services to keep your highlights looking fresh and dimensional.

WOW Colour

Half head highlights represent the evolution of modern hair colouring—sophisticated, natural, and perfectly suited to contemporary lifestyles. They offer the perfect balance between noticeable enhancement and effortless maintenance, which is why they've become such a favourite among London's style-conscious clients.

The technique works beautifully across all hair lengths and textures, making it genuinely inclusive. From fine hair that needs subtle lift to thick hair that benefits from face-framing brightness, half head highlights adapt to enhance your natural beauty rather than mask it.

This approach to colour perfectly captures the current trend towards 'lived-in' hair—styles that look effortlessly gorgeous whether you've just left the salon or it's been eight weeks since your last appointment.

Ready to discover why half head highlights have become London's most requested colour service? Our award-winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing combine cutting-edge technique with personalised consultation to create the perfect dimensional colour for your lifestyle. Book your consultation today and experience the transformative power of expertly applied highlights.