Fall is fast approaching which means now is the time to really think about what to do with your hair for autumn/winter. My For You Page is already being bombarded with videos of pumpkin patches, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, and reading books by a cozy fire. Typically, now is the time to go darker with your hair, but I'm still not over the summer blondes. So, the question remains... do I take the plunge and go darker or hope summer lasts a little longer and go for the highlights?
When it comes to a color change, you typically have two options: highlighting or all over color. You may have heard the term “full foil” and wondered what the difference is between a full foil and an all over color. Today, we’re going to deep dive into the differences between the full foil vs all over color, so the next time you’re at the salon, you know exactly what you’re getting into.
What Does Full Foil Mean?
A full foil is a highlighting service that covers the full head, so when you lift your hair up, you can see highlights underneath the top layer of hair. Partial foil, or partial highlights, only highlight the top layer of hair.
Highlighting involves isolating strands of hair with aluminum foil, bleaching the hair, and then adding a lighter hair dye color to the bleached strands. Stylists will feather the color into the hair for a seamless blend and finish with a gloss to tone the hair. The foil highlight technique adds dimension and lightens the hair, but the overall base color remains the same. Highlights typically last 2-3 months before needing a touchup.
Getting a partial highlight only lightens the top part of the hair or just around the face for a sunkissed look. The balayage technique can be a form of partial highlights that don’t use foil. It’s a freehand technique that highlights the mid-length to the ends of the hair for a more lived-in look that is great for long hair.
Lowlights, unlike highlights, darken the hair. This is often combined with highlighting to add even more dimension.
What is All Over Color?
All over color is when you change the base color of your hair. This has little to no dimension. It can be a great option for covering gray hair.
Single Process
Unlike the multi-step process of highlights, single process color involves the application of a single color to your hair. It's a versatile technique that allows you to lighten or deepen your natural hue, cover up gray strands, or experiment with an entirely new color. With a seamless process that effortlessly infuses your hair with a consistent shade, single process color is your passport to a refreshed and revitalized look, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking a change that can be as subtle or dramatic as you would like. Permanent color lasts about 6-8 weeks before requiring a touchup. Semi permanent color will last between 8-10 shampoos.
Double Process
Double process color involves the single process of changing your natural hair color and then a second treatment to add dimension and highlights. An example of double process color is going platinum blonde. The double process can be harsh on the hair, so it’s important to see a stylist who has experience and takes great care of your hair so it’s as healthy as possible.
If you plan to double process your hair, also speak with your stylist about your post-color hair care. At Studio One Salon, we can answer all of your questions about the best shampoo to use on your hair type, how often to use a conditioning treatment, your in-salon hair maintenance schedule, and how to maintain your color at home.
The Difference Between Full Foil vs All Over Color
The difference between full foil vs all over color is pretty clear. A full foil will highlight the entirety of your hair, giving it beautiful dimension, but your base color will remain the same. All over color will completely change the base color of your hair, but it will give little to no dimension. Double processing allows you to change your base color and then add dimension, but it can be harsh on your hair, so make sure to create a haircare plan with your stylist and prioritize your hair health.
If you’re not trying to cover up gray hair, then highlights are probably the way to go. The exception to this would be if you have blonde hair and are trying to change to a richer brown hair or if you want to be a redhead. Blondes would benefit from more dimension than a single-process would offer, so talk to your stylist about your goals to decide the best plan of action.
At Studio One Salon, our stylists are pros at achieving beautiful blondes, rich brunettes, and striking reds. We love creating hair that you absolutely love, from dramatic color changes to perfecting the perfect subtle blend. We have options ranging from full foils to all over color and everything in between. You can schedule your appointment online or give us a call to discuss which service is right for you.
Kristin Baiocco
Kristin Baiocco is the creative behind Studio One Salon in Hockessin, DE. Kristin has been a hairstylist for over 15 years and founded Studio One in 2022 to create a space for stylists and guests that was more creative and inspiring than the average salon. Her love for people and this industry really drive home why she set this goal in the first place: To create, every day.