Half Head Highlights: What You Need to Know

Half Head Highlights: What You Need to Know

At Michael Todd Hairdressing, one of the most common questions we hear in consultation is: “Do I need a half head or a full head of highlights?” If you’re considering lightening your hair or refreshing your colour, understanding the difference between the two can help you feel confident in your choice — and ensure the result suits your style, routine, and hair goals.

What Are Half Head Highlights?

Half head highlights focus on the top and sides of your hair, the sections most visible when your hair is worn down. This technique lightens selected strands to create brightness and dimension through the crown and face-framing areas, while leaving much of the underneath untouched.

This is an ideal choice if:

• You’d like to enhance your natural colour with subtle brightness
• You wear your hair down most of the time
• You're looking for a lower-maintenance option
• You're topping up in between full head colour services

The result is softer and more natural, giving your hair a sunlit lift without a dramatic change.

What’s the Difference Between Half Head and Full Head Highlights?

The main difference is coverage.

A full head of highlights includes the top, sides, and the back and underneath sections of your hair. This creates a more even, all-over effect — often preferred by clients who want to go significantly lighter or who frequently wear their hair up.

Half head highlights, by contrast, give brightness where it’s most visible, and take less time and maintenance to keep looking fresh.

How Often Should I Book Half Head Highlights?

For most of our clients, we recommend a 6–8 week routine to maintain brightness and blend, depending on your hair colour, condition, and how quickly your roots grow. Our team can help you set up a schedule that keeps your colour looking effortless between appointments.

Could Half Head Highlights Be Right for You?

If you’re unsure which option suits your hair best, we always recommend starting with a professional consultation. At Michael Todd Hairdressing, our colour specialists are here to offer trusted advice and help you find a look that feels just right — whether that’s a soft half head of baby-lights or a more impactful full head transformation.