--- title: "What Are Half Head Highlights and Are They Right for You? | Hairdressing Salon Whitley Bay" description: "Wondering whether half head highlights are the right choice? Discover what they include, how they work, and who they suit best at Cruz Hairworks in Whitley Bay." canonical: "https://www.cruzhairworks.com/blog/half-head-highlights-whitley-bay" last_updated: "2026-05-26T17:19:16.075Z" --- # What Are Half Head Highlights and Are They Right for You? ![Smiling receptionist leans on desk beneath large "cruz hairworks" logo sign](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fsmiling-receptionist-cruz-hairworks-64x64.png%3Fv%3D1779877072922&w=128&q=75&dpl=dpl_GgSGZEaBgZRBqvj3cyB6JnQnt6KZ) Olivia MurrayManager PublishedSunday, 3 August 2025 ![Half head highlights being applied in a professional salon setting at Cruz Hairworks Whitley Bay](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fhalf-head-highlights-whitley-bay.jpg%3Fv%3D1772264199320&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_GgSGZEaBgZRBqvj3cyB6JnQnt6KZ) Yes, for many people, they are. Half head highlights are one of our top requested colour services at Cruz Hairworks in Whitley Bay because they give you visible brightness through the top and sides of your hair, where it shows the most, without the upkeep or cost of a full head of colour. Here is exactly what is involved, who they suit best, and what to expect on the day. ## What are half head highlights A half head of highlights means foiled colour is placed through the top, crown, and the sides that frame your face. The hair underneath is left in its natural shade, which creates soft contrast and lets the lighter sections do the heavy lifting visually. At Cruz we use L'Oréal Professional colour and place the foils to suit your cut, skin tone, and how you usually wear your hair. The result is brighter, but in a way that grows out softly without a hard regrowth line. ## Who half head highlights suit best They work beautifully if you wear your hair down a lot, because that is where the brightness will sit. They also work well for: - Anyone new to colour looking for a gentle introduction - Brunettes and redheads wanting face-framing lift - Clients maintaining existing blonde or balayage between full appointments - Anyone who prefers a low-maintenance grow-out If you wear your hair up often, or you have a very short cut, we will usually talk through a full head option at your consultation so the brightness sits where you will actually see it. ## Half head vs full head highlights The clearest difference is coverage and price. A half head is £72 with around 2 hours in the chair. A full head is £90 and around 2.5 hours, with foils placed throughout the entire head including the back and underneath. A simple way to choose: if you wear your hair down and want brightness around your face, start with a half head. If you wear it up, or you want even lift across the whole head, go for a full head. Many clients alternate between the two over the course of a year. You can [see the full half head highlights service and pricing](https://www.cruzhairworks.com/services/highlights-half-head-with-foils) on our service page. ## What to expect at your appointment A half head of highlights takes around 2 hours, including consultation, foiling, development time, toner, and a wash and blow dry. We will start by talking through what you are after and checking the condition of your hair. The foils go in next, working through the top, sides and crown. Once the colour has developed, we will tone the result, wash and condition the hair, and finish with a blow dry using GHD tools. If it is your first colour service with us, or you have not had colour for a while, we will arrange a quick patch test at least 48 hours beforehand. ## How often to book A good rule of thumb is every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how visible you like the regrowth to be. A gloss toner partway through can keep the tone fresh between full colour visits. Hard water and chlorine fade highlights faster, so a colour-safe shampoo and a weekly conditioning treatment go a long way. We can suggest the right L'Oréal Professional or Joico products at your appointment. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does a half head of highlights take? Around 2 hours from start to finish. That includes the consultation, foil application, development time, toner, and a wash and blow dry. Thicker or longer hair occasionally needs a little longer. ### How much do half head highlights cost? A half head with foils is £72 at Cruz Hairworks. The price includes consultation, application, toner, and a full wash and blow dry with a senior stylist. ### Will half head highlights damage my hair? Any lightening process puts some stress on the hair, which is why we use L'Oréal Professional colour and bond-strengthening products. We will check the condition of your hair at consultation and may recommend a conditioning treatment alongside the colour. ### Can I go darker with half head highlights? Highlights are a lightening technique, so they are designed to add brightness. If you want to add depth rather than lift, a lowlights service or a colour gloss is the better option. Your stylist can talk you through both at consultation. ### Do I need a patch test for half head highlights? Yes. A patch test is required at least 48 hours before your appointment, even if you have had colour with us before. We can fit it in at the salon or post you a kit if you cannot get in. ## Book your half head highlights at Cruz Hairworks Whitley Bay If you are ready to go, give us a call on 0191 2521 401 or [book your half head highlights appointment online](https://www.cruzhairworks.com/services/highlights-half-head-with-foils). If you are still deciding between half and full head, mention it when you book and we will start your appointment with a consultation so we can recommend the right service for the look you want. 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