Hair Streaks vs. Highlights (what’s the difference?)

Before dwelling into streaks vs highlight, let us understand what both of them are. 

Hair streaks are basically bursts of color in a tiny section of your hair. They come in a range of colors and you can either have them super bold and bright, or subtly soft and pastel. 

So this is one good way you can keep your natural hair color but also add a change. They’re like a statement that exudes your personality through your hair color! 

Highlights on the other hand, will completely blend into your natural hair color. They are thus more subtle in adding color to your hair. Hair streaks are super noticeable, and they stand out for sure. 

They’re a great option for you if you’re planning to add some drama to your look. This will also help you to experiment before committing to a full color change, so there’s always that. 

Just remember one thing, the more intense of a color you add to your hair, the more dramatic it will look. So that might’ve answered the first point on hair streaks vs highlights for you? 

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What are Highlights?

 

Highlights are more like sections of hair that are lightened using bleach or any dye. They will give you the sun-kissed look that you’ve always wanted to keep forever. They perfectly blend in with the rest of your natural hair, which is why we say that they’re made essentially for mimicking how the sun naturally lightens your hair, making them look softer and more interesting. 

Usually, foiling or capping techniques will be used for spreading the lightened color throughout your hair. You can have them customized to your color preferences easily. 

Below is the basic difference between hair highlights and streaks: 

Technique	Appearance	Effect
Highlights	Blended, natural, soft	Subtle, sun-kissed glow, adds light and depth
Streaks	Defined, bold sections	Bolder statement, sharp contrasts

 

Hair Streaks vs Highlights (the key differences)

Application

Both of them are applied differently. Streaks will be limited to small sections of your hair, and their color will be bolder. They’ll stand out against your natural hair color. Highlights will be applied evenly throughout your hair, and in larger sections as compared to streaks. They will blend into your hair more.

Boldness

Depending on the overall boldness of the look, you’ll be able to tell the difference hands on. Streaks will be unusually bright, like blue, pink, or purple. This is what brings in that edgy look. Highlights on the other hand, are subtle in their color. So that makes the hair streaks vs highlights doubt clear.

Color Choices

Streaks will let you choose any color that you want—yes. As long and it is bright and bold, streaks won’t say no to any color. But with highlights, you’ll only be able to go a few shades lighter to your natural hair.

Maintenance

Highlights will need less maintenance than streaks (their brighter color will wear off with improper care). Even regrowth is less noticeable in highlights, and it is completely opposite for streaks.

Duration of Hair Streaks vs Highlights

Highlights will undoubtedly last longer than streaks. Because of their intense color, streaks tend to fade off faster, especially if you’re planning to wash your hair too often. Highlights will stay put.

Final Effect

Streaks create a wonderful contrast to your natural shade and the color will pop. Highlights are better for those who are willing to make the color blend.

Now that you know the difference between highlights and streaks, you can choose the style which suits you the most and the one that you truly like.

Which One Should You Choose: Hair Streaks or Highlights?

What are better streaks or highlights? Honestly, it all depends on what you’re trying to achieve here. If you want some excitement and make a bigger statement, then go for streaks. And if you’re aiming for a more blendy look, then highlights are what you should go for all the way.

Next, make sure to consider your hair type and color. Highlights are the ones that work for most hair types out there. For darker hair like us Indians, highlights are something worth the try.

Finally, also think about the time and effort you wish to put into your hair. Highlights are easier to maintain everyday, and you won’t need to touch them up often. And streaks will require more of an upkeep because of their color. So that sums it up at last—it really is a personal choice!

How can I keep my hair streaks & highlights fresh?

To be honest, any of these two that you choose, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that your look should remain fresh over time. No matter the difference between hair highlights and streaks, you’ll need to care for both of them to some equal extent.

Streaks

Since these are the ones with brighter colors, they are the ones you need to care for more in the longer run. That way they’ll look sharper. Make it a point to keep moisturizing your hair often as the chemical processes which are involved in the coloring can really dry them out. You can opt for hydrating treatments and deep conditioners to keep your streaks soft and healthy.

Highlights

So highlights, if they’re lighter than your natural hair shade, can become a bit brassy with time. You can use a purple shampoo to neutralise this yellow or orangish undertone.

Another good step is to get regular trims. That will help your highlights to look the most fresh as split ends can oftentimes damage the look.

Products to Use

For both of these, using color-safe shampoos and conditioners is a must to see them shine through even after months. Your hairstylist will recommend the best one. These products will prevent the colors from fading prematurely. Avoid using shampoos that have harsh sulfates.

Pros & Cons of Hair Streaks vs Highlights

Before you ask about streaks vs highlights, let us make it clear that both of them are good, it just depends on what you want out of them for your hair look.

Pros of Hair Streaks

●    Bold and fun
●    They’ll give your hair a dramatic contrast
●    Customizable according to your color preference

Cons of Hair Streaks

●    Require high maintenance
●    Not suitable for all environments (workplace and professional settings)

Pros of Highlights

●    Natural look
●    Low maintenance
●    Adds depth to your hair

Cons of Highlights

●    Not noticeable, they’re more subtle in change
●    You’ll need frequent touch-ups like trimming your hair

So, that was all on the difference between hair highlights and streaks and the hair streaks vs highlights argument. Which is better, streaks or highlights? We say both, which one are you choosing?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between hair streaks and highlights?

Streaks are focussed on smaller sections and highlights are spread out throughout your hair.

Do hair streaks damage your hair?

If done properly, streaks are incapable of damaging your hair but bleaching can surely weaken your hair strands.

How long do hair streaks last compared to highlights?

Streaks tend to fade away faster than highlights

Are highlights or streaks better for dark hair?

Highlights do wonders when paired with darker hair.

Can I go from streaks to highlights easily?

Yes, it is possible but you’ll have to go to a good professional for this.

Can I do hair streaks or highlights at home?

Yes! You can definitely do them at home. Many kits are available online that help you do so.

How often should I touch up my highlights?

Every 6-8 weeks will be great.

What is better for fine hair: streaks or highlights?

Highlights are the better choice for fine hair.

Are streaks or highlights easier to maintain?

 Highlights are way easier to maintain.