Hair highlights have become a staple in hair salons across NYC, but there are still some myths and misconceptions that can leave people hesitant about taking the plunge. Whether you’re considering balayage, foil highlights, or ombre highlights, you might have heard some conflicting advice. At Venelle Salon and Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we believe it’s time to set the record straight.

In this blog post, we’re debunking the most common myths about hair highlights so that you can feel confident when you decide to brighten up your locks.

Myth #1: Highlights Are Only for Blonde Hair

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about hair highlights. Many people believe that highlights are only for blonde hair, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Highlights can work beautifully for all hair colors, from brunettes to redheads to black hair.

• Fact: Highlights are incredibly versatile and can be customized for any hair color. Whether you want soft caramel highlights to add warmth to your dark brown hair or platinum blonde highlights for a cool-toned, edgy look, highlights can be tailored to suit your natural hair color. At Venelle Salon and Spa, we specialize in creating customized highlighting techniques that work for every shade and style.

Myth #2: Highlights Will Damage Your Hair

There’s a common belief that highlights are harsh on your hair and cause significant damage. While it’s true that coloring your hair can sometimes cause dryness, the right technique and aftercare can minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.

• Fact: If done by an experienced colorist, highlights don’t have to damage your hair. Balayage, for instance, is a freehand technique that allows for more controlled application and can be gentler on your strands. At Venelle Salon and Spa, we use only high-quality, professional products that nourish and protect your hair. We also offer aftercare advice to help you maintain healthy, shiny hair post-highlights.

Myth #3: You Can’t Get Highlights if You Have Curly Hair

Many people with curly hair think that highlights are only suited for straight or wavy hair, but this is far from the truth. In fact, curly hair can look absolutely stunning with highlights, adding depth, texture, and volume.

• Fact: Curly hair benefits greatly from highlights as they enhance the shape and dimension of your curls. Balayage and foil highlights can be applied to curly hair to create a multi-dimensional, vibrant look. The highlights can accentuate the natural curl pattern, adding contrast and making your curls pop. At Venelle Salon and Spa, our stylists are experienced in working with all hair types, including curly hair, and can create the perfect highlighted look for you.

Myth #4: Highlights Will Require Frequent Maintenance

While it’s true that highlights may need occasional touch-ups, the amount of maintenance depends on the type of highlights you choose and how quickly your hair grows.

• Fact: Balayage, one of the most popular highlighting techniques, requires very little upkeep. Since balayage highlights are applied freehand and blend seamlessly with your natural color, they grow out naturally and don’t create harsh lines or regrowth. For more traditional foil highlights, you might need touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, but the results are worth it. At Venelle Salon and Spa, we always discuss the maintenance level with our clients, so they know exactly what to expect.

Myth #5: Highlights Are Just for a Summer Look

It’s a common misconception that highlights are only suitable for the summer months, when everyone wants to achieve that sun-kissed glow. However, highlights can be a stunning option year-round.

• Fact: Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, highlights are always in style. In the fall and winter, you might opt for warmer caramel highlights or rich honey tones to complement your seasonal wardrobe. Platinum blonde highlights can add a touch of edge to any season, and subtle balayage can keep your hair looking fresh no matter the time of year. Venelle Salon and Spa offers a variety of highlighting techniques that can work with any season, ensuring that your hair looks gorgeous year-round.

Myth #6: You Have to Go Light with Highlights

Another common myth is that you have to go significantly lighter than your natural color when getting highlights. While some people choose to go lighter, highlights can be applied in many different shades to suit your style.

• Fact: Highlights don’t always have to be light. If you’re a brunette, you can opt for caramel highlights, chocolate highlights, or even deep red highlights to add warmth and dimension. If you’re a redhead, you can add some copper highlights or golden blonde highlights to enhance your natural color. The possibilities are endless, and your colorist will work with you to find the perfect highlight shade for your hair.

Myth #7: All Highlights Look the Same

Some people think that highlights always look the same, but there are actually numerous techniques and styles that can create a unique result for each client.

• Fact: There are a variety of highlighting techniques that create different looks, such as balayage, foil highlights, baby lights, ombre, and sombre (subtle ombre). Each technique has its own distinct effect and can be customized to achieve the look you desire. Whether you’re going for a natural, soft finish with balayage or a more defined and contrasting look with foil highlights, there’s a technique for everyone.

Myth #8: Hair Highlights Are Too Expensive in NYC

It’s no secret that NYC salons can sometimes be pricey, but that doesn’t mean highlights have to break the bank.

• Fact: While the cost of highlights can vary depending on the salon and the technique, many NYC salons offer competitive pricing for top-quality services. At Venelle Salon and Spa, we pride ourselves on offering affordable, luxurious hair color services. Whether you want a full head of highlights or a subtle balayage touch-up, we work with you to create a personalized hair color plan that fits both your budget and your hair goals.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back—Book Your Highlight Appointment Today!

If you’ve been hesitant about getting highlights due to misconceptions or myths, now is the time to dispel those doubts and embrace a new, vibrant look! At Venelle Salon and Spa in Park Slope, we specialize in creating beautiful hair highlights for clients with all hair types, textures, and colors.

Book your consultation today and let our expert stylists guide you through the perfect highlighting technique for your hair. Whether you’re looking for a subtle glow, bold contrast, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let myths stop you—Venelle Salon and Spa is your go-to salon for beautiful, healthy highlights that suit your style.