If you’ve ever wished for fuller, thicker-looking hair, you’ve probably wondered whether highlights can help achieve that look. At Venelle Salon and Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we’ve worked with countless clients who seek to add volume and texture to their hair with the magic of highlights. The good news is—highlights can indeed make your hair look thicker—and we’re here to tell you exactly how!

In this blog post, we’ll break down how highlighting techniques can add dimension and volume to your hair, and how you can achieve the most natural, voluminous look possible with the right highlights for your hair type.

How Highlights Create the Illusion of Thicker Hair

The secret to how highlights can make your hair look thicker lies in the way light interacts with your hair. When strategically placed, highlights add depth and dimension to your strands, creating the illusion of more volume and fullness.

• Fact: Highlights work by lightening specific sections of your hair, which contrasts with your natural color. This contrast creates a visual effect that makes your hair appear fuller, especially in areas where it might otherwise look flat or lackluster. The light-reflecting nature of highlights can give the appearance of more hair and more texture.

At Venelle Salon and Spa, we know how to place highlights in a way that adds volume where you need it most, creating a fuller, more vibrant look. Whether you want soft blonde highlights to add some dimension to dark hair or warm caramel highlights to enhance your natural tones, we’ll create the perfect look to make your hair appear thicker and more voluminous.

How Different Highlighting Techniques Enhance Volume

Not all highlighting techniques are created equal when it comes to boosting volume. Some methods are better suited for adding thickness and texture to your hair than others. Here’s how a few popular techniques can help:

1. Balayage: The Natural Volume Builder

Balayage is a freehand technique where highlights are painted onto your hair, creating a sun-kissed, natural look. This technique works particularly well for creating volume because the highlights are applied in such a way that they mimic the natural gradation of color found in thick, healthy hair.

• Why Balayage Works for Thickness: Balayage highlights are blended into the hair more subtly, which creates depth and dimension without creating harsh lines. This gradual color placement adds a lot of volume, especially when applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Balayage is perfect for those who want to add texture and volume without drastic, high-contrast highlights.

2. Foil Highlights: Maximum Lift for Maximum Volume

Foil highlights are a classic method where strands of hair are sectioned and wrapped in foil before the color is applied. This technique can lift the color dramatically, and when placed strategically, it creates significant contrast, which enhances the appearance of thickness.

• Why Foil Highlights Work for Thickness: With foil highlights, the color is more intense and defined, which makes it easier to see the layers and textures in your hair. If you have fine hair, foil highlights can be an excellent option to create separation between strands, making the hair appear fuller. Foils are perfect for those who want bold, noticeable volume.

3. Baby Lights: Subtle Volume Boost

Baby lights are ultra-fine, delicate highlights that are strategically placed to add lightness to your hair without the appearance of traditional highlights. This technique is ideal for creating a soft, natural look that still adds volume.

• Why Baby Lights Work for Thickness: The subtlety of baby lights helps give the hair a natural, airy texture. These soft highlights reflect light in a way that makes your hair appear thicker and more voluminous. Baby lights are perfect for those with fine hair or anyone seeking a low-maintenance option that adds texture without sacrificing softness.

4. Ombre and Sombre Highlights: Soft Contrast for Volume

Ombre and sombre (subtle ombre) are techniques where the hair color transitions from dark to light, creating a gradual fade. These techniques are great for those who want to add volume without heavy contrast.

• Why Ombre/Sombre Works for Thickness: These highlighting techniques add visual weight to your hair, especially towards the ends, making your hair look fuller and more voluminous. The ombre or sombre effect can give you the fullness you desire, while still maintaining a soft and natural look.

Tips for Maximizing the Voluminous Effect of Highlights

Now that you know how highlights can make your hair look thicker, here are some tips to get the most voluminous result possible:

1. Layer Your Hair for Extra Lift
   Adding layers to your hair can help enhance the voluminous effect of your highlights. Layers create movement and texture, making your hair look fuller and lighter. Your colorist can customize your cut and highlight placement to ensure maximum volume.

2. Add Texture with Styling
   After your highlights are done, use texturizing sprays or mousse to add more volume. Light waves or a tousled look can enhance the dimension created by your highlights and make your hair appear even thicker. Avoid heavy creams or gels that might weigh your hair down.

3. Avoid Over-Highlighting
   While highlights can add volume, it’s important not to overdo it. Too many highlights can end up making your hair look flat instead of full. The key is to balance the placement of highlights to ensure there is still enough depth and dimension in your natural color.

4. Use Volume-Boosting Products
   To keep your hair looking as thick as possible, use products specifically designed to boost volume. Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that add body can make a big difference in achieving that fuller, thicker look.

5. Regular Hair Care
   Healthy hair is naturally more voluminous. Make sure to keep your hair moisturized and well-conditioned, especially after highlighting. Dry, damaged hair tends to lie flat, while well-nourished hair maintains bounce and fullness.

Conclusion: Get Thicker, Fuller Hair with Highlights!

So, can highlights make your hair look thicker? The answer is absolutely yes! By choosing the right highlighting techniques and maintaining proper hair care, you can create a voluminous, thicker look that enhances your natural beauty. Whether you opt for balayage, foil highlights, or baby lights, highlights can add dimension, texture, and the illusion of more hair.

At Venelle Salon and Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we specialize in creating custom highlighting looks that add volume, depth, and dimension to your hair. Our expert colorists will work with you to find the perfect technique that gives you that thicker, fuller hair you've always wanted.

Book your consultation with us today, and let’s create the perfect highlighted look that will leave your hair looking gorgeous and voluminous!