Californian highlights: everything you need to know

What are Californian highlights?

Some time ago they took over our beauty looks, but what are Californian highlights? It is a gradient from the roots, with the tips lighter. Many celebs have already opted for them and wear them with pride, like Drew Barrymore.

Why are they so successful?

Check out Hilary Swank's California highlights. They enliven the look and give the hair more luminosity. In addition, they do not need to be touched up very frequently (long live the comfort!) And they are a perfect option if you are looking for a casual look.

Why are they called like that?

The idea is to achieve the most natural discoloration effect (like the one Kate Bosworth wears), as by the effect of constant exposure to the sun. The name of this style was born from California surfers who used to cover their hair with paraffin (or board wax) to protect it from the salt water and the sun.

How are they made?

Remember that if you want to bet on some Californian highlights it is better that you go to an expert, we do not recommend that you experiment at home. As for the technique, you have to undergo a bleaching process. It is recommended that bleaching begins about five fingers of the hair length to the ends. Take a look at Jessica Biel's hair color.

How are they different from balayage highlights?

The Californian highlights provide more contrast with the base hair tone and also more luminosity to the hair. They don't require as much touch-up as balayage highlights. In addition, they are applied from medium to ends, while the objective of balayage highlights is to achieve a more blurred effect. In fact, the ideal is not to distinguish where the wick begins and ends.

Side effects?

The technique used to get the Californian highlights is very likely to dry out your hair. Therefore, remember that it is important to hydrate it to be able to show off a healthy mane like Ana de Armas's. If you want to choose the best mask for your hair type, take a look at our favorites.

Californian highlights for blondes

If you have blonde hair like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the effect will be more natural. Forget about the touch-ups every month, since it will only be necessary to mattify the highlights from time to time.

Californian highlights for brunettes

If you are a brunette like Lily Aldridge, you can also go for some Californian highlights. Of course, we recommend that the color cut is not too abrupt, since the effect will seem too artificial.

California highlights for chestnuts

If your hair is brown like Blanca Suárez's, go for an ash blonde or bright blonde shade. This way you will achieve a natural (and super beautiful) effect.

Californian highlights for redheads

Yes, a few years ago Leighton Meester opted for a red tone and we have to say that it looked great on her. Thanks to the Californian highlights, the hair color will stop being monotonous and will soften the features. Of course, remember if you look light red, you should bet on blonde highlights so that the contrast is softer.

A risky look

If you are not afraid to experiment with your hair, you can take inspiration from Lucy Hale. There is an obvious contrast between roots and ends but it looks great. You dare?

For long hair

If you have long dark hair like Sarah Jessica Parker, California highlights will be a safe bet to add shine and light to your hair.

For short and medium hair

If you think that only women with XXL hair can opt for Californian highlights, you are very wrong. Of course, remember that it is a more daring option since the contrast created will be much greater because you have less hair length.

With straight hair

Don't be afraid to go for some Californian highlights if you have straight hair or if you like to use your irons daily. In addition, if you have fine hair, you will achieve that your hair has (visually) more volume thanks to the natural gradient of the highlights. Jennifer Lopez's word.

With waves

If you want to pay tribute to the origin of California highlights, do like Chrissy Teigen and wear them with soft waves as if you were a real surfer. This way you will get a sensual and sophisticated touch. We love!

Do you fancy a makeover? We understand you well, it happens to us often. Do you look like an XXL mane? You can go for a long haircut, opt for layered mid-length hair, or take a risk with short hair. Not sure whether to end your half-length hair and cut your losses? Take note of the best haircuts that will be sweeping in 2019 and choose yours now. And if you want to go for a change of look without having to cut your hair, we have a perfect option for you (and it is a most fashionable solution): Californian highlights .

California highlights: your hair asks you for a change

Actually, California highlights took over our beauty looks a long time ago. And we are not surprised! They do not require many touch-ups and provide a lot of luminosity to any hair. In fact, you can bet on them if you have long or short hair or you wear a midi mane. They are a safe bet for brunettes, blondes, chestnuts, and redheads. You just have to find the ones that best suit your hair!

A perfect option for EVERYONE

If you have blonde hair , California highlights will change your look instantly without being too radical an option. Look at the highlights on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: the model has achieved a natural and super pretty effect.
It is also a safe bet for women with brown hair . Of course, we recommend that you go for an ash blonde or bright blonde tone to achieve a natural tone.
If your hair is dark, be careful not to cut the color too rough, as this will give you a very artificial effect. We recommend that you ALWAYS go to a professional to choose the tone of the highlights according to the color of your hair.
Remember that you can wear California highlights with any hair length. It is an ideal option whether you have medium hair, long hair, short … Of course, if you have short hair, the contrast created will be much greater.