--- title: "Half head vs full head highlights | Lutterworth | Jayne Elliott Hair Company" description: "Half head, full head or T-section highlights? What each covers, how often to refresh, what affects cost and how to choose at our Lutterworth salon." canonical: "https://www.jayneelliott.com/blog/half-head-vs-full-head-highlights-lutterworth" last_updated: "2026-10-22T09:50:40.876Z" --- # Half head vs full head highlights: which do you need? ![Jayne Elliott, expert hairdresser and salon owner in Lutterworth, specialising in precision cutting and styling at Jayne Elliott Hair Company.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fjayne-elliott-hairdresser-lutterworth-owner-128x128.png%3Fv%3D1746175013442&w=128&q=75&dpl=dpl_9qoeXQbUgg3Q3tjNAZjRY13wxw9E) Jayne ElliottSalon Owner PublishedThursday, 22 October 2026 ![Client with a soft wavy blonde bob, showing woven highlights blended with natural hair, at Jayne Elliott Hair Company in Lutterworth](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fhalf-head-vs-full-head-highlights-lutterworth.jpg%3Fprefix%3Dtenants%252F6813987a4af34544b505e9aa%26v%3D1792654407336&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9qoeXQbUgg3Q3tjNAZjRY13wxw9E) If you are deciding between half head vs full head highlights, here is the short answer. A half head lightens the top, crown and sides, which is the hair you see when you wear it down. A full head is foiled through every section, underneath included, for brighter colour all over. A T-section is a smaller top up along your parting and hairline that keeps either one looking fresh between bigger appointments. Whichever you choose, highlights are woven, so some of your natural hair is always left between the lightened strands. That is what makes them grow out softly. This guide explains how it works and how to pick the right option when you book [highlights at our Lutterworth salon](/service-categories/highlights). > **Quick answer:** choose a half head for natural brightness where it shows, a full head for maximum lift or if you often wear your hair up, and a T-section to refresh your parting between full or half head appointments. ## How highlights work: why some natural hair is always left out To highlight hair, your stylist takes a thin section, then uses the tip of a comb to weave out fine strands, a little like darning. Only those woven strands go into the foil with the lightener. The hair in between is left out of the foil and keeps its natural colour. So even a full head of highlights does not colour all of your hair. "Full head" means foils are placed through every section of your head, but within each section some hair is lightened and some is not. The result is a mix of light and natural strands, which is what gives highlights their depth and movement. This is also why highlights grow out more gently than an all over colour. With a [full head tint](/services/full-head-tint-mid-length-hair), every strand is coloured from root to tip, so new growth shows as a clear line at the parting. With highlights, natural hair is already mixed in at the root, so regrowth blends in rather than standing out. > **Good to know:** "half head" and "full head" describe how much of your head is foiled, not how much of your hair is coloured. The weave decides that. A finer weave leaves more natural hair in for a softer look, and a heavier weave lifts more strands for a brighter one. ## What is a half head of highlights? A half head of highlights is foiled through the top, crown and sides, the sections that sit on the surface when your hair is down. The layers underneath are not foiled at all, so they stay fully natural and add depth beneath the brightness on top. Fewer foils means a shorter appointment and less lightener on your hair overall. It is a popular choice for a first set of highlights, for brightening a natural base, or for keeping existing highlights fresh. See our [half head foils service](/services/half-head-foils-mid-length-hair). ## What is a full head of highlights? A full head of highlights is foiled through every section, from the front hairline to the nape, including the layers underneath. You still keep natural strands woven through each section, but there are no fully natural layers left, so the colour looks brighter and more even when your hair moves. A full head is the right call if you want to go noticeably lighter, if you often wear a ponytail or bun where the underneath shows, or if you want to blend grey that is spread across the whole head. It takes longer in the chair and uses more product, which is reflected in the price. Find out more about our [full head foils service](/services/full-head-foils-mid-length-hair). ## What are T-section highlights? T-section highlights are woven along your parting and around your front hairline, forming a T shape across the top of your head. They target the areas people notice first and where regrowth shows soonest. A T-section is mainly a maintenance service between full or half head appointments, when the lengths still look good but the parting has started to look darker. On short or fine hair it can also work as a quick, subtle brightener on its own. Read more about [T-section foils](/services/t-section-foils-mid-length-hair). ## What about scattered foils? Scattered foils are a lighter touch: a smaller number of highlights placed loosely through the hair for soft, natural contrast. They suit anyone who wants a gentle lift without an obviously highlighted look. Take a look at [scattered foils](/services/scattered-foils-mid-length-hair). If you colour your roots to cover grey, scattered foils can be added to the same appointment to break up a solid block of colour and soften regrowth. That combination is our [roots and scattered foils service](/services/roots-and-scattered-foils-mid-length-hair). ## Half head vs full head highlights at a glance - **Coverage:** a half head is foiled through the top, crown and sides. A full head is foiled through every section. A T-section covers the parting and front hairline only. - **Time in the chair:** a T-section is the quickest, a half head sits in the middle, and a full head is the longest appointment. - **Upkeep:** foil highlights are usually refreshed every six to eight weeks. A half head can often stretch a little longer, and a T-section in between can push your next full or half head further out. - **Cost:** a T-section is the most affordable, then a half head, then a full head. Each is also priced by hair length. > **Top tip:** if you mostly wear your hair down and want to keep salon visits manageable, a half head with a T-section in between is a simple routine that keeps the brightness where it counts. ## Which one should you choose? Start with three questions. **How do you wear your hair?** If it is mostly down, a half head brightens everything that shows. If you tie it up often, a full head avoids dark patches at the nape and behind the ears. **How light do you want to go?** For a big change or a bright, even blonde, a full head gives you the coverage. For added brightness and dimension, a half head is often enough. **How much grey are you blending?** A few greys around the parting can be softened with a half head or a T-section. Where grey is spread through the whole head, a full head or roots with scattered foils blends it more evenly. Our [grey hair colour and coverage tips](/blog/grey-hair-colour-tips-lutterworth) go into this in more detail. If you are still torn between foils and a hand painted finish, read our comparison of [balayage vs highlights](/blog/balayage-vs-highlights-lutterworth) first. > **Stylist's view:** alternating is very common. A full head once or twice a year rebuilds brightness all over, with half heads or T-sections in between to keep the top fresh. Your stylist will suggest a rhythm that suits your hair and your budget. ## How much do highlights cost? Highlights are priced by how much of the head is foiled and by the length of your hair, so a T-section on short hair and a full head on long hair sit at opposite ends of the menu. A toner after lightening, which neutralises unwanted warmth and adds shine, may also be part of your appointment. Current prices for every option and hair length are on our [price list](/price-list-jayne-elliott), which is always the place to check as prices change over time. You can also read about adding a [toner](/services/toner) to refine your blonde. Your stylist will confirm exactly what you need at your consultation. ## Before your highlights appointment > **Patch test required:** a patch test is needed at least 48 hours before any colour service for new clients, and for existing clients if it has been more than six months since their last colour with us. Our [patch test policy](/patch-test-policy) has the details. It also helps to bring a photo or two of colour you love, and any you do not. Tell your stylist about box dye or salon colour from the past year too, because previous colour affects how hair lifts and how many foils are needed. After your appointment, our guide to [maintaining blonde highlights](/blog/blonde-highlight-maintenance-lutterworth) explains how to keep blonde soft and bright between visits. ## Book your highlights in Lutterworth Not sure whether you need a half head, full head or T-section? Our colour team will look at your hair, your natural shade and your routine, then recommend the option that fits. Meet our [stylists](/meet-the-team-lutterworth-hairdressers), explore every [highlights option in Lutterworth](/service-categories/highlights), or get in touch through our [contact page](/contact-hair-salon-lutterworth). You can also call Jayne Elliott Hair Company on 01455 554889. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a half head of highlights enough? For most people who wear their hair down, yes. A half head brightens the top, crown and sides, which is the hair on show. Choose a full head if you want to go much lighter or often wear your hair up. ### Is a full head of highlights the same as a full head colour? No. A full head colour, or tint, coats every strand from root to tip. A full head of highlights weaves out fine strands in every section and leaves the hair in between natural, so it looks more dimensional and grows out more softly. ### How often should you get highlights done? Foil highlights are usually refreshed every six to eight weeks. A half head can often go a little longer, and a T-section between appointments can stretch the time before your next full or half head. ### What is a T-section of highlights? A T-section is a small highlighting service along the parting and front hairline. It refreshes the most visible regrowth between full or half head appointments, for less time in the chair and a lower cost. ### Are full head highlights better for covering grey? Where grey is spread through the whole head, a full head blends it more evenly than a half head. Because highlights are woven, they blend grey rather than covering it completely. If your greys sit mainly around the parting, a half head or a T-section is often enough. ### Do I need a patch test before highlights? You do if you are a new client, or if it has been more than six months since your last colour with us. The patch test must be done at least 48 hours before your appointment. 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