Indiana State Beauty Practice Exam

In hair coloring, what technique involves lightening hair to create contrast?

1. Balayage

2. Color blocking

3. Highlighting

4. Ombre

The correct answer is: Highlighting

Highlighting is a technique used in hair coloring that involves lightening specific sections of hair to create contrast against the natural or base color. This technique can add depth, dimension, and visual interest to a hairstyle. Typically, lighter shades are applied to certain strands or sections, thereby allowing for a more dynamic look in hair. Highlights can be subtle or bold, depending on the desired effect, and they help to frame the face or enhance the overall style. In contrast, balayage involves painting highlights onto the hair in a sweeping motion, which often results in a more natural and sun-kissed look, rather than the defined contrast created by traditional highlighting. Color blocking utilizes blocks of contrasting colors for a more striking and segmented appearance, while ombre refers to a gradient effect where the hair transitions from darker to lighter shades, rather than maintaining a stark contrast. Each of these techniques has its own unique aesthetic, but highlighting is the specific method that focuses on creating contrast through lightening.