Hair color that grows out beautifully — not noticeably.
Lived-in highlights & blonding in Austin
Custom balayage, foils, and toning designed to complement your natural color — so your hair always looks effortless, never overdone.
Why highlights with Lily?
Color should work with you, not against you. I specialize in low-maintenance blonding — the kind that softens your grow-out, stays true to your natural base, and requires fewer visits to the salon. Whether you are going lighter for the first time, refreshing existing color, or wanting a more dimensional, sun-kissed look, every service is custom-mixed and placed by hand for a result that is uniquely yours.
- Grow-out friendly placement so roots blend, not contrast
- Hand-painted and foil techniques tailored to your hair type
- Custom toning to achieve your exact shade — warm, cool, or natural
- Personalized aftercare so your color stays fresh between appointments
Highlight services offered
Balayage
Balayage is a freehand painting technique where color is applied directly to sections of hair without foils, creating a soft, blended, sun-kissed effect. Because color is placed away from the root, balayage grows out gradually and gracefully — ideal if you want to stretch time between appointments. It is one of the most low-maintenance highlight techniques available and works beautifully on all hair types.
Foil highlights
Traditional foil highlights deliver more precise, consistent lightening — especially near the root and throughout the mid-lengths. Foils create maximum lift and work well for clients who want brighter, more uniform blonding. Partial foils can be used to brighten the face frame, while full foils create an all-over lighter look. Foils can be combined with balayage for a dimensional result with both brightness and softness.
Money piece and face framing
A money piece refers to targeted lightening of the sections of hair that frame your face. It is a high-impact, low-commitment way to brighten your look without touching the rest of your hair. This technique works beautifully as a standalone service or layered with balayage to add dimension where it matters most.
Toning and gloss
After lightening, a toner or gloss is applied to neutralize unwanted warmth or brassiness, add shine, and dial in your exact shade. Toning is what takes hair from yellow or orange to that perfect champagne, ash, or warm golden blonde. A standalone gloss can also be added to any appointment to refresh existing color and add luminosity between full highlight services.
Color correction
If your current color is not where you want it — whether it is too brassy, uneven, or the result of a previous service that missed the mark — color correction can help. This is a multi-step process that requires a consultation first. I will assess your current hair health, discuss realistic goals, and build a plan that gets you to your target shade safely over one or more appointments.
What to expect at your highlights appointment
- Consultation – We start by discussing your current color, hair health, lifestyle, and the look you are going for. I will give you an honest assessment of what is achievable in a single session and what a longer-term plan might look like.
- Color Application – I will apply color using balayage, foils, or a combination of both. Placement is intentional and personalized to your face shape, natural growth patterns, and the result you are after.
- Processing and Toning – Once your color has processed, I will apply a custom toner or gloss to finish your shade. This step is what gives you that polished, intentional color — not just lightened hair.
- Style and Aftercare – Your appointment ends with a blowout and style. I will walk you through the products and routine that will keep your color vibrant and your hair healthy between visits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a balayage or highlight appointment take?
Most highlight appointments run between 2.5 and 4 hours depending on your hair length, density, and the complexity of the service. Color corrections or first-time all-over lightening appointments may require additional time. I will give you a realistic time estimate during your consultation.
How often do I need to come in for highlights?
One of the biggest advantages of balayage and lived-in blonding is the flexibility between appointments. Most clients come in every 10 to 16 weeks. If you are maintaining a brighter, more high-contrast look with foils, you may prefer coming in every 6 to 10 weeks. We will discuss a maintenance schedule that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Will highlights damage my hair?
Any chemical lightening service involves some level of lifting, but damage is largely preventable with the right approach. I prioritize hair health throughout every service — that means assessing your hair’s current condition before we start, using quality products, and never over-processing. I will also recommend a home care routine to strengthen and protect your hair between appointments.
Can I get highlights if my hair is already color-treated?
Yes — in most cases. If you have had box dye, a previous color service, or an at-home treatment, I will need to assess your hair before booking. Some situations require a consultation first to make sure we can achieve your goal safely. The more information you can share about your color history, the better.
What is the difference between balayage and foil highlights?
Balayage is a freehand technique that creates a softer, more blended result with a natural-looking grow-out. Foil highlights create more lift and precision, especially at the root, and tend to look brighter and more uniform. Many clients love a combination of both — foils near the face for brightness, and balayage through the lengths for dimension. During your consultation, I will recommend the approach or blend that best fits your goals.
How should I prep my hair before a highlight appointment?
Come in with hair that has not been washed within the last 24 to 48 hours — natural oils help protect your scalp during the lightening process. Avoid heavy styling products or dry shampoo, as buildup can interfere with color application. If you are planning to get extensions in the future, let me know so we can plan your color with that in mind.
How do I maintain my highlights at home?
Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner to keep your color fresh and your hair healthy. A weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask helps maintain moisture after lightening. Limit heat styling when possible and always use a heat protectant when you do. Purple or blue toning shampoo used once or twice per week can help neutralize brassiness between appointments — but do not overdo it, as it can leave a purple cast.
Ready for color that feels like you?
Based in Austin, TX — by appointment only.