Foiling is the most commonly used method of highlighting. It is useful for getting closest to the roots and keeps processing solution from seeping to unwanted strands of hair by using professional-quality tinfoil to surround processing hair. This is the best technique to use for tri-color services, which include lowlights, highlights and a base color, as all the colors can be kept separate.

Chunking is best if you’re looking for bold highlights or lowlights. Your stylist will take larger sections of hair and color process them according to the look you want. Some more daring individuals may use chunking as a way of infusing bright, unexpected shades to their hair, while others may like the look of chunking, but will want a tone closer to their natural tone for a less drastic change. The chunking technique is very versatile and can be used for any look you would like anywhere on the scale of natural to downright shocking.

Painting is just as it sounds. A brush or comb is used to literally paint bleach or color mixture onto the hair strands. This technique creates a very natural, sun-kissed look to your hair. Because the bleach is not contained in foil or plastic while processing, it is necessary to use a larger amount to get the desired effect, which can burn the hair, so proper upkeep is a must.

Baliage is a form of painting with little limitation, creating a more multitonal and multidimensional look. In most cases, the processed pieces are wrapped in plastic wrap, so this technique is less damaging than just painting and creates a more dramatic effect by keeping the processing solution from escaping to unwanted surrounding strands of hair.

Tipping is a method that highlights a section of the bottom of your strands of hair. A variety of lengths and colors can be used, so, like chunking, tipping can be used for any look from natural to daring. This method works best on straight or slightly wavy hair and is very low maintenance.