Half Head vs Full Head Highlights: Which One Is Right for You?
SallyHairdressing & Beauty
Published
The difference is simple: half head highlights cover the top, crown and sides of your hair, while full head highlights cover every section, including underneath and at the back. Half head vs full head highlights is one of the questions we hear more than any other at the salon, so here is an honest guide to the cost, the time each takes, and how to choose.
What are half head highlights?
Half head highlights brighten the areas you see when your hair is down or tied back: the top, the crown and the sides. Your natural colour stays underneath, which gives a soft, blended, sun-kissed result that grows out gently.
What are full head highlights?
Full head highlights place foils through every section, including the underneath layers and the back. You get all-over brightness, a bigger lift, and colour that looks consistent however you wear your hair, including when it is tied up.
Half head vs full head highlights compared
| Half head | Full head | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Top, crown and sides | Every section, root to tip |
| Price at Honeys | £65 to £85.50 | £80 to £105 |
| Appointment time | 2 to 2.5 hours | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Rebooking | Every 8 to 10 weeks | Every 8 to 12 weeks |
| Best for | Natural brightness, top-ups | Going lighter, grey blending, hair worn up |
How much do highlights cost?
At Honeys in Taunton, half head foil highlights cost £65 to £85.50 and full head foil highlights cost £80 to £105, depending on the stylist and your hair. A toner to perfect the shade is £25.75 if needed. Prices vary between salons, so treat these as a realistic guide to what professional foil highlights cost in Somerset.
If you want brightness on a smaller budget, T section highlights (£57.75 to £75.50) cover just the parting and hairline and take around 90 minutes.
How long does each appointment take?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for a half head and 2.5 to 3 hours for a full head. Both include a consultation, foil application, processing, a cleanse and condition, toner if needed, and a finished blow-dry. Length and thickness of hair make the biggest difference to timing.
How do you choose between the two?
Choose a half head if you are new to highlights, topping up between appointments, or want a natural, face-framing brightness. It is the quicker and more affordable option.
Choose a full head if you are going significantly lighter, blending a high percentage of grey, or you often wear your hair up and want colour that looks bright from every angle.
A tip from 25 years behind the chair: the commonest mistake I see is booking a full head "to be safe" when the hair is fine or the change is subtle. On fine hair a well-placed half head often looks brighter than a full head, because keeping depth underneath creates contrast that makes the highlights stand out. Where I do steer people to a full head is grey blending above roughly 50 percent, and any time you want to go more than a couple of shades lighter.
Many of our clients alternate: a full head once or twice a year, with half head appointments in between. It keeps the colour seamless and spreads the cost. If you are still unsure, browse our full range of highlights at Honeys or book a free colour consultation and we will recommend the right option for your hair, lifestyle and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How much more expensive is a full head of highlights?
At Honeys a full head costs £80 to £105 and a half head costs £65 to £85.50, so the difference is roughly £15 to £20 at each level. A full head takes about 30 minutes longer in the chair, which is where the extra cost comes from.
Do half head highlights look natural?
Yes. Because your own colour remains underneath, half head highlights blend softly and grow out gently. They suit anyone who wants brightness without an obvious regrowth line, and they work especially well on hair worn down.
Are full head highlights better for grey hair?
If you have a high percentage of grey, a full head gives more reliable coverage because every section is lightened and blended. For early greys around the face, a half head is often enough. Your stylist will advise during your consultation.
Can I switch between half head and full head highlights?
Absolutely, and it is a sensible way to manage cost. A common pattern is a full head every second or third visit with half head top-ups in between, rebooking every 8 to 10 weeks.
Do I need a patch test before highlights?
Yes, if you are new to Honeys or have not had colour with us recently, we ask for a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment. It only takes a minute and keeps you safe. See our patch test policy for details.
Ready to book?
Whichever option suits you, our colour team will tailor it to your hair and the result you want. We would love to see you at the salon on Galmington Road.