What is the technique of parting subsections of hair and adding a lighter color called?

The technique of parting subsections of hair and adding a lighter color is known as highlighting. This process involves the careful selection of strands or sections of hair that are then treated with a lighter color, allowing those pieces to stand out against the natural or darker shades of the rest of the hair. This method is effective in creating dimension and brightness in the hair, giving it a more vibrant and multi-tonal appearance.

Highlighting can be performed in various ways, including using foils or applying color directly to the hair without foils for more of a sun-kissed effect. The goal is to enhance the overall look by bringing light to specific areas, which can frame the face or add texture to hairstyles.

In contrast, balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a softer, more natural lightening effect. Lowlighting refers to the process of adding darker colors to the hair, which can add depth and dimension, and ombre is a gradient effect that transitions from dark to light. Each of these techniques serves different purposes in hair coloring, but when specifically looking at the action of adding lighter shades through subsectioning, highlighting captures that precise method.