Full Head, Half Head, and Quarter Head of Foils: What’s the Difference?

27 Sept

If you've ever gone to book yourself a highlighting appointment, and you’ve seen the terms full head, half head, or quarter head of foils, you might have wondered: "What does that actually mean?" Don’t worry—you’re not alone! These terms simply refer to how many sections of your hair are being highlighted with foils, and the choice depends on the look you want, your budget, and how much time you have.

Let’s break it down.

Full Head of Foils

A full head of foils means exactly that—your entire head is getting attention. The stylist will section your hair and place foils all over, from the front to the back, and from top to bottom. This technique is great if you want an all-over lightened look or if you're going for a dramatic change. In most cases, your stylist will still weave out hair in between your foils, so if you’re after a high-impact or platinum blonde, it’s best to book in for micro-foils.

Best for:

A completely lightened look.
Going a few shades lighter.
First-time highlights or transitioning from darker hair

Pros:

Gives you the most colour coverage.
Great for a bold, high-impact look.
Ideal if you wear your hair up often, as all sections of your hair are colored.

Cons:

Takes the longest—up to 4-5 hours.
Requires more upkeep, since regrowth will be more noticeable.

Half Head of Foils

A half head of foils typically focuses on the top and sides of your hair and around your entire hairline (including underneath near the nape of your neck). It’s a more low-key option if you’re looking for highlights but want a more natural look or less maintenance. Our long-time blonde clients will typically alternate their full head of foils appointments with a half head of foils, or just get one full head a year and top up their blonde with a half head or partline/quarter head every 8-12 weeks.

Best for:

Brightening up your look without going too light all over.
A subtle change with less maintenance.
Top ups for maintaining and already blonde look.

Pros:

Quicker than a full head (usually around 3-4 hours).
Easier to maintain, especially if you’re blending with your natural color.
Easier on the wallet!

Cons:

The ‘middle’ sections of your hair aren’t lightened, so it’s not always the best option for those wanting a big transformation or first-time highlights.

Quarter Head of Foils

A quarter head of foils (or a partline or face frame, as we refer to it here at Blondee) is the most minimal option, usually focusing on a few key sections like the hairline or crown. It's perfect if you’re looking for a little refresh or some added brightness around your face.

Best for:

A quick refresh between larger highlight sessions.
A sun-kissed or subtle look.
Budget-friendly and time-saving.

Pros:

The quickest and cheapest option.
Perfect for subtle highlights or touching up.

Cons:

Very minimal, so it won’t dramatically change your look.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to foils, it’s all about the level of impact you want and how much time and money you’re ready to invest. Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh with a quarter head, a brightening lift with a half head, or a full-on transformation with a full head, foils are a great way to add dimension and brightness to your hair. Chat with your stylist to find out which option is best for you!

Book a consultation with one of our stylists for an in depth chat about what’s right for you, or get in touch our friendly team x