How to Highlight Hair in 2025: Best Colors, Styles & Salons in Malaysia

Hair highlights remain one of the most popular colour services as of 2025, especially in hair salons in JB. They offer a versatile, stylish way to lighten and contour your look without a full-head dye. 

From soft face-framing tones to bold balayage, Malaysians are increasingly seeking highlight hair services for both subtle and striking results. 

This guide explains the most in-demand techniques, trending shades, expected prices, and the top salons you should consider booking with. 

We even got a nifty little guide for first-timers and what to know before you highlight your hair, so don’t worry! We got you all covered.

Hair Highlight Comparison Table (2025)

1. Balayage

Soft, natural blending that looks effortless.

Balayage remains a top choice in 2025 for its lived-in, low-maintenance appeal. Applied freehand by stylists, it creates a soft transition from darker roots to lighter tips. This technique works well for Asian hair and suits all face shapes.

Ideal for: Busy professionals or low-maintenance clients who want to avoid frequent salon visits.

Price: RM350–600, depending on hair length and toning needs.

“Balayage is the most requested highlight service among working professionals because it requires fewer touch-ups while still offering dimension and lift.” Sarah Tan, hair stylist in KL.

2. Foil Highlights

Structured streaks for a bold, classic contrast.

Foil highlights are the go-to for clients seeking vivid contrast or a more traditional lightening method. Stylists wrap lightened strands in foils to lock in heat and lift colour effectively.

Ideal for: Those who want strong colour separation and multi-tone effects.

Price: RM250–500 based on number of foils and layers.

3. Babylights

Delicate shimmer to softly brighten the overall tone.

Babylights mimic the gentle, sun-kissed streaks often found in children’s hair. These ultra-fine highlights create dimension without looking stripey or harsh.

Ideal for: First-timers or those seeking a subtle enhancement on dark or virgin hair.

Price: RM280–500 depending on density and hair texture.

4. Money Piece Highlights

Bold, face-framing highlights that define your features.

The money piece technique involves highlighting the front-most strands on each side to brighten the face. It’s highly customisable and adds contrast even when the rest of the hair remains untouched.

Ideal for: Trend-followers or clients who want a low-commitment colour update.

Price: RM200–400 depending on lightening intensity.

“Money piece highlights are perfect for clients who want impact without the full-head commitment, it frames the face beautifully and refreshes your whole look in under two hours.”

5. Ombré

Stylish fade from dark roots to lighter tips.

Ombré continues to trend in 2025 for its bold yet low-effort charm. It’s achieved by blending a darker base with progressively lighter ends, often without a visible line of demarcation.

Ideal for: Clients who want a dramatic effect without frequent touch-ups.

Price: RM300–600, based on length, lift level, and toner use.

What to Know Before You Highlight Your Hair

Before highlighting, it’s pretty important to understand how your hair reacts to bleach, toner, and colour lift. If you’ve coloured or chemically treated your hair recently, inform your stylist in advance.

Common points to discuss in your consultation:

• Your current hair health and texture
• Whether your hair has previous dye or rebonding
• Your desired maintenance level (low vs high upkeep)
• Whether you’re okay with visible regrowth or prefer seamless blending

Not all hair lifts the same. For example, dark Asian hair may lift to red or orange before blonde, stylists may recommend a toner or cooler tone overlay.

A First-Timer’s Guide to Highlighting Hair

If you’re highlighting your hair for the first time, there are a few things you need to know, mainly setting your expectations realistically. Here’s what you should know:

Before Your Appointment:

• Book a consultation with your stylist to discuss:

   

  • Desired outcome and colour inspiration
  • Maintenance level you’re comfortable with
  • Past colouring or chemical treatment history

     

• Bring reference photos to help communicate your goals clearly

   

• Be open to stylist recommendations based on your hair texture and condition

Beginner-Friendly Highlight Styles:

• Babylights: subtle, soft shimmer ideal for natural-looking lift
• Balayage: low-maintenance blend that grows out gracefully
• Both techniques are gentle and great for first-timers

During the Appointment:

• Expect a 2–4 hour process, including:

   

  • Consultation
  • Sectioning and lightening
  • Toner application
  • Final styling

Aftercare Essentials:

• Use sulfate-free, colour-safe shampoo
• Apply a hydrating mask once a week
• Avoid heat styling during the first 5–7 days
• Schedule a toner refresh every 6–8 weeks if needed

Trending Hair Highlight Colours in 2025

Modern tones now go beyond blonde.

The most popular hair highlight colours in Malaysia this year combine dimension with easy upkeep. Top trending choices include:

• Ash Beige: Ideal for cool undertones and low warmth
• Caramel Blend: A safe mid-brown tone for first-timers
• Mocha Melt: Subtle, brunette-friendly warmth with soft ribbons
• Rose Gold: Popular among younger clients; great on medium skin
• Honey Brown: Universally flattering, adds golden glow
• Lavender Pastel: A niche trend for bold and expressive stylists

Always ask your stylist to pair the tone with a compatible base to prevent clashing or fast fading. For example, if you are dying for the upcoming mid autumn festival, you probably want something more warm and chestnutty.

Which Highlight Colour Suits Your Skin Tone?

Not every colour flatters every complexion. Use this cheat for easy pairings.

Stylists often use the vein test or undertone method (cool = blue veins, warm = green) to guide your shade.

Best Hair Products to Maintain Hair Highlights

Just like skincare, the right aftercare protects your hair tone and prevents damage to your scalp. Here are essential hair care products you’ll need post-highlight:

• Purple Shampoo: Neutralises brassiness for ash/blonde tones
• Colour-Safe Conditioner: Prevents fade and maintains shine
• Hair Masks (Weekly): Restores moisture and repairs bonds
• UV Hair Spray: Protects from sun-induced discolouration
• Leave-in Toner/Gloss: Keeps cool tones fresh in between salon visits

Ask your salon if they include a post-treatment starter kit. Some premium packages at salons like REDS come with Olaplex and sulfate-free samples.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Highlighting Hair

Avoid these errors to extend the life and beauty of your highlights.

• Skipping Consultation: Leads to mismatched expectations or improper tone
• Choosing the Wrong Tone for Your Skin: Can make you look washed out
• Over-Bleaching: Weakens hair structure and causes long-term breakage
• Using Harsh Shampoos: Sulfates strip the colour faster
• No Toner Maintenance: Causes brassiness to build up within weeks

An experienced stylist will guide you on tone longevity and realistic colour goals.

The Best Hair Salon in Johor Bahru for Color Highlight Hair

Whether you’re after a barely-there shimmer or a head-turning transformation, your result depends entirely on the hands behind the brush. That’s why we recommend you choose the right salon for professional and stylish results.

REDS Hair Salon is especially trusted by those working across the causeway of Johor and Singapore. We are known for its Korean-style colouring, Olaplex-infused services, and stylists trained in subtle ash tones.

With personalised consultation, transparent pricing, and Olaplex-infused services that help maintain hair health throughout the colouring process, we are ready to give you the highlights that fit your lifestyle, your tone, and your schedule.

Book an appointment with us today for natural-looking highlights that last, feel healthy, and turn heads, all without the stress of constant upkeep.