Blonde woman with long straight hair, glossy lips, and hands touching hair against pale gray background
Highlights and Foils

Half Head of Highlights

From £70
45 Min
Patch Test Required
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Half head of highlights brightens the top and sides where it counts. You get face-framing lift, natural dimension and a softer grow-out. We tailor foil placement to your cut and parting, then refine with a toner for a clean, polished finish.

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What's Included

A focused colour service designed for brighter impact with less upkeep.

  • Personal consultation to confirm shade, placement and maintenance goals.
  • Precision foils through the parting, crown and sides for balanced brightness.
  • Lightening formula matched to your hair history and desired lift.
  • Toner or gloss to refine tone and add shine.
  • Hydrating rinse and a smooth finish to assess colour and blend.
  • Aftercare guidance and a maintenance plan that suits your routine.

Who It's For

If you want to look brighter around the face and along the top without committing to a full head, this is for you. It is ideal for a natural refresh, soft grey blending, or if you prefer lower upkeep with a seamless grow-out.

It is not suited to dramatic lightening from very dark to very light in one visit. For bigger shifts, a staged plan will keep your hair healthy and your result consistent.

Duration & Appointment Timing

Most appointments take between two and three hours, depending on hair length, density and desired lift. Timings can vary if previous colour or corrective work is involved.

If your hair is long or very thick, allow extra time. Arrive with dry, detangled hair and avoid heavy oils on the day.

Bringing a couple of reference photos helps guide placement and tone for a precise result.

Aftercare & Maintenance

Wait 48 hours before your first wash to help the toner settle. Use a sulphate-free shampoo, a hydrating conditioner and a weekly mask.

Always apply heat protection before styling. If you prefer a cooler blonde, use a purple shampoo once a week to control warmth.

Plan a toner refresh at around six to eight weeks, and book your next half head at eight to twelve weeks to maintain brightness and blend. Rinse after swimming and consider a clarifying cleanse if exposed to chlorine or hard water to keep your shade clean.

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Client Reviews

5.0

Based on 5 reviews

  • B

    Beatrice Sheldon

    It was an incredible experience from start to finish! Valerie and her team are truly outstanding — their service, skill, and attention to detail were exceptional. I felt so well looked after throughout. I highly recommend Merluza and can’t wait to return!
  • K

    Kyla Applebee

    Absolutely amazing service! The staff were all so lovely, and Zoe did an incredible job as always. I’ll definitely be returning — thank you to everyone! 🩷
  • D

    Denise Richards

    I always enjoy my visits to Merluza. The staff are so friendly, they really listen to what I want, and they offer great advice. Services: Hairstyling, Blow-dry, Hair colouring Stylist: Very happy with my cut and colour by Ela — and the customer service from the entire team was excellent.
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  • N

    Natalie Tea

    Zoe did a fantastic job with my hair today — I absolutely love the cut and colour! She’s so friendly, and the salon has such a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere. Thank you so much, Zoe!
  • E

    Elizabeth B

    I had a wonderful experience at Merluza. Ela did an excellent job on my hair — a really good cut and beautiful highlights. I’m so pleased with the finish! It was my first visit back in many years, I’ll definitely be returning and highly recommend this lovely salon. Thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a half head of highlights?
Foils are placed through the parting, crown and sides to brighten where you see it most. It adds dimension and face-framing lift while leaving depth underneath for a natural finish.
How light can I go in one session?
Lift depends on your starting colour, hair history and condition. We lighten safely to your optimal level, then tone to your target shade. Bigger changes may need more than one visit.
Will it damage my hair?
Lightening alters the hair, but careful formulation and controlled processing help protect it. We work at the lowest effective strength and finish with conditioning to keep hair soft and glossy.
How often should I maintain it?
Most clients refresh a half head every eight to twelve weeks, with a toner top-up at six to eight weeks to keep the shade fresh. Your schedule may vary with hair growth and desired brightness.
Do I need a skin test?
A skin test may be required for toners used with your highlights. We will confirm this when you book and advise the timing to keep you safe.

Available Team Members

These team members perform this service

  • Valerie, founder of Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, smiling in the salon – expert stylist with decades of experience in cutting and colour.
    Valerie
    Director
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  • Ela, Creative Director at Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, Birmingham – specialist in beautiful colour work and professional styling with over 30 years of experience.
    Ela
    Creative Director
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  • James, Creative Director at Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, Birmingham – expert in transforming looks through cutting, styling, and colour with a strong client-focused approach.
    James
    Creative Director
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  • Zoe, stylist at Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, Birmingham – passionate about creating beautiful, confidence-boosting hair styles for every client.
    Zoe
    Artistic Stylist
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