Full Highlights (and why partial highlights sometimes aren’t enough)

We’re based in Lincoln Park, and clients come in from Lakeview, Old Town, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Andersonville, and Lincolnwood when they want blonde (or bright) that looks intentional. Full Highlights cost $200 here, and they’re best for you if you want consistent brightness through the whole head, stronger contrast and pop than a partial, or a serious refresh after you’ve been stuck in the “brassy and flat” cycle.

Full Highlights: foils, placement, and the toner that makes it look expensive

Full Highlights are exactly what they sound like: we highlight throughout your head, not just around the face or on the crown. The difference is coverage. With full placement, your hair stays bright even when you wear it up, flip your part, or pull it back for the gym.

Our team focuses on foil placement that’s quick and precise because clean sections matter. Then we dial in the finish with toning. That toner step is what takes you from “light” to the shade you actually want, like cool blonde, creamy beige, or a richer, warmer tone that still looks bright.

And yes, it’s different than balayage. Balayage tends to keep more depth at the root and focus brightness through the mid-lengths and ends. Full Highlights give a more uniform lift and a more consistent blonde read, especially when you want to go significantly lighter.

The real payoff: brighter hair, more dimension, and fewer “why is it orange again” days

Full Highlights are worth it when you care about what your hair looks like in everyday lighting, not just the first two days after the appointment. We’ve had clients come in unhappy with “brassy, far too orange blonde hair” and leave with a color that felt like a confidence reset. That’s the point of doing this professionally. We’re not guessing.

Here’s what tends to show up with full placement:

• All-over lift that makes hair look fuller. Dimension throughout the head creates depth and shine, so hair reads thicker even if it’s fine.
• Better blending with hair extensions. A lot of our clients wear extensions, and they talk about how the blend looks natural and the color looks “rich, dimensional” instead of flat. Highlights done right make that blend disappear.
• A toner plan that keeps blonde looking intentional. Chicago summers, lakefront sun, and pool days can push warmth fast. Winter dryness can make hair look dull. Toning and conditioning appointments keep the tone fresh through all four seasons.
• Damage control that’s built into the service. We’ve had clients say they’ve gone “from bleach blonde and everywhere in between” and still got beautiful results without damaging their hair. That’s a mix of smart lightening, not rushing the process, and using bond-building support when your hair needs it.

"Best salon I've been to in Chicago! Marlene does a wonderful job doing my highlights and toning them to the color I like. Also, the fastest I've ever gotten a full-highlight done (under two hours), which is hard to come by"

one of our regulars

Is Full Highlights the right move for your hair right now?

Full Highlights make the most sense when you want a noticeable change. If you keep catching yourself asking for “just a refresh” and leaving wishing you were brighter, full placement fixes that. It’s also a strong option if you’re blending gray and you don’t want a stripey grow-out.

It’s a good fit if your schedule can handle a longer appointment. A lot of Lincoln Park clients plan it around weekend errands. Fullerton CTA is close, so it’s also easy if you’re coming in from Lakeview or Old Town.

Why our Lincoln Park team gets booked out for blonde and highlights

We’ve been in Chicago for 7 years, and the biggest thing clients mention is trust. People stick with us for years, travel distance for appointments, and talk about how we listen, advise, and then execute. We take that seriously, because highlights aren’t the place for guesswork.

"I’ve been coming to Marlene for over 5 years now, and I honestly wouldn’t trust anyone else with my hair!"

one of our long-time clients

If you’re ready for Full Highlights, let’s start with a consult and a clear plan for tone and upkeep. Bring inspiration photos, tell us how often you like to come in, and we’ll guide you to a blonde that still feels like you.

Eminere Hair Extensions & Salon | Chicago, IL | Lincoln Park