Foils explained: full head, half head and T-section
Foil highlights at the Soma Blow Wave Bar in Pretoria come in three sizes: full head foils (R1 020 to R1 830), half head foils (R700 to R1 770) and T-section foils (R480 to R780), priced by hair length. Choose by how much brightness you want and how much of your head needs it.
What are foil highlights?
With foils, the stylist takes fine sections of hair, applies lightener or colour, and wraps each section in foil. The foil keeps the product on the chosen strands only and holds in warmth, which can help the lightener work evenly. The result is defined brightness that typically starts close to the root, which is why foils are the classic way to add highlights and dimension.
Full head, half head or T-section foils: which do you need?
Full head foils
Foils are placed throughout the whole head, including the underneath layers. This is usually the choice for a first set of highlights, a big change in brightness, or hair that is worn up or tied back, where the underneath shows.
Half head foils
Foils are placed through part of the head, typically the top and sides that show most when your hair is down. It is a common choice for maintaining an existing set of highlights, or for a softer change than a full head.
T-section foils
Foils follow your parting and the front hairline, in the shape of a T. Because this is where regrowth shows first, T-section foils are often used to refresh highlights between bigger appointments.
How much do foils cost in Pretoria?
Here are the foil prices on the Blow Wave Bar menu, by hair length.
| Service | Short | Medium | Long | Extra Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Head Foils | R1 020 | R1 420 | R1 670 | R1 830 |
| Half Head Foils | R700 | R990 | R1 350 | R1 770 |
| T-Section Foils | R480 | R540 | R680 | R780 |
- Half Head Foils, Per FoilR50
The menu also lists a per-foil price of R50 alongside half head foils. Your stylist can explain how it applies to your hair at the consultation. On any of the above services, add a Blow Wave for R200 and a cut and Blow Wave for R290.
How is hair length decided for pricing?
Many salons use short, medium, long and extra long bands, often judged against the chin, shoulders and shoulder blades, and thick hair can need more foils. We do not set out exact cut-off points here. Your stylist confirms your length band at the consultation, so the price is clear before any foils go in.
How often should you redo highlights?
Many people with foil highlights book a touch-up roughly every 6 to 12 weeks, though it varies with hair growth, how far your highlights contrast with your natural colour, and how much regrowth you are comfortable with. A common pattern is to alternate a T-section or half head between full head appointments. Your stylist can suggest a rhythm that suits your hair and budget.
Can foils be combined with an all-over colour?
Yes. Tint & Foils combines an all-over tint with foils, from R800 for short hair. It is covered in more detail in our guide to full tints and roots.
Do foils damage your hair?
Any lightening changes the structure of the hair, and repeated lightening over the same lengths can leave hair dry, porous or prone to breakage. Highlights placed only on regrowth, rather than over-lapping old colour, are generally kinder to the hair. As general good practice, many salons patch test before colour and strand test hair with a history of box dye or damage, so mention your colour history when you book.
How do you stop highlights going brassy?
- Ask about a toner after lightening, or between visits, to adjust warm or yellow tones.
- Use a colour-safe shampoo, and a purple or blue toning shampoo occasionally if your stylist recommends one.
- Use a heat protectant before every blow dry or flat iron session.
- Limit strong sun and chlorine exposure, which can both pull tone warmer.
- Keep lightened lengths conditioned; porous hair tends to lose tone faster.
Foils or balayage?
Foils give brightness from close to the root and a more even pattern. Balayage is painted on by hand for a softer, more graduated grow-out. If you are unsure which suits you, bring a few photos of colour you like and your stylist can talk you through it.
Can you get highlights on dark hair?
Yes, though the result depends on your starting colour. Dark hair holds more warm pigment, so highlights often come out as caramel or honey tones at first, and reaching a pale blonde can take more than one appointment. Finer, closer foils tend to look softer on dark hair than thick, chunky sections. A toner is commonly used afterwards to adjust warmth.
What should you tell your stylist before foils?
- Any colour on your hair in the last year or two, including box dye and henna.
- Any previous reaction to hair colour or sensitivity on your scalp.
- Recent chemical treatments, such as a smoothing or straightening service.
- How you usually wear your hair, so the foils are placed where they show.
- Photos of the highlights you like, and any you do not.
That information helps your stylist choose between full head, half head and T-section, and confirm your length band before you commit.
Booking highlights at the Blow Wave Bar
The Blow Wave Bar is inside Soma Laser & Skincare Clinic at 203 Lange St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, and open Tuesday to Saturday. Call or WhatsApp 083 573 0982, or email info@somalaser.co.za.
Booking policy
- Please ensure all treatments are cancelled 12 hours in advance.
- All appointments missed without a cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
- Please ensure that you arrive 5 minutes before your appointment starts.
- Late arrivals will be charged full price & time adjusted accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How much are foils at the Soma Blow Wave Bar?
Full head foils are R1 020 to R1 830, half head foils are R700 to R1 770 and T-section foils are R480 to R780, depending on hair length. The menu also lists Half Head Foils, Per Foil at R50. Your stylist confirms your length and the right placement at the consultation.
What is the difference between half head and full head foils?
Full head foils are placed throughout the whole head, including the underneath layers. Half head foils typically cover the top and sides that show most when your hair is down. Full head suits a bigger change or hair that is often worn up, while half head is a common choice for maintaining existing highlights.
What are T-section foils?
T-section foils are placed along your parting and around the front hairline, in a T shape. This is where regrowth usually shows first, so T-section foils are often used to refresh highlights between full or half head appointments. They are the lowest-priced foil option on our menu, which makes them useful for in-between visits.
How long do foil highlights last?
The highlighted strands stay light until they are cut off, but regrowth and tone change over time. Many people book a touch-up roughly every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on hair growth and contrast with their natural colour. A toner can help keep the tone fresh between appointments, and colour-safe products help at home.
Can I add a blow wave after my foils?
Yes. On any of the above services, add a Blow Wave for R200 and a cut and Blow Wave for R290. It is a practical way to leave with your new highlights styled and ready, rather than drying your hair yourself after the colour service.
