Which tool is commonly used for creating lighter highlights in hair?

The tool that is commonly used for creating lighter highlights in hair is foil. Foils are thin sheets that are placed around sections of hair that are to be highlighted. When color or lightener is applied to these sections, the foil helps to separate them from the rest of the hair, allowing for a more precise and controlled highlighting process. This method prevents the lightener from blending into the shaded areas and helps to achieve a more defined and vibrant highlight.

Additionally, using foils can enhance the effect of the hair lightening process by trapping heat, which can allow the color to develop more effectively. This technique has become a standard practice in many salons due to its effectiveness in producing stunning highlights while minimizing the risk of overlapping onto uncolored hair.

Other tools, such as combs and brushes, serve different purposes in hair styling and coloring processes. A sponge, while versatile, is not typically associated with the highlighting technique and lacks the precision and control that foils provide. Therefore, foils remain the preferred choice for achieving lighter highlights in hair.