Highlights vs. Balayage: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?
When it comes to going blonder, one of the most common dilemmas is choosing between highlights and balayage, and knowing which one is going to give you your desired look. Both techniques are popular for adding dimension and brightness to hair, but they differ in their application, results, and maintenance. So, how do you know which option is best for you? Let’s dive in!
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights involve lightening sections of your hair using foils and bleach to create a contrast with your natural or base colour. Highlights are applied close to the roots using foil, where the hair is wrapped to create precise, even colour placement.
Common highlight techniques include:
Traditional Foil Highlights: The stylist wraps sections of the hair in foil to lighten specific areas with precision.
Babylights: Ultra-fine highlights that provide a subtle, more natural shimmer, perfect for those looking for a delicate glow.
Microfoils: An optional add on where the stylist does not leave any sections of the hair out of the foil. This technique will create a high-impact blonde.
Benefits of Highlights:
Will create a brighter blonde result.
Ideal for those who want defined, consistent results.
Can be tailored for a dramatic or subtle look.
Can be used on just about any hair type!
BALAYAGE
Balayage is a freehand technique where the stylist paints colour onto your hair to create a more natural, sun-kissed effect. Unlike highlights, balayage does not require the use of foils. Instead, colour is applied in sweeping strokes, allowing for a more blended, graduated finish. Your stylist may wrap the painted hair in foil to ensure an even, quicker lift.
Balayage is designed to mimic how the sun naturally lightens your hair, with darker roots gradually transitioning into lighter ends. It provides a softer, less structured look compared to traditional highlights.
Benefits of Balayage:
Offers a more natural, blended result.
Requires less frequent touch-ups as the roots aren’t as defined.
Great for creating dimension without harsh lines or stark contrasts.
Works well with a variety of hair lengths and textures.
Key Differences Between Highlights and Balayage
Application Technique:
Highlights use foils in a defined pattern to achieve a brighter, more structured blonde, while balayage is hand-painted for a softer, natural gradient.
Finished Look:
Highlights create defined sections of lighter hair which are placed precisely to allow for a seamless look, whereas balayage offers a more blended and diffused effect with a gradual transition from dark to light.
Maintenance:
Highlights may require more frequent touch-ups, especially if your roots grow out quickly, since the lighter sections are applied closer to the scalp.
Balayage grows out more naturally and can go longer between touch-ups, as the darker root area is left untouched.
Customization:
Highlights are perfect if you want a bold, blonde look with distinct lighter sections, like a defined face frame.
Balayage is ideal for those looking for a more subtle, sun-kissed style that’s easy to maintain.
How to Choose Between Highlights and Balayage
When deciding between highlights and balayage, consider the following factors:
Desired Look:
If you want a brighter blonde to the root or a more structured face frame, highlights may be the way to go.
If you prefer a more natural (read: slightly darker), gradual lightening with a sun-kissed vibe, balayage is likely your best option.
Maintenance:
If you don’t mind more frequent salon visits to maintain your look, highlights can provide stunning results.
If you prefer a low-maintenance hairstyle that requires fewer touch-ups, balayage offers long-lasting colour with a softer grow-out.
Hair Type and Texture:
Highlights work well on all hair types!
Balayage shines on longer hair and textured styles, where the colour can seamlessly blend and flow.
Can You Combine Highlights and Balayage?
Yes! Many stylists recommend combining highlights and balayage for a more complex, dimensional look. This hybrid approach can offer the best of both worlds: the precision of highlights and the softness of balayage.
For example, you can use highlights around the face to brighten specific areas, while applying balayage to the rest of the hair for a more blended, natural finish. This creates a striking yet balanced contrast that adds depth and movement.
Maintenance Tips for Highlights and Balayage
Regardless of which technique you choose, maintaining your hair colour is crucial to keeping it looking fresh and vibrant. Here are some tips for both:
Use professional grade shampoos and conditioners to keep your blonde hair healthy and maintain your colour for longer.
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments weekly to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Limit heat styling to preserve the health of your hair and the integrity of your colour. We recommend heatless curls for an almost effortless style!
Schedule regular touch-ups based on the technique used (every 8-12 weeks for highlights, 3-6 months for balayage). Make sure to add on a salon treatment to keep your mane healthy & shiny!
Final Thoughts
The decision between highlights and balayage depends on your personal style, the amount of upkeep you’re willing to commit to, and the look you’re hoping to achieve. Book a consult with your stylist to determine which technique will best complement your hair type and lifestyle. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently decide whether highlights or balayage is the right option for your next hair colour transformation!
Ready to take the leap into the world of blondes? We’d love to help x Book here or Get in Touch.
