Balayage Vs. Highlights: What's right for you?

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Trying to decide between Balayage and Highlights for your next hair transformation? There are many factors to consider, including your hair type and desired results. Whether you want an on-trend color or something more classic, I’ll walk you through the differences between Balayage and Highlights, so you can make an informed decision on which is right for you. As a former stylist behind the chair, I have walked many of my clients through this very thing.

Balayage Vs Highlights: Explaining the Differences

When it comes to deciding what kind of coloring technique is right for you, it is important to consider both balayage and highlights. For those looking for a softer, more natural look, balayage is the way to go. This freehand technique is applied lightly at the roots and gradually gets lighter down the hair, creating a natural sun-kissed look. It is also a low-maintenance style that doesn’t require regular touch-ups, so it is a great option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time at appointments for their hair.

Highlights, on the other hand, are a foil-based technique that gives the hair a more intense, multi-dimensional look. It is applied in sections, giving a more distinct separation between the natural color and the highlights. While they are not as expensive as balayage, you will be in the salon more often for touch ups as they need to be touched up every few months.

Ultimately, the decision of which technique is best for you depends on your hair color, budget, and desired look. Both balayage and highlights are great options for adding dimension and color to your hair, so take the time to weigh your options and choose the one that is right for you.

What is Balayage? (Photos of past clients with Balyage above)

When it comes to achieving the perfect natural sun-kissed hair look, Balayage is often the go-to choice. Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep”, and it is a technique used to create soft, natural looking highlights. This technique involves painting the hair in a sweeping motion, usually with a large brush or small comb, to create natural looking highlights throughout the hair to create subtle, natural-looking movement in the hair. Balayage looks more natural than traditional highlights and leaves no light of demarcation. The color is applied in sections, so you can achieve a more blended result without hard lines. You can even choose the level of lightness or darkness you want to achieve with Balayage, making it a great option for anyone looking for a customized color. Balayage is also low maintenance, as you don't have to touch up the color as often. If you’re looking to add lightness to your hair without the commitment of traditional highlights, Balayage is a great choice. With its natural look, customizability, and low maintenance, Balayage is an ideal choice for those looking to add some subtle color to their hair.

You also have a variation of Balayage called "The Ombré" it is a combination of both highlights and balayage where the top of the hair is lightened, and the ends are darker. This allows you to maintain your natural color while still creating an effortless lighter look. The Ombré is great for those who want to add dimension to their hair without committing to a full-on highlight or balayage. It’s also a great way to transition from darker to lighter hair without the harsh line of demarcation that can come with a full-on highlight.

What are Highlights?

Highlights are sections of hair that are lightened with a hair lightener and then toned to the desired color. They are usually thicker and more uniform in size than balayage and can often be seen from the root. Highlights are a great way to add dimension to your hair and they tend to be brighter than balayage. Highlights are ideal for those who want a more traditional look and for those who want a more dramatic structured change.

They have been around forever, come in different forms, and are usually wrapped in foil. Highlights give you a compact and even color appearance. By wrapping in a foil it makes for an even lift when using lightener. Still able to use highlights in many colors and tones, you will be able to change the look and make it your own. Nowadays stylists are doing what we call a “shadow root”. This gives a darker base color on your highlights about a 1/2 inch to an inch to give your hair a better grow out process and leaving less of a demarcation line.

You also have a variation called babylights are a type of highlight that creates a softer, subtler look than traditional highlighting techniques. They are typically done using very thin, delicate strands of hair. This technique results in natural-looking highlights that look like they’ve been kissed by the sun. Babylights are perfect for those looking to add subtle dimension to their hair without the dramatic effect of traditional highlights. They are also great for those who want to add lightness around their face without making a drastic change.

Below are photos of highlights (left) vs adding a show root to highlights (right)

What’s Right for You?

The best choice for you depends on the look you are trying to achieve and the amount of maintenance you want to put into your style. If you’re looking for a classic, uniform look, highlights are the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in a more natural, less uniform look, then balayage is the better choice.

How to Keep Your Balayage or Highlights Healthy

If you’re looking for a way to change up your hair color, you may be considering balayage or highlights. Both of these techniques can create beautiful, natural-looking color when done correctly, but it’s important to understand the differences between them. Balayage and highlights can both be used to lighten or darken the overall look of your hair and add dimension and texture. No matter which technique you choose, there are a few tips to keep in mind to protect your color.

1. Avoid washing your hair every day if possible, and limit it to two or three times a week.

2. Using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner is also important to help protect your color.

3. Deep conditioning your hair regularly will keep it hydrated, and using a color-protecting spray or oil before heat styling is a great way to keep your color looking vibrant.

4. Avoid using hot styling tools, swimming pools with chlorine, and going out into the sun without protecting your hair with a UV protection spray.

5. Trimming your hair regularly will also help keep it healthy and strong.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your hair color will look amazing no matter if you choose balayage or highlights. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what look you’re going for, and what you’re comfortable with. So, take the time to do your research and have a consultation with your stylist to make sure you get the look you want.