There’s a difference between these two hair-lightening techniques. Which one is right for you depends on your desired effect and your hair’s natural color. Looking at photos in magazines or online can be overwhelming. It’s important to know the difference between balayage and highlights to ensure you get the look you want.
The Balayage Process
The name “balayage” means “to sweep” in French. It’s a hair coloring process in which the highlights or color are hand-painted or “swept” over the random sections of your hair. The color is applied without foil separating the strands, so there’s a more natural, sun-kissed look to the hair rather than more regular intervals of lighter color. The color is only applied to the surface, not saturating the strand, so it may not damage the strands as much.
You may be familiar with the “ombre” style that was super-popular a few years back. Ombre is done using a balayage technique, where the color gradually flows from dark to light. When most people refer to a balayage, they’re often asking for a more subtle ombre style, as the color applied in a balayage is usually just a few shades lighter than your natural color.
Balayage Pros and Cons
The balayage technique leaves less visible root difference as the color grows out, unlike highlights. When your highlights grow out, there may be a noticeable difference between your roots and the larger highlights. Balayage can be done as a partial color treatment, on the bottom part of the hair, or around the face to soften your face.
Balayage is a popular request in the springtime, as it often complements the natural lightening of the hair in the summer sun. As a lower-maintenance option, it may be ideal for a low-stress summer ‘do.
However, there are drawbacks to balayage. It’s more subtle than highlights, so if you want a drastic change or something noticeable, this may not be the right color technique for you.
Highlights Process
Traditional highlights add depth and brightness to your hair and are created using foil to separate the strands to be highlighted from those that remain natural. The highlighted portions are more saturated with the color, resulting in larger, brighter, more dramatic swaths of lighter color. Your colorist separates strands of hair, usually starting close to the root, and wraps the separated sections in foil. The color saturates the strands more fully than in balayage.
You typically see a more structured pattern to highlights, which has a more dramatic effect. While balayage usually begins a few inches from the roots to about halfway down your locks, highlights start much higher, right at the roots.
Many people may combine highlights and lowlights (darker colors) to create a multi-tonal look. Your colorist may choose a complementing shade that creates visual movement in your hair.
Not all highlights have to be dramatic, though. Opt for “baby lights” for a more subtle brightness or lowlights without highlights to create more depth and richness in your color.
Highlights Pros and Cons
Professional, well-placed highlights can make thinner hair appear fuller, especially when the highlights complement a layered cut or a style with loose curls. Highlights several shades lighter than your natural or base color can give you the “feel” of a lighter hair color without fully committing to dyeing your hair. For example, darker-haired people may opt for reddish highlights around the face to bring out warm undertones in their skin.
Get Expert Help Today
Call Therapy Hair Studio today to make an appointment with a stylist who can help you decide which treatment is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our clients often have questions about these hair treatments. We’ve answered some of those for you here.
How long will balayage or highlights last?
Your balayage color should last for two to four months before you may need a touch-up, while highlights will need a touch-up every couple of months, depending on how fast your hair grows.
How do I keep my balayage from fading?
If you have red or blonde color for your balayage, ask your colorist for a recommendation for color-preserving shampoos. Purple shampoo will help prevent blonde and red shades from turning brassy.
Can I get balayage on permed hair?
This depends on the condition of your hair and how light you want to go. New technology in some perm lotions makes it safer to get a perm and balayage on the same day. However, ask your colorist to evaluate how healthy your hair is – the last thing you want is for half of your balayage to break off!
How much does balayage cost?
Each salon sets its own pricing, but generally, longer hair will cost more than shorter hair, as you’ll need more product to get results. You can ask for a quote from different salons in your area and ask to see before-and-after photos, as deciding on hair color or a salon solely on price may not give you the results you’re dreaming of.
