When it comes to hair colouring, balayage and highlights are two of the most popular techniques. Both can add depth, dimension, and brightness to your hair, but they achieve different effects and require different levels of maintenance. If you’re considering a hair transformation, you might be wondering which option suits your hair type and lifestyle. This article explores the key differences between balayage and highlights, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for you.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep” or “to paint,” which accurately describes the technique. This freehand colouring method creates a natural, sun-kissed look by gradually lightening the hair from mid-lengths to ends. The colour is painted on in a sweeping motion without foils, allowing for a soft, blended transition between shades.
Benefits of Balayage:
- Natural Appearance: Balayage creates a subtle, lived-in effect that mimics how hair naturally lightens in the sun.
- Low Maintenance: Since balayage does not create harsh regrowth lines, it requires fewer touch-ups than traditional highlights.
- Customisable: You can tailor balayage to suit your hair colours and texture.
- Less Damage: As bleach or lightener is not applied directly to the roots, balayage can be a gentler option for your hair.
Best Hair Types for Balayage:
Balayage works well on all hair types but is particularly effective on wavy or curly hair. It is also ideal for those who want a low-maintenance style with minimal salon visits.
What Are Highlights?
Highlights involve using foils to lighten sections of the hair from root to tip. This technique creates a more uniform, structured look, with a clear contrast between the highlighted strands and the natural hair colour.
Benefits of Highlights:
- Brighter Overall Look: Highlights can significantly brighten the hair, adding vibrancy and contrast.
- More Defined Placement: Since foils allow for precise application, highlights can be used to frame the face or create specific patterns.
- Suitable for All Hair Colours: Whether you have blonde, brunette, or red hair, highlights can be adapted to achieve the desired effect.
- Customisable Intensity: You can opt for subtle baby lights for a soft glow or bold, chunky highlights for a dramatic look.
Best Hair Types for Highlights:
Highlights work well on all hair types and lengths. They are especially great for those who prefer a structured, brightened appearance or who want more consistent colour throughout their hair.
Key Differences Between Balayage and Highlights
There are some important differences between the two methods, including:
Balayage
- Hand-painted freehand technique
- Soft, natural-looking regrowth
- Low maintenance, fewer touch-ups
- Sun-kissed, blended effect
- Less damaging to roots
Highlights
- Foil-based technique
- More noticeable regrowth
- Requires regular salon visits
- More defined contrast
- Can be more damaging
How to Choose Between Balayage and Highlights
Below is a brief look at how you should choose which method to use.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Maintenance is one of the biggest deciding factors when choosing between balayage and highlights. Balayage is usually the better option if you prefer a low-maintenance hair routine and don’t want to visit the salon frequently,
Since balayage blends naturally with your existing hair colour, the regrowth is less noticeable, allowing you to go months between touch-ups. Highlights might be more suitable if you don’t mind regular touch-ups and want a brighter, more defined look,
Think About Your Desired Look
Balayage is ideal if you want a soft, natural, sun-kissed finish. Highlights might be the way to go if you prefer noticeable contrast and brightness. Highlights will also give you more control over colour placement and a dramatic, high-impact colour transformation.
Hair Type and Texture Matter
The texture and natural movement of your hair also determine which technique will work best for you.
- Wavy or Curly Hair: The seamless blending of balayage complements wavy and curly textures as the highlights distribute naturally with the movement of the curls.
- Straight Hair: The structured contrast of highlights stands out more on straight hair, making the brightened sections more noticeable.
- Thin Hair: Highlights can add the illusion of depth and volume, making the hair appear fuller.
- Thick Hair: Balayage works well on thick hair as it provides a natural, sun-kissed effect without looking over-processed.
Hair Health and Damage Considerations
Balayage is generally less damaging than highlights because it does not involve applying bleach or colour directly to the roots. If your hair is already compromised or prone to breakage, balayage may be the gentler option. On the other hand, highlights require foils and a more concentrated lightening process, which may lead to increased dryness or damage if not properly maintained with deep conditioning treatments.
Can You Combine Balayage and Highlights?
Yes! Many hairstylists blend balayage and highlights to create a multidimensional effect. This approach is sometimes called “foilyage”. This hybrid technique involves painting balayage freehand while incorporating foils for added brightness. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds, offering a naturally blended base with strategically placed lighter pieces to enhance the overall brightness of the hair. This combination can provide a soft, yet striking effect, perfect for those who want a bit of both techniques.
Conclusion
Choosing between balayage and highlights depends on your personal style, hair type, maintenance preferences, and desired outcome. Both techniques offer beautiful results and can be customised to suit your needs. Consulting a professional hairstylist can help you determine which method will enhance your natural beauty and suit your lifestyle.
If you would like to know more, get in touch with the Head Office Hair team at a time that’s good for you. Our friendly and professional team will be looking forward to hearing from you.
