When it comes to adding dimension and interest to your hair, balayage and highlights are two of the most popular techniques. But what’s the difference between the two?
1. Application Technique
Balayage: Balayage is a freehand technique where hair color is painted onto the hair’s surface. This creates a natural, sun-kissed look.
Highlights: Highlights are created by separating small strands of hair and applying color directly to them. This results in a more defined, striped look.
2. Placement
Balayage: Balayage is typically applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. This creates a more subtle, blended look.
Highlights: Highlights can be placed anywhere on the hair, from the roots to the ends. This allows for more customization, but can also result in a more dramatic look.
3. Color
Balayage: Balayage typically uses a single color or a few closely related shades. This creates a more natural look.
Highlights: Highlights can use a variety of colors, from subtle to bold. This allows for more creative looks.
4. Maintenance
Balayage: Balayage requires less maintenance than highlights. The color is blended into the hair, so it doesn’t need to be touched up as often.
Highlights: Highlights require more maintenance. The color is not blended into the hair, so it needs to be touched up every 6-8 weeks.
5. Cost
Balayage: Balayage is typically more expensive than highlights. This is because it is a more time-consuming technique.
Highlights: Highlights are typically less expensive than balayage. This is because it is a less time-consuming technique.
6. Which Technique is Right for You?
The best technique for you depends on your individual hair goals and preferences.
- If you want a natural, sun-kissed look that requires less maintenance, balayage is a good option.
- If you want a more defined, striped look and don’t mind more maintenance, highlights are a good option.
7. Tips for Choosing the Right Color
When choosing a color for your balayage or highlights, consider your skin tone and hair color.
- Cool skin tones: Cool skin tones look best with ash blonde, silver, or platinum highlights.
- Warm skin tones: Warm skin tones look best with golden blonde, caramel, or honey highlights.
8. Tips for Maintaining Your Color
- Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Use a UV protectant spray to prevent color fading.
- Avoid using heat styling tools on high heat.
- Get regular trims to remove split ends.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between balayage and ombré?
A: Balayage is a technique where color is painted onto the hair’s surface, while ombré is a technique where color is blended from one shade to another.
Q: What is the difference between balayage and babylights?
A: Babylights are very fine highlights that are placed close to the roots. This creates a very natural, subtle look.
Q: What is the difference between balayage and foilyage?
A: Foilyage is a technique where color is applied to the hair, then wrapped in foil. This creates a more defined, striped look than balayage.
Q: What is the difference between balayage and ecaille?
A: Ecaille is a balayage technique that uses multiple colors to create a tortoiseshell-like effect.
Q: What is the best way to remove balayage or highlights?
A: The best way to remove balayage or highlights is to see a professional colorist. They can use a color remover to safely remove the color.
Q: How often should I get balayage or highlights?
A: The frequency of your balayage or highlight appointments will vary depending on your hair growth rate and how often you want to touch up your color. Generally, balayage lasts for 4-6 months, while highlights last for 6-8 weeks.
Conclusion
Balayage and highlights are two versatile hair coloring techniques that can be used to create a variety of looks. By understanding the key differences between the two techniques, you can choose the best one for your individual hair goals and preferences.