When it comes to upgrading your brown hair, you’re likely torn between balayage and highlights. While both create a stunning, dimensional look, there are key differences to consider before deciding which one is right for you.
1. Application Technique
Balayage: Balayage is a freehand technique where color is painted onto the hair’s mid-lengths to ends, creating a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect. It doesn’t involve the use of foils or caps.
Highlights: Highlights involve separating sections of hair and lifting them with bleach using foils or caps. This technique creates more defined, even color.
2. Effect on Roots
Balayage: Balayage leaves your roots untouched, resulting in a seamless blend with your natural hair color as it grows out.
Highlights: Highlights create a more noticeable root line, which requires frequent touch-ups to maintain the desired effect.
3. Color Placement
Balayage: Balayage is typically applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the roots for a more subtle, natural look.
Highlights: Highlights can be placed throughout the hair, from the roots to the ends, depending on the desired effect. They can create a more dramatic contrast.
4. Maintenance
Balayage: Balayage requires less maintenance than highlights due to its natural, blended effect. Touch-ups are recommended every 3-6 months.
Highlights: Highlights require more frequent touch-ups, typically every 6-8 weeks, to maintain the desired brightness and avoid noticeable root regrowth.
5. Damage Potential
Balayage: Balayage uses less bleach than highlights, making it gentler on the hair and reducing the risk of damage.
Highlights: Highlights involve bleaching sections of hair, which can weaken the hair and lead to damage if not done correctly.
6. Cost
Balayage: Balayage is generally more expensive than highlights due to its time-consuming application technique.
Highlights: Highlights are more affordable, but the cost can vary depending on the length of your hair and the number of highlights.
7. Suitability for Different Hair Textures
Balayage: Balayage works well on all hair textures, from fine to thick, creating a natural-looking effect.
Highlights: Highlights are more suitable for finer hair textures as they can weigh down thicker hair and make it appear flatter.
8. Longevity
Balayage: Balayage tends to last longer than highlights due to its blended, gradual effect. It can last up to 3-6 months.
Highlights: Highlights typically last for 2-3 months before noticeable root regrowth occurs.
9. Trending Variations
Balayage: Balayage variations include ombré balayage, which creates a soft gradient from roots to ends, and babylights, which result in very subtle, fine highlights.
Highlights: Highlight variations include foilyage, which combines balayage and foil techniques, and lowlights, which add darker shades to the hair to create depth.
10. Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the choice between balayage and highlights depends on your personal preferences for the desired effect, maintenance level, and budget. Consult with a professional hairstylist to determine which technique best suits your hair and lifestyle.
| Feature | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Application Technique | Freehand painting | Foils or caps |
| Effect on Roots | No visible root line | Noticeable root line |
| Color Placement | Mid-lengths to ends | Roots to ends |
| Maintenance | Less frequent touch-ups | More frequent touch-ups |
| Damage Potential | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
| Suitability for Hair Textures | All textures | Finer textures |
| Longevity | 3-6 months | 2-3 months |
| Trending Variations | Ombré balayage, babylights | Foilyage, lowlights |
| Personal Preferences | Natural, blended | Defined, dramatic |
| Motivation | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Low-maintenance | Yes | No |
| Natural-looking effect | Yes | No |
| Gentle on hair | Yes | No |
| Suitable for all hair textures | Yes | No |
| Adds depth and dimension | Yes | Yes |
| Creates a sun-kissed effect | Yes | Yes |
| Trendy and stylish | Yes | Yes |
| Pain Point | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Can be expensive | Yes | No |
| Time-consuming application | Yes | No |
| Requires touch-ups | Yes | Yes |
| Can damage hair if not done correctly | Yes | Yes |
| May not be suitable for all hair textures | No | Yes |
| Can create a noticeable root line | No | Yes |
| Difficult to remove once applied | No | Yes |
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Consult with a professional hairstylist | Discuss your hair goals, lifestyle, and hair health to determine the best technique. |
| Consider your hair texture | Balayage is suitable for all textures, while highlights work best on finer hair. |
| Think about the desired effect | Balayage creates a natural, blended look, while highlights provide more defined contrast. |
| Determine your maintenance preferences | Balayage requires less upkeep than highlights. |
| Set a budget | Balayage is typically more expensive than highlights. |
| Research different variations | Explore ombré balayage, babylights, foilyage, and lowlights to find the perfect style. |
| Read reviews and testimonials | Get feedback from others who have experienced both techniques. |
1. Which technique is more damaging to my hair?
Highlights are more damaging than balayage due to the use of bleach.
2. How often should I get touch-ups?
Balayage requires touch-ups every 3-6 months, while highlights need touch-ups every 6-8 weeks.
3. Can I do balayage or highlights at home?
It is not recommended to attempt balayage or highlights at home as it requires professional techniques and skills to achieve the desired results.
4. How long does balayage or highlights take to apply?
Balayage can take several hours, while highlights can take less time.
5. Can I transition from balayage to highlights or vice versa?
Yes, it is possible to transition from one technique to the other, but it should be done by a professional hairstylist to ensure a seamless result.
6. Which technique is better for adding depth and volume to my hair?
Both balayage and highlights can add depth and volume, but balayage is often preferred for more subtle and natural results.
7. Is balayage or highlights more trendy right now?
Both balayage and highlights are popular techniques, with balayage being slightly more on-trend.
8. How much will balayage or highlights cost me?
The cost of balayage or highlights varies depending on the length of your hair, the desired effect, and your location.