As a brunette, you have an abundance of hair coloring options to choose from. Among the most popular techniques are balayage and highlights. Both create a multidimensional effect that adds depth and visual interest to your hair. However, there are key differences between the two techniques that can impact the final look.
Understanding Balayage
Balayage is a freehand hair painting technique that creates natural-looking highlights. The term “balayage” comes from the French word for “to sweep,” which accurately describes the way the color is applied.
How it’s done:
– A colorist uses a brush to apply bleach or color directly to sections of hair, starting from the mid-lengths and moving towards the ends.
– The color is swept or painted onto the hair in a soft, feathered motion.
– The result is a subtle, blended transition from dark to light, with more emphasis on the ends.
Understanding Highlights
Highlights involve lifting the color of individual strands of hair to create a brighter, contrasting effect.
How it’s done:
– Small sections of hair are selected and wrapped in foil.
– Bleach or color is applied to the wrapped hair, which isolates it from the rest of the hair.
– The foil creates a heat barrier, helping the bleach or color penetrate more evenly.
– The result is well-defined, even highlights that stand out against the base color.
Balayage vs Highlights: Key Differences
| Feature | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural, blended | Contrasting, defined |
| Color placement | Applied to mid-lengths and ends | Applied to individual strands of hair |
| Technique | Freehand painting | Foil wrapping |
| Maintenance | Less frequent touch-ups | More frequent touch-ups |
| Cost | Typically more expensive | Typically less expensive |
Which Technique is Right for You?
The best technique for you depends on your desired look and lifestyle.
Choose balayage if you want:
– A natural, sun-kissed effect
– Low-maintenance color
– A soft, blended transition
– To enhance your natural hair color
Choose highlights if you want:
– A more dramatic, contrasting effect
– Well-defined, even highlights
– To cover gray hair
– To create a bolder, statement-making look
Tips and Tricks
- Start with a professional consultation: A hairstylist can assess your hair and recommend the best technique for your desired look.
- Consider your skin tone: Warmer skin tones tend to suit golden or copper highlights, while cooler skin tones work well with ashy or beige highlights.
- Don’t overdo it: Too many highlights or balayage can make your hair look unnatural or damaged.
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner: This will help maintain the vibrancy of your color and prevent fading.
- Touch up your roots as needed: Balayage roots grow out more subtly than highlights, but both will eventually fade and need to be touched up.
FAQs
1. Which technique is less damaging?
Balayage is generally considered less damaging than highlights because it uses a freehand painting technique and does not require the use of foils.
2. How often should I get touch-ups?
The frequency of touch-ups depends on the technique used and how quickly your hair grows. Balayage typically requires fewer touch-ups than highlights.
3. Can I do balayage or highlights at home?
While it’s possible to attempt balayage or highlights at home, it’s highly recommended to visit a professional hairstylist to ensure a flawless and even application.
4. How much do balayage and highlights cost?
The cost of balayage or highlights varies depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the skill and experience of the stylist.
5. Which technique is better for covering gray hair?
Highlights can be more effective for covering gray hair because they create a more intense contrast between the gray and colored strands.
6. Can I combine balayage and highlights?
Yes, some hairstylists combine balayage and highlights to create a customized look with both natural and contrasting elements.