As a brunette, you have a multitude of options when it comes to adding dimension and style to your hair. Two of the most popular techniques are balayage and highlights. But what’s the difference between the two? And which one is right for you?
Balayage vs. Highlights: What’s the Difference?
- Balayage: A freehand painting technique that creates soft, natural-looking highlights.
- Highlights: A traditional technique that uses foils to isolate sections of hair and lift them with bleach.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Freehand painting | Foils |
| Result | Soft, diffused highlights | Sharp, defined highlights |
| Maintenance | Lower (can go up to 4-6 months) | Higher (requires touch-ups every 8-10 weeks) |
| Cost | Can be more expensive (due to freehand technique) | Can be more affordable |
| Damage | Less damaging (no foils) | More damaging (foils can lift the hair shaft) |
Which One is Right for You?
The best choice for you will depend on your individual style, hair texture, and desired results.
Choose Balayage if you:
- Want a natural, sun-kissed look
- Have fine or thin hair
- Don’t want high maintenance
- Are concerned about hair damage
Choose Highlights if you:
- Want a more dramatic, defined look
- Have thick or coarse hair
- Are willing to commit to regular touch-ups
- Don’t mind a little bit of hair damage
Popular Brown Hair Balayage & Highlight Styles for 2023:
Balayage:
- Chunky Balayage: Bold, contrasting highlights for a glamorous effect
- Feathered Balayage: Soft, blended highlights that create a subtle, ethereal look
- Reverse Balayage: Darker roots with lighter ends for a chic, edgy style
Highlights:
- Babylights: Fine, delicate highlights that add subtle dimension
- Partial Highlights: Highlights concentrated on specific areas, such as the face-framing layers
- Full Highlights: A complete head of highlights for maximum brightness and contrast
Cost Comparison:
The cost of balayage and highlights can vary depending on the salon, your hair length, and the number of highlights you get. In general, balayage tends to be more expensive than highlights because of the freehand technique.
- Balayage: $150-$300+
- Highlights: $100-$200+
Maintenance Tips:
- Use color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to preserve your highlights or balayage.
- Avoid excessive heat styling, which can damage highlighted hair.
- Get regular trims to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
FAQs:
- Which technique is better for fine hair? Balayage, as it adds volume and fullness without weighing down the hair.
- Which technique is more versatile? Balayage, as it allows for a wider range of looks, from subtle to dramatic.
- Is balayage easier to grow out than highlights? Yes, as the freehand application creates a more gradual, seamless transition.
- Which technique is less damaging to the hair? Balayage, as it does not involve lifting the entire hair shaft with foils.
- How often should I get balayage or highlights? For balayage, up to 4-6 months; for highlights, every 8-10 weeks.
- Can I combine balayage and highlights? Yes, many salons offer a combination of techniques to achieve a customized look.
- Which technique is better for covering gray hair? Highlights, as they can target specific areas and provide more coverage.
- Can I do balayage or highlights at home? Not recommended, as professional techniques and products are needed to achieve the best results.