Brunettes have a plethora of options when it comes to adding dimension and depth to their hair. Two of the most popular techniques are balayage and highlights. But how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the two techniques, including their pros, cons, and price ranges.
Balayage: A Natural-Looking Glow
Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep.” It’s a freehand coloring technique that creates subtle, sun-kissed highlights. The colorist applies the bleach or lightener to the hair with a brush, sweeping it on in sections. This creates a more natural-looking result than traditional highlights, which are applied in foils.
Pros:
- Creates a natural, sun-kissed look
- Low-maintenance: Can go 4-6 months between touch-ups
- Can be customized to your desired level of lightness
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than highlights
- Can take longer to apply
- Can be difficult to achieve even results
Highlights: A Brighter, More Contrasting Look
Highlights are a traditional coloring technique that creates brighter, more contrasting streaks of color in the hair. The colorist applies the bleach or lightener to the hair in foils, which helps to keep the color from bleeding into the surrounding hair. This creates a more dramatic look than balayage.
Pros:
- Creates a brighter, more contrasting look
- More affordable than balayage
- Can be applied more quickly
Cons:
- Can look more artificial than balayage
- Higher maintenance: Requires more frequent touch-ups
- Can damage the hair if not done properly
Which One Should You Choose?
The best way to decide which technique is right for you is to consult with a professional hair stylist. They can assess your hair type, color, and desired look to help you make the best decision.
Balayage is a good choice for:
- Brunettes who want a natural, sun-kissed look
- Brunettes who want low-maintenance color
- Brunettes who have fine or damaged hair
Highlights are a good choice for:
- Brunettes who want a brighter, more contrasting look
- Brunettes who want more affordable color
- Brunettes who have thick or healthy hair
Cost
The cost of balayage and highlights varies depending on the length of your hair, the desired level of lightness, and the location of your salon. However, as a general rule of thumb, balayage is more expensive than highlights. The average cost of balayage is between $150-$300, while the average cost of highlights is between $100-$200.
Tips for Choosing the Right Colorist
When choosing a colorist for balayage or highlights, it’s important to do your research. Look for a colorist who has experience with the technique you’re interested in and who understands your desired look.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right colorist:
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family members.
- Read online reviews of different salons and colorists.
- Look at the colorist’s portfolio to see examples of their work.
- Schedule a consultation to meet with the colorist and discuss your desired look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which technique is more damaging to the hair?
A: Both balayage and highlights can damage the hair if not done properly. However, balayage is generally considered to be less damaging than highlights because it uses less bleach and is applied in a more gentle manner.
Q: How often should I get touch-ups for balayage or highlights?
A: The frequency of touch-ups will vary depending on the technique you choose and how quickly your hair grows. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to get touch-ups for balayage every 4-6 months and for highlights every 6-8 weeks.
Q: Can I color my hair at home?
A: It’s not recommended to color your hair at home, especially if you’re using a technique like balayage or highlights. These techniques require a lot of skill and experience to get the desired results. It’s best to leave it to a professional.
Conclusion
Balayage and highlights are both great options for brunettes who want to add some dimension and depth to their hair. The best way to decide which technique is right for you is to consult with a professional hair stylist. They can assess your hair type, color, and desired look to help you make the best decision.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between brown hair balayage and highlights:
| Feature | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Freehand application | Foils |
| Result | Natural-looking, sun-kissed highlights | Brighter, more contrasting streaks of color |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance | High-maintenance |
| Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
| Damage | Less damaging | More damaging |
Here is a table that provides more information on the pros and cons of brown hair balayage:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates a natural, sun-kissed look | Can be more expensive than highlights |
| Low-maintenance: Can go 4-6 months between touch-ups | Can take longer to apply |
| Can be customized to your desired level of lightness | Can be difficult to achieve even results |
Here is a table that provides more information on the pros and cons of brown hair highlights:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates a brighter, more contrasting look | Can look more artificial than balayage |
| More affordable than balayage | Higher maintenance: Requires more frequent touch-ups |
| Can be applied more quickly | Can damage the hair if not done properly |
Here are some tips for choosing the right colorist for brown hair balayage or highlights:
- Ask for recommendations from friends or family members.
- Read online reviews of different salons and colorists.
- Look at the colorist’s portfolio to see examples of their work.
- Schedule a consultation to meet with the colorist and discuss your desired look.