When it comes to hair coloring, there are two popular techniques that can give you a sun-kissed, natural-looking effect: balayage and highlights. While both techniques involve lightening sections of your hair, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before you make a decision.
In this article, we will compare and contrast balayage and highlights, so you can decide which technique is right for you.
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep.” It is a freehand hair painting technique that involves applying lightener to the hair in a sweeping motion. This creates a soft, blended look that is similar to the way the sun naturally lightens hair.
What are Highlights?
Highlights are created by applying lightener to small sections of hair. The lightener is typically applied using a foil or plastic wrap to keep the lightened sections separate from the rest of the hair. This creates a more defined, contrasting look than balayage.
15 Key Differences Between Balayage and Highlights
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between balayage and highlights:
| Feature | Balayage | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Freehand painting | Applying lightener to small sections of hair |
| Look | Soft, blended | More defined, contrasting |
| Maintenance | Lower maintenance | Higher maintenance |
| Cost | Typically more expensive | Typically less expensive |
| Time | Takes longer | Takes less time |
| Damage | Less damaging | More damaging |
| Best for | All hair types | Fine or thin hair |
| Avoid if | You have very dark hair | You want a high-contrast look |
| Pros | Creates a natural-looking effect | Can be customized to any hair color |
| Cons | Can be more expensive | Takes longer |
Which Technique is Right for You?
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 and color and help you choose the technique that will give you the look you want.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when making your decision:
- What is your hair type? Balayage is a good option for all hair types, but it is especially well-suited for thick, coarse hair. Highlights are a good option for fine or thin hair.
- What is your hair color? Balayage can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle highlights to bold streaks. Highlights are typically used to create a more defined, contrasting look.
- What is your budget? Balayage is typically more expensive than highlights.
- How much maintenance do you want? Balayage is a lower-maintenance technique than highlights.
- What is your desired look? Balayage creates a soft, blended look, while highlights create a more defined, contrasting look.
Additional Considerations
Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind when choosing between balayage and highlights:
- Your hair’s condition. If your hair is damaged or fragile, it is important to choose a technique that will not cause further damage. Balayage is a less damaging technique than highlights.
- Your lifestyle. If you do not have a lot of time to spend on hair maintenance, balayage is a good option. It is a lower-maintenance technique than highlights.
- Your personal style. Balayage is a good option for people who want a natural-looking, low-maintenance color. Highlights are a good option for people who want a more defined, contrasting look.
Conclusion
Balayage and highlights are both popular hair coloring techniques that can give you a sun-kissed, natural-looking effect. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques that you should be aware of before you make a decision.
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 and color and help you choose the technique that will give you the look you want.