There are times when you want to get a new hairstyle, but instead of a haircut, you prefer to have a subtle hair color change rather than a complete hair makeover. Your best options would be balayage or highlights. These styling techniques are both popular. While you think these two are similar, the way the colors are applied and the effects they bring to your hair vary significantly.
To better understand the features and differences between a balayage and highlights and how to decide the best hairstyling for you, ensure you read through the succeeding sections.
What is balayage in hair?
The word 'balayage' is a French word which means 'to sweep'. It's a freehand technique in which a lightning solution is hand-painted on the surface of random portions of your hair. This technique offers a less structured and more natural look that guarantees to enhance the natural dimension of your hair.
Balayage hair is commended for the depth and beautiful meld of hues it offers, which can also be customized to make the hair look refreshed and decadent. Among the primary benefits of this hairstyle is its low maintenance. The color is strategically applied so it can grow more naturally. Inspecting a balayage on the hair, you won’t see any noticeable demarcation lines.
With this, touch-ups aren’t frequently necessary. As mentioned, the balayage can be customized so it fits your face shape and haircut well. Overall, it blends seamlessly with your facial aesthetics and accentuates your features instead of overpowering them.
If you’re considering balayage for your hair, it’s also a good idea to learn more about its types.
- Full balayage. It covers the entire head, where the colorist will paint highlights throughout the hair, starting from the roots to the ends. As a result, you’ll get a sun-kissed and dramatic effect.
- Partial balayage. As the name suggests, this balayage will only cover a portion of your hair. Stylists generally apply paint around the face or the top layer. This adds a subtle brightness and a stylish effect without using too much color.
- Babylights. The application of highlights is done on thin strands throughout the hair, bringing in a soft and subtle overall look. This balayage type is perfect for that natural look on people with short hair.
What are the highlights in hair?
Highlighting means changing the color of your hair with a lightener to make it look brighter. Hair stylists may use bleach or lightening agents during the process. In most cases, highlights are applied to any hair color, giving a stark contrast to the natural hair.
The application process of highlights includes sectioning your hair and wrapping individual strands in foil. This foiling technique guarantees precise placement and ensures the lightener or bleach does not spread to other hair strands. Furthermore, highlights are applied evenly throughout the hair, giving it a uniform lift.
Some people prefer to use the highlights technique because it is customizable and offers a high level of control. You can adjust the thickness of the hair sections and the level of lightening, which is ideal for those who want to make an obvious change in their hair.
Explore the different types of highlights from the list below. This gives you several options for a unique and personalized hairstyle.
- Traditional foil highlights. This is a popular and classic choice where the stylist uses a foil to group the parts of your hair and applies color to these chosen sections. As a result, you’ll get uniform highlights.
- Chunky highlights. It involves providing color to the thick sections of your hair. This creates a bold and striking contrast with the natural hair color. If you want to have a dramatic hair change, opt for the chunky highlights.
- Peekaboo highlights. Some people choose peekaboo highlights to add a playful touch to their look. Your hairstylist will hide the highlights on the hair under its top layer. They’ll peek through as you move.
The main differences between balayage and highlights
The primary difference between the balayage vs highlights is the application process. As mentioned, the balayage follows an artful technique with a hand-painting dye onto your hair. On the other hand, highlights generally use the foil method, adding a consistent pattern effect. It's suited for people with dark hair or those who want to achieve a bold change in their hairstyles.
See the table below for more significant differences between balayage and highlights.
|
Balayage |
Highlights |
Application method |
Freehand painting |
Cap or foil method |
Maintenance |
Lower with a lesser frequent touch-up |
Higher |
Customization |
Highly customizable |
Less customizable |
Overall look |
Blended, soft, natural-looking |
Distinctive, structured lines |
Hair types |
Lighter |
Darker |
What lasts longer, balayage or highlights?
Balayage can last up to 3-4 months from the day it’s applied to the hair. Meanwhile, highlights may last up to 8-12 weeks. There’s a significant difference in terms of the color’s lifespan. If you want your new hair color to last longer, be sure to opt for the balayage. However, for those who prefer to wear different hair colors after a few weeks, then the highlights technique is ideal.
In some cases, the lifespan of these two also depends on how much upkeep you put into them. Generally, balayage requires less maintenance, but this does not mean you should be complacent about maintaining the quality of your hair.
Should you get a balayage or highlights?
Choosing between balayage and highlights will surely boil down to personal preferences. As you consider what you want to achieve for your hair, consider the following factors as well.
- Hair type
- Current hair color
- Hair care routine
- Hair hue
Balayage can be an excellent option for people with dark hair. This makes a more natural and easier transition to much lighter hair tones. It's ideal for brunettes as it adds depth and dimension to your hair without apparent color changes. Meanwhile, highlights are a good choice for those with lighter and blonde hair color. They add visual dimension and brightness to the hair.