When it comes to achieving the perfect hair colour, two popular techniques often come up: balayage and highlights. While both can create stunning effects, they are quite different in terms of application, style, and maintenance. Understanding the nuances of each technique can help you make the best choice based on your style, lifestyle, and hair goals. At our hair salon in Guildford, we are dedicated to helping you choose the right colouring technique that suits your needs. Let’s break down the key differences between balayage and highlights, and help you determine which one is right for you.
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep,” and that’s essentially the technique we use to apply colour. In balayage, colour is hand-painted onto the hair in sweeping motions, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This technique creates a seamless, natural-looking transition between your natural hair colour and the added colour. Unlike traditional highlights, which use foils, balayage is applied freehand, offering more control over the final result.
The beauty of balayage is in its softness. It creates a sun-kissed look with less maintenance than highlights. Since the colour is applied in a way that blends with your natural hair, it grows out softly without harsh lines. The gradual fading allows for a more natural, less noticeable regrowth compared to other colour techniques.
What are Highlights?
Highlights are a classic, more traditional technique in which sections of hair are lightened using foils. The colour is applied to selected sections, usually from the roots to the ends, and wrapped in foils to process the colour. This creates a more defined contrast between the natural and coloured sections of your hair. The main difference between highlights and balayage is that highlights create a more structured, uniform look, while balayage offers a softer, more blended result.
While highlights give a high-contrast, brightened effect, they require more frequent maintenance. As the colour grows out, the roots are more noticeable, meaning you’ll need regular touch-ups to keep the look fresh.
Balayage vs Highlights: Which One is Right for You?
1. Maintenance
Balayage is often the preferred option for those looking for a low-maintenance colour treatment. Since the colour is applied freehand, it blends seamlessly with your natural hair, reducing the need for regular touch-ups. As your hair grows, the natural regrowth is less noticeable, meaning fewer visits to the salon.
In contrast, highlights require more upkeep. The foiled sections grow out more visibly, and the contrast between your natural colour and the highlighted sections can become stark as time passes. Regular salon visits are necessary to keep your highlights looking fresh.
2. Look and Feel
The choice between balayage and highlights largely depends on the look you want to achieve.
Balayage is perfect for anyone who loves a natural, sun-kissed look. The soft transition from
dark to light gives a more organic feel, often looking like hair naturally lightened by the sun.
On the other hand, highlights are ideal if you want a more dramatic, high-contrast look. The
foiling technique creates a defined, consistent colour difference, making your hair brighter and
bolder. If you enjoy a vibrant and eye-catching hair colour, highlights may be the perfect option.
3. Suitability for Different Hair Types
Both balayage and highlights can work on any hair type, but they may have different effects depending on your hair texture.
- Balayage works well on all hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. The freehand technique allows the stylist to create a custom look based on your natural texture.
- Highlights work great for those with medium to long hair, but shorter haircuts can also benefit from highlighted accents to add volume and dimension.
4. Customisation
Both techniques offer a high level of customisation, but balayage gives you more control over where and how the colour is placed. At Julia Lampard Salon, our team can create a balayage that complements your face shape, skin tone, and natural hair colour, giving you a personalised look that is unique to you. Highlights, while still customisable, are typically more structured and consistent across the entire head.
Benefits of Choosing Balayage or Highlights
- Balayage offers a natural, sun-kissed effect that is low-maintenance and grows out gracefully. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a subtle, natural look that doesn’t require constant upkeep.
- Highlights provide a more defined, brighter result that offers a bold contrast and vibrant look. They are ideal for those who love a striking, statement-making colour and are willing to commit to regular touch-ups.
Ready to Choose the Right Colour Technique?
Whether you’re leaning towards balayage or highlights, we’re here to help you decide which technique is right for you. Our team are experts in both techniques and will work with you to create the perfect colour for your hair. Contact us today to book your consultation.
At Julia Lampard Salon, we also offer expert wig services to help you find the perfect wig for your needs. Whether you’re looking for real human hair wigs, 50/50 hair and special heat fibre wigs, or need guidance on selecting the right style, our team is here to assist you. Book a wig consultation today and let us help you find a solution that suits your style and comfort.