Balayage VS Highlights: Which Is Right For You?
When you’re not ready to commit to a full hair color makeover, balayage and highlights are trendy options. But learn about balayage vs highlights first.
Whether you’re new to hair color games or just want to expand your knowledge. You need to learn about the differences between balayage vs highlights. You may have heard about these terms countless times, but properly learning about them can change your perspective. Also, read about Balayage Explained by Byrdie.
You can understand the effect these techniques have on your hair. You can go to your hairdresser next time with proper preparation. To achieve your dream hair look that matches your natural style. You can also get professional Balayage at Spoleti Salon.
The following are the differences between balayage vs highlights to consider.
Explaining What Is Balayage
Balayage originated from a French word meaning “To sweep” and involves a free-hand painting color technique for the hair. Its application starts from the mid-lengths to the ends instead of beginning from the roots. It offers a soft and natural look. You can get a sun-kissed effect and low-maintenance freedom from this technique. It is ideal for all:
Hair types.
Textures.
Colors.
Lengths.
Also, read: Best hair salon.
Understanding What Are Highlights
Foil highlights are the traditional option for lightening sections of hair. Stylists use foils to separate the hair strands and apply lightener. Then wrap them for a more controlled and even lift. Highlights are mostly beginning close to the scalp, which creates a bold contrast and uniform brightness throughout the hair.
Highlights require more maintenance due to regrowth. It’s because they are more noticeable. They are perfect for people who want dramatic results and high contrast against their base shade.
Balayage vs Highlights Side By Side
When you want to decide between Balayage and highlights, consider the following differences.
Technique
Balayage is hand-printed for a free-flowing and blended effect. In contrast, highlights use foils for better precision and brightness.
Look
Balayage offers a natural and soft look, while highlights provide a structured and bold look.
Maintenance
Balayage is low maintenance with a soft regrowth pattern. On the other hand, highlights require frequent touch-ups.
Customization
Both options are customizable, but balayage involves subtlety while highlights involve strong contrast.
Also, read: Blonde highlights.
Balayage vs Highlights On Dark Hair
Comparing balayage and highlights offers varying results. Balayage makes the overall look enhanced without affecting the base color of the hair. It’s beneficial for brunettes who want hair dimension while maintaining the natural richness.
Highlights on dark hair, especially with foils, provide a strong contrast. Platinum or blonde highlights against a dark base help create a striking and bold appearance. But they require more upkeep and toning to avoid brassiness.
Brown Hair Balayage VS Highlights
Balayage is suitable for adding subtle brightness while maintaining a natural appearance with brown hair. In contrast, highlights produce sharper definition. You can create a brighter and more noticeable style that stands out in any setting through highlights on brown hair. It depends on your choice whether you prefer a soft dimension or a bold contrast.
Which Option Should You Choose?
When choosing between balayage and highlights, you must consider your:
Lifestyle.
Hair goals.
Required maintenance.
Choose balayage for a low-maintenance and natural look. Or go for highlights if you prefer a polished and high-contrast style. If you’re confused between these options, you can ask the stylists to combine these two techniques. It helps in getting the best of both methods.
Conclusion
To conclude, balayage vs highlights help users make informed hair choices. It’s not a debate to enhance one technique’s features while ignoring others. It’s about getting clarity about both options to choose the best option according to your hair preferences. Whether you like bold or subtle hair options, choosing between these techniques can help.
FAQs
What is balayage vs highlights?
They are both hair techniques to add dimension and lightness to hair. However, they differ in application and overall appearance. Balaya is a freehand painting technique that offers a natural and sun-kissed look. While highlights use a foil-based method to create a uniform and structured look.
How to highlight hair at home without foil?
You can use a balayage-inspired method to give your hair highlights at home without foil. Apply lightener with a brush or comb on random sections and focus on mid-lengths and ends. It helps create a softer and natural look than structured foils.
How to highlight hair with foil?
You need to section your hair, apply lightener to the hair strands, and wrap them in foil. It helps to lock in heat. This method ensures precise placement and a stronger lift. It’s ideal for gaining dramatic and controlled results.
Where to apply highlighter?
When you’re using a hair highlighter, you must consider the areas that naturally catch the light. Focus on the face, the crown, and the ends. These placements improve your features while offering a radiant look.