Thinking of a fresh new hairstyle? When it comes to transforming your hair colour, balayage and highlights are the two popular choices and are a common dilemma when deciding on changing your look. Both of these techniques add dimension and brightness to your appearance. However, they differ significantly in technique, maintenance cost and overall finish.
To choose the style that best fits your hair type, lifestyle and personal taste, it’s important to understand both of these techniques, the key differences and their benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about balayage vs. highlights before making an appointment at the salon!
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a hair colouring technique whereby the hairstylist applies colour onto the hair, creating a soft, natural gradient. If you didn’t know, the word “balayage” comes from the French word, which means “to sweep”, which refers to the technique of “sweeping” colour onto the hair. The result is a more natural-looking, sun-kissed effect that grows out seamlessly.
Due to the technique whereby the colour is painted away from the roots, balayage offers a lived-in, soft transition from dark to light, making it look more natural as the new hair grows.
What are Highlights?
Highlights, on the other hand, involve sectioning the hair and using bleach or a lightening agent to get lighter hair strands. The technique involves coloring the hair from the root to the tip and then covering it with foils. This method gives the hair a more structured and noticeable contrast between the darker and lighter tones. Highlights can range from subtle blends to bold and dramatic streaks, depending on your preference.
Key Differences Between Balayage and Highlights
Balayage and highlights differ from each other in terms of technique, maintenance level, finish look, cost, as well and salon time. Below are the key differences between balayage and highlights:
1. Technique and Application
Balayage uses a painting technique where a hairstylist sweeps colour onto the hair without the use of foils. This creates a soft, blended gradient that looks more natural and sun-kissed.
Highlights, however, involve sectioning the hair, applying bleach or a lightening agent on the selected hair from the roots to the tip and wrapping it in foils. What the foils do is they trap heat, allowing the selected hair to lift more dramatically and evenly. This technique produces a more defined and noticeable colour contrast.
2. Maintenance Level
Balayage is widely known for being low maintenance because the technique involves colouring the hair away from the roots, and therefore, it grows out gradually and naturally. This means you can go months between touch-ups without the look appearing uneven.
Highlights, on the other hand, require higher maintenance since the selected strands typically get coloured from the roots. When the new hair grows, the regrowth lines become more visible, hence making it necessary to visit your salon regularly to keep a fresh look.
3. Final Look and Finish
Balayage transitions from darker roots to lighter ends, creating a soft, seamless blend. The final look results in a natural, subtle and effortlessly radiant look, whereas highlights deliver a brighter and more defined look. The usage of foils allows the contrast between the lightened strands and base colour to look more prominent, creating a dimensional and vibrant appearance. For anyone who wants noticeable brightness throughout the hair, highlights would be the perfect choice!
4. Cost and Salon Time
Because balayage involves a freehand technique that focuses on blending and detailing, it requires more time in the salon. Due to that, it is also often priced higher than traditional highlights. Highlights are more structured and straightforward, which takes less time than balayage. Prices may vary depending on the length of hair and desired results, but it is generally a more budget-friendly option.
Benefits of Balayage to Your Hair
1. Natural and Sun-Kissed Appearance
Balayage is loved by many for its natural finish. The hand-painted sweeping technique creates a soft, blended gradient that mimics the way the sun naturally lightens the hair. This natural look enhances your natural base colour without harsh lines or contrast. This technique is perfect for anyone who prefers a more natural finish.
2. Low Maintenance
One of the main reasons why people tend to gravitate towards balayage is how easy it is to maintain. Because the colour typically starts away from the roots, there will not be a harsh regrowth line when the hair grows, making it easier to maintain, and you will not need to schedule visits to your salon as often. It’s certainly an ideal choice for busy individuals!
Benefits of Highlights to Your Hair
1. Brighter and More Defined Contrast
Highlights give a more noticeable pop of brightness throughout their hair. When the selected hair is wrapped in foil, it gives the hair a lightening effect that is stronger and more controlled, therefore creating a clear contrast between the highlighted strands and the base colour. The hair appears brighter, more defined and eye-catching, best suited for anyone who prefers a bold look.
2. Customisable Tones and Placement
Apart from that, highlights suit almost any hair type or colour preference. They offer endless customization options from warm golden tones to cool ash shades. The placement can also be adjusted depending on your preferences. The flexibility of customizing tones and placement makes highlights a versatile option.
Which Technique Suits Your Hair Type and Lifestyle?
Balayage hair vs highlights, which technique would suit your hair type and lifestyle? Balayage is a great option for you if you prefer a soft, natural look, and want low-maintenance hair. Opt for highlights if you want more visible contrast and prefer a style with definition from root to tip.
It also depends on the type of hair you have. For instance, fine hair benefits from highlights, adding dimension and depth, whereas thicker or longer hair goes well with balayage as the gradient effect looks more natural. Depending on your lifestyle, balayage is a better option if you have busy schedules,as frequent touch-ups are not required. However, if you have time to visit the salon often, highlights would be a great option.
Tips for Maintaining Colour-Treated Hair
To keep your balayage or highlights looking fresh and vibrant, here are some tips for maintaining your colour-treated hair:
- Use sulphate-free hair products to protect the colour.
- Deep condition your hair with a good hair mask once a week to restore moisture.
- Wash your hair less frequently to maintain the colour.
- Limit the use of heat styling products. When used, use heat protection products to shield it from dryness or damage.
- Avoid sun exposure and chlorine which can fade the colour.
Conclusion
Balayage and highlights are both popular options when it comes to transforming your hair colour. They each offer their own benefits, but the choice depends on your desired look, hair type, preferences and lifestyle.
Ready to transform your look? Visit M Concept Hair Salon in Melaka and M Concept Hair Salon in Johor Bahru for all your hair colouring needs! At M Concept Hair Salon, we offer professional hair colouring services, from subtle highlights and babylights to advanced techniques like balayage, AirTouch and full bleach colouring to match your style and personality.
