Balayage vs. Highlights: Which Hair Color Technique Is Right for You?
Balayage vs Highlights: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the perfect hair color technique can be a tough decision. Balayage and highlights are two of the most popular methods for adding dimension, brightness, and depth to your hair, but they differ significantly in the application, look, and maintenance. So, how do you decide which one is right for you?
At Maison Salon Deux in San Mateo, CA, we specialize in creating beautiful color results tailored to your style. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between balayage and highlights, the benefits of each, and which one might be the best choice for your hair goals.
What Are Highlights?
Highlights are a traditional hair coloring technique in which sections of your hair are lightened using bleach or color to create a contrasting, multi-dimensional effect. Highlights are typically applied in small, uniform sections, resulting in a more noticeable contrast between the lightened and darker strands.
How Highlights Are Applied: The colorist weaves or foils sections of hair, leaving the rest of the hair untouched. The lightener is then applied to those sections and processed for a set amount of time before being rinsed out. Highlights can be subtle or bold, depending on the number of sections lightened and the color chosen.
Best for: Clients who want more defined and noticeable lightening, or a high-contrast look. Highlights are perfect for anyone looking to add brightness and dimension without fully committing to a change in overall color.
Maintenance: Highlights typically require touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, especially if you have a noticeable root line or want to maintain a bright, sun-kissed look.
At Maison Salon Deux, we offer a range of highlighting services, from Individual Foils to more expansive options like Full Highlights or Partial Highlights. Whatever your style, we’ll help you achieve a beautiful, tailored look.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a French word meaning "to sweep," and this technique is all about hand-painting color onto the hair for a more natural, sun-kissed look. Unlike highlights, balayage creates a soft, blended effect that doesn’t require the precision of foils or the stark contrast that traditional highlights often produce.
How Balayage Is Applied: During a balayage treatment, your colorist paints the color directly onto the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This free-hand technique creates a more gradual, blended transition between your natural color and the lighter shade.
Best for: Clients who want a low-maintenance, natural-looking color with soft, blended highlights. Balayage is ideal for those who prefer a "lived-in" look, where the color grows out seamlessly without harsh lines.
Maintenance: Because balayage doesn’t involve roots being lightened, it requires less frequent touch-ups—typically every 10-12 weeks. This makes balayage a great option for clients who want a beautiful color without constant upkeep.
At Maison Salon Deux, our stylists are experts in the art of balayage. Whether you want soft highlights or a more intense sun-kissed effect, we’ll help you achieve a gorgeous, natural look.
Which Hair Color Technique Is Right for You?
Deciding between balayage and highlights comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the look you’re going for. Here’s how to determine which technique is best for you:
- Choose Highlights If:
- You want a more dramatic, defined contrast between light and dark tones.
- You like the idea of having noticeable, more structured sections of lighter hair.
- You don’t mind regular touch-ups every 6-8 weeks to maintain the look.
- Choose Balayage If:
- You prefer a low-maintenance, natural-looking color with a seamless transition.
- You want a color that grows out without obvious root lines or harsh lines of demarcation.
- You’re looking for a soft, sun-kissed effect without the intensity of traditional highlights.
Book Your Balayage or Highlight Appointment at Maison Salon Deux
Whether you’re looking for the precision of highlights or the sun-kissed, natural look of balayage, Maison Salon Deux in San Mateo, CA, has you covered. Our experienced colorists specialize in both techniques and will work with you to create the perfect color that enhances your features and complements your style.
Ready to transform your hair? Book your appointment today and discover which technique—balayage or highlights—will give you the look you’ve always wanted.