Are you tired of having the same hair color for years? Do you want to add some dimension and brightness to your locks? Balayage and highlights are two popular hair coloring techniques that can give you a fresh new look. But what exactly is the difference between them, and which one should you choose? In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about balayage versus highlights. Get ready to discover which technique will make your hair shine like never before!
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a French word that means “”to sweep”” or “”to paint.”” This hair coloring technique involves painting the hair with lightener in a freehand manner. Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage creates a more natural and subtle effect.
One of the advantages of balayage is its versatility. It can be applied to any type of hair, whether it’s short or long, curly or straight. Balayage also works well on all base colors, from dark brown to platinum blonde.
Another benefit of balayage is its low maintenance nature. Because the highlights are not placed uniformly throughout the head, they blend naturally with your hair as it grows out. This means you don’t have to worry about touching up your roots every few weeks like you would with traditional highlights.
Balayage can also create different effects depending on how it’s applied. A more blended and natural look can be achieved by applying lighter color towards the ends while leaving some darker pieces at the root for depth and dimension.
Balayage is an excellent option for those who want to add some brightness and dimension to their locks without committing to high-maintenance upkeep.
What is Highlights?
Highlights are a popular hair coloring technique that involves lightening strands of hair to create a brighter and more vibrant look. This method can be done using different techniques, such as foiling or cap highlighting. Foil highlighting involves separating small sections of the hair and applying colorant with foil strips, creating a more defined and precise result. Cap highlighting involves pulling selected strands through holes in a perforated cap worn on the head.
The main goal of highlights is to add depth and dimension to your hair by brightening certain areas, giving it an overall sun-kissed effect. The colors used for highlights can vary depending on what you want to achieve; some people opt for blonde tones while others may prefer warmer shades like copper or chestnut.
It’s important to note that highlights require maintenance every few months as they grow out over time. However, this method does provide flexibility in terms of how often you choose to touch up your color compared to other full-coverage coloring techniques.
Highlights are an excellent choice if you’re looking for natural-looking results that don’t require too much upkeep but still give your locks some extra flair!
The Difference between Balayage and Highlights
Balayage and highlights are both coloring techniques that can add dimension to your hair. However, they differ in the way they are applied and the final look they achieve.
Balayage involves painting color onto the hair using a sweeping motion, creating a natural-looking gradient effect. It’s usually done freehand without foils or caps, allowing for more customization and control over where the color is placed.
On the other hand, highlights involve weaving sections of hair through foil or plastic cap before applying color. This technique creates more uniform streaks of color throughout the hair and is often used to create a dramatic contrast between lightened and natural shades.
One key difference between balayage and highlights is their upkeep requirements. Balayage typically requires less maintenance since it grows out naturally without harsh lines or obvious regrowth. Highlights may require touch-ups every six to eight weeks as roots start to show.
Which one you choose should depend on your desired outcome as well as your hairstylist’s recommendation based on factors such as your skin tone, natural hair color, face shape, etc.
Which one should you get?
When deciding between balayage and highlights, it’s important to consider your desired end result. If you’re looking for a more subtle, natural-looking change, balayage may be the way to go. Balayage involves hand-painting color onto select sections of hair, resulting in a softer transition from your natural color to the highlight shade.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bolder contrast or want to add dimension throughout your hair, traditional foil highlights may be the better choice. Foil highlights involve separating small sections of hair and applying lightener before wrapping them in foil to process.
It’s also important to take into account maintenance and upkeep when making your decision. Balayage typically requires less frequent touch-ups than traditional highlights because of its softer blend with natural hair growth patterns.
The decision between balayage and highlights comes down to personal preference and style goals. It’s always best to consult with a professional stylist who can help guide you towards the best option based on your individual needs and desires.
How to style your hair after getting Balayage or Highlights
After getting Balayage or Highlights, it’s important to style your hair in a way that shows off the new color and enhances its beauty. One simple yet effective trick is to use hot tools such as curling irons or straighteners.
For balayage, you can create effortless beachy waves by wrapping small sections of hair around the barrel of a curling iron and holding them for a few seconds before releasing. This technique will not only add volume but also showcase the dimensionality of your highlights.
As for traditional highlights, try straightening your hair to give it a sleek and polished look. You can also experiment with different partings or braids to show off their placement on your head.
Another great tip is to switch up your shampoo and conditioner routine to maintain the health of your colored locks. Look for products specifically designed for color-treated hair, as they contain ingredients that will help protect against fading.
How you choose to style your newly highlighted tresses is entirely up to you! Whether you prefer messy buns or perfectly coiffed curls, just remember that confidence is key when rocking any hairstyle.
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and what you want to achieve with your hair. Balayage and highlights are both great techniques that can add dimension, brightness, and depth to your locks. Whether you prefer a natural sun-kissed look or a more dramatic effect, there is an option for everyone.
Remember that finding the right stylist who understands your needs and goals is crucial in achieving the desired result. Also, don’t forget to take proper care of your colored hair by using quality products and scheduling regular touch-ups.
So if you’re ready for a change or simply want to enhance your current color, go ahead and try balayage or highlights today! You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference these simple techniques can make in transforming your overall look.
