What’s the difference between balayage and highlights? Both are popular hair coloring techniques, but they differ in their application, results, and maintenance. Understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your hair and desired look.
Balayage is a freehand technique that involves painting on highlights, allowing for a more natural, sun-kissed look. It’s less about precise placement and more about creating soft, blended streaks of color that start at the mid-lengths or ends of your hair. This technique is often preferred for its subtle, low-maintenance results. On the other hand, highlights are a more traditional method of adding color to your hair, typically in small, discrete sections. They can be placed throughout the hair, around the face, or in specific patterns to achieve a variety of styles.
One of the key differences between balayage and highlights is the way the color is applied. Balayage uses a sweeping motion to distribute the color, resulting in a more seamless transition between your natural hair color and the highlights. This technique allows for a more natural-looking, less “blocky” look. In contrast, highlights are typically applied in sections using foils or caps, which can sometimes result in a more noticeable line of demarcation between the hair color and the highlights.
Another difference is the longevity of the results. Balayage tends to grow out more gradually, with the highlights blending seamlessly into your natural hair color as they grow out. This makes it a great option for those who prefer a low-maintenance hair color routine. Highlights, on the other hand, can become more noticeable as they grow out, requiring touch-ups every 4-6 weeks to maintain the look. This may be a better option for those who want a more vibrant, high-contrast look.
When it comes to maintenance, balayage requires less frequent touch-ups than highlights. Since the color is painted on in streaks rather than in small sections, it blends more naturally as it grows out. This means you can go longer between appointments without your hair looking overdone. Highlights, on the other hand, may need to be touched up more frequently to keep the color looking fresh and vibrant.
In conclusion, the main difference between balayage and highlights lies in their application, results, and maintenance. Balayage offers a natural, low-maintenance look that grows out gracefully, while highlights provide a more vibrant, high-contrast style that requires more frequent touch-ups. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preference, desired look, and maintenance commitment.
