Balayage vs Highlights – Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to hair color, there are countless options to choose from. Two of the most popular choices are balayage and highlights. But how do you decide which one is right for you? Both techniques can add gorgeous color to your hair, but they have different styles, methods, and effects. In this article, we will dive into the differences between balayage and highlights, help you choose which one fits your hair goals, and give you the lowdown on how to maintain your new look with the best root touch up services.

What Are Balayage and Highlights?

Before we dive into the details of each, let’s start with the basics. Both balayage and highlights involve adding color to your hair to create dimension and brighten your natural shade. However, the way the color is applied is what makes these techniques stand apart.

Balayage

Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep” or “to paint,” and that’s exactly how the technique works. A balayage stylist will hand-paint color onto your hair, focusing on the tips and mid-lengths, often leaving the roots darker for a more natural look. This creates a soft, sun-kissed look with less obvious regrowth lines. It’s especially great for those who want a low-maintenance color that doesn’t require constant trips to the salon for root touch ups.

Highlights

Highlights, on the other hand, involve lighter strands of hair that are either foiled or cap-wrapped to create a defined, uniform color effect. The color is usually applied to small sections of hair from the roots down to the ends, creating more contrast and a more obvious line of color. Highlights can range from subtle to bold, and they often require more frequent root touch ups compared to balayage.

How Do They Differ?

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore the key differences between balayage and highlights.

1. Application Technique

• Balayage: The color is applied freehand, with a sweeping motion, and is usually placed on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair. The stylist doesn’t use foils or caps, which results in a softer, more natural blend of colors.

• Highlights: Color is applied using foils or caps to create sharp lines of contrast. The application is usually more structured, and the color is applied from the roots down, resulting in more defined, contrasting color.

2. Color Effect

• Balayage: The result is a natural, sun-kissed look. The color blends seamlessly with your natural hair color, and because it’s painted onto the hair rather than foiled, there are no harsh lines, making the grow-out process much less noticeable.

• Highlights: Highlights create a more dramatic effect with defined lines of color, which can either blend or stand out depending on the technique and contrast. They can add dimension and brightness but may create noticeable lines as your roots grow in, making root touch ups necessary.

3. Maintenance

• Balayage: Since balayage focuses on the ends and mid-lengths of your hair, it grows out naturally and requires less upkeep. You won’t have noticeable roots like you would with highlights, which makes balayage a popular choice for those looking for a more low-maintenance style.

• Highlights: Because highlights start at the roots, they will grow out and become visible much faster. Root touch ups will be necessary more frequently, especially if you prefer a clean, uniform look. However, highlights can last longer between appointments if you don’t mind a little root growth.

Which One Is Right for You?

Now that we know the differences, how do you decide which technique suits you best? Here are some factors to consider:

1. Desired Look

• If you prefer a more natural, sun-kissed look with soft transitions, balayage is the way to go. It works especially well if you don’t want to worry about root touch ups and want your hair to look effortlessly stylish.

• If you like bold, defined color with lots of contrast, highlights might be the better choice. Highlights are great for adding brightness to your hair and giving it a more vibrant, dimensional look.

2. Hair Type

• Balayage works well on most hair types, but it’s especially great for those with longer hair. It adds a natural, beachy vibe that enhances waves and curls. If you have short hair, balayage can still look great, but the results might not be as dramatic as they would be on longer locks.

• Highlights are versatile and can be done on short or long hair. However, for those with finer hair, highlights can create the illusion of more volume and texture. If you have curly or textured hair, highlights can add more depth and contrast.

3. Maintenance

• Balayage is ideal if you want something low-maintenance. It grows out beautifully without obvious lines, and you can go longer between root touch up hair color appointments.

• Highlights will require more frequent root touch ups as your natural hair color grows in. If you don’t mind maintaining your color or you like the idea of a fresh, consistent look, highlights might be your go-to choice.

Balayage or Highlights – Which One Is More Popular?

Both balayage and highlights are popular, but there’s been a trend toward balayage in recent years. The reason? It offers a more natural, low-maintenance look that is perfect for people who want to avoid frequent trips to the best hair salon near me for regular root touch ups. However, highlights continue to be a classic choice, especially for those who love the defined, vibrant color that they provide.

How to Maintain Your Color

Whether you choose balayage or highlights, proper maintenance is key to keeping your hair looking fresh. Here are some tips for keeping your color looking great:

1. Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Choose a sulfate-free shampoo that’s gentle on color-treated hair. This will help your color last longer and prevent fading.

2. Get Regular Trims: Keeping your hair healthy with regular trims will help maintain your color and keep your ends from looking dull.

3. Schedule Root Touch Ups: Whether you need a root touch up hair color for highlights or just to maintain the overall health of your hair, don’t skip these essential visits to your best hair salon Surrey BC.

4. Hydrate Your Hair: Use deep conditioning treatments and oils to keep your hair nourished and prevent dryness from coloring.

Find the Best Salon Near You for Balayage or Highlights

Ready to transform your hair? Whether you’re looking for balayage, highlights for the hair, or the best root touch up options, choosing the right salon is crucial. Look for good hair salons in Surrey or hair salon Surrey BC that have expert stylists skilled in both techniques. The best salon near me for haircut should offer a consultation to help you decide which service is the right fit for your hair goals.

Conclusion

Both balayage and highlights can give your hair a stunning new look. The right choice depends on your desired style, hair type, and maintenance preference. Balayage offers a more natural, sun-kissed look with less upkeep, while highlights give a bold, vibrant appearance that requires more regular attention. Either way, the key to maintaining beautiful color is choosing the right technique for you and ensuring regular root touch ups.

Looking for the best salon near you for a haircut or hair color transformation? Contact our team today at Express RutBar+, the top-rated hair salon in Surrey, and let us help you achieve the perfect root touch up!