When it comes to choosing a hair color technique, one of the most common questions is: balayage vs highlights. So what’s the difference? Both methods can brighten your hair and add dimension, but the process, results, and upkeep are not the same. Let’s take a quick look at how they compare side by side.
Balayage vs Highlights – Quick Overview
| Aspect | Balayage | Highlights |
| Technique | Hand-painted onto the surface of the hair without foils. | Uses foils to separate strands before applying lightener. |
| Look | Soft, natural blend with no harsh lines. | Defined streaks of lighter color with more contrast. |
| Time Required | 1.5-4 hours, depending on partial or full coverage and hair length and type. | 1.5-3.5 hours, depending on partial or full coverage, thickness, and length. |
| Longevity | Lasts 3-4 months. Grows out softly with less visible lines. | Lasts 6-8 weeks. Regrowth is more noticeable at the roots. |
| Best For | Medium to long hair. | Short to long hair. |
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a hair coloring technique where dye is hand-painted onto the hair in sweeping motions.
The key characteristics of this coloring technique are:
- The stylist paints color directly onto the surface without using foils.
- The final results are more software and can blend in more naturally.
- There are no harsh lines that you can often see with highlights.
The technique first gained major popularity in Paris salons during the 1970s. Dances later, social media and celebrity hairstyles pushed this hair coloring technique into the spotlight. And till this day, it’s still the favorite technique for many.
What is a Partial Balayage?
A partial balayage is a smaller-scale version of the technique that focuses only on certain sections of hair. In this case, the stylist applies color only to the top layer or the front sections of the hair in comparison to the full coverage.
The reasons why people go with partial balayage over full coverage are:
- It creates a subtle and face-framing effect.
- Less hair is lightened, which makes it look softer and more natural.
- This technique is great to refresh hair color without committing to a full transformation.
How Long Does Balayage Take?
Balayage can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. The time you spend in the salon will depend on many factors. Here’s what you should know:
- Full balayage can take between 2 to 4 hours.
- Partial balayage usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours.
- Thicker or longer hair will take more time since there is more surface to paint.
- Custom placements and blending require patience from both stylist and client.
How Long Does Balayage Last?
Balayage can last 3 to 4 months before needing a touch-up. With this hair coloring technique, outgrowth is less noticeable since the color blends seamlessly with your natural hair.
Best For:
Balayage works best for:
- Long hair, since the hand-painted effect shows more clearly on length.
- Straight to wavy hair types.
- Lighter base colors, but it can be customized for dark hair too.
What Are the Highlights in Hair?
Highlights are a classic hair coloring technique where sections of hair are lightened to create contrast and brightness.
The key characteristics of this coloring technique are:
- The stylist typically uses foils to separate strands before applying the lightener.
- The final results are more defined and you get noticeable streaks of lighter color.
- Regrowth lines are more visible as hair grows out compared to balayage.
Highlights first gained popularity in the 1980s, when bold, streaky color became a trend. Over time, the technique evolved into more natural versions, like “babylights.”
However, highlights are still a popular choice for those who want to get a noticeable difference and a new look.
Types of Highlights
Here are the two most common types of highlights:
- Partial highlights focus on the top layer or front sections of hair. They add brightness around the face and crown.
- Full highlights cover the entire head with lightened strands. Full highlights create maximum contrast and a more dramatic change.
How Long Does Highlighting Take?
Highlighting can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 hours. The exact time depends on the type of highlights and your hair. Here’s what you should know:
- Full highlights usually take 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- Partial highlights can be done in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Thicker or longer hair naturally needs more time.
How Long Do Hair Highlights Last
Highlights typically last 6 to 8 weeks before a touch-up is needed. Unlike balayage, the regrowth is more noticeable because the color has a stronger contrast with your natural hair.
Best For:
Highlights work best for:
- Short to long hair, since foils can be placed on any length.
- Straight to wavy textures that show contrast clearly.
- Medium to dark base colors.
Balayage vs Highlights Side by Side
Cost of Balayage vs Highlights
The price for both techniques depends on your salon, stylist, and hair length. In general, balayage is more expensive than highlights, but some full highlight techniques may cost more than balayage.
Here’s the price comparison at our salon in Ridgewood:
- Balayage: $290 – $395 for a full service and with Glaze + WP included. Partial balayage is $250 – $315 (Glaze + WP is also included here).
- Highlights: $200 – $445. The price can vary depending on the technique (Foilyage, Hi Lite, etc) and also on the coverage (full and partial). For all these services, Glaze + WP is included in the price.
FAQ
Are balayage or highlights better to cover grey?
Highlights are usually better for covering grey since foils can target specific strands. Balayage blends color but doesn’t give full grey coverage.
Does balayage damage hair?
Balayage is less damaging than traditional highlights because not all strands are lightened. However, any lightening process can cause dryness if not cared for properly.
Should I wash my hair before balayage?
No. It’s better if your hair has natural oils before a coloring service. Wash it 24-48 hours before your appointment.
How to maintain balayage?
Use sulfate-free shampoo, deep conditioning masks, and a purple shampoo if you go blonde. Gloss or toner refreshes every few weeks will keep the color vibrant.
Should I wash my hair before getting highlights?
No, don’t wash right before. Natural oils protect your scalp during the lightening process.
Can you highlight gray hair?
Yes. Highlights can blend grey into the rest of your hair, making regrowth less obvious.
Are highlights bad for your hair?
Highlights involve bleach, which can cause dryness or breakage if overdone. With proper care and treatment, you can minimize damage.
Do hair highlights fade?
Yes. Over time, highlights can lose brightness and turn brassy. Use color-safe products and toners to maintain the shade longer.
Key Takeaways on Balayage vs Highlights
Both balayage and highlights can completely transform your look. It just depends on the style and upkeep you want.
- Balayage is hand-painted for a softer blend, while highlights use foils for defined streaks.
- Balayage gives a natural, sun-kissed effect, while highlights create a stronger contrast.
- Balayage usually takes 1.5-4 hours, while for highlights you will need 1.5-3.5 hours.
- Balayage lasts 3-4 months, while highlights look their best 6-8 weeks.
- Balayage works for medium to long hair and lighter bases. Highlights work for short to long hair and medium to dark bases.
- Balayage is generally more expensive but needs fewer touch-ups. Highlights cost less per visit but require more frequent maintenance.
