Highlights or Balayage: What’s Right for You?
Two techniques. Endless possibilities. Let’s find the one that fits your style—and your lifestyle.
Understanding the difference between highlights and balayage can make all the difference in achieving your dream hair. Both techniques create dimension and light, but each has its own personality—and its own kind of upkeep.
Deciding between highlights and balayage can feel overwhelming, but understanding the difference unlocks a world of possibilities for your next transformation.
What are Highlights?
Highlights involve using foils to apply a lighter color to specific strands of hair. This technique creates a more uniform, defined look—perfect for anyone wanting a brighter, sun-kissed effect or a bold contrast.
I can customize your highlight placement to focus on framing the face or adding depth throughout, depending on the look you’re after.
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a freehand painting technique that gives a softer, more natural result. Color is painted on without the use of foils, allowing a gentle transition between your base shade and the lighter tones.
It’s ideal if you love a low-maintenance color that still feels elevated—the kind that grows in seamlessly and stays beautiful between visits.
How to choose the right technique
When deciding which approach is best for you, think about your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and desired overall look.
If you love bright, eye-catching dimension and enjoy keeping your tone fresh, highlights might be your go-to.
If you prefer something subtle, sun-kissed, and effortless, balayage could be the perfect match.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—your hair, lifestyle, and vision determine which technique truly shines.”
Key Differences Between Highlights and Balayage
Application:
Highlights use foils for precise lightening and even brightness. Balayage is painted freehand, creating a more organic, diffused result.
Contrast:
Highlights deliver bold, defined brightness. Balayage offers soft, blended transitions.
Maintenance:
Highlights typically need touch-ups every 6–8 weeks. Balayage can stretch to 10–16 weeks between appointments.
Customization:
Both can be personalized, but balayage shines when you want placement that complements your haircut, texture, and face shape.
Maintenance Made Simple
Keeping your color vibrant and healthy is just as important as choosing the right technique.
I’ll create a personalized maintenance plan based on your routine and goals—from the right shampoos to at-home glossing options.
Highlights: Usually refreshed every 6–8 weeks for contrast and tone.
Balayage: Gloss or partial touch-ups every 10–16 weeks to keep it seamless.
The Hair Mansion Approach
Every head of hair tells its own story. During your consultation, I’ll look at your color history, texture, and lifestyle to determine the most flattering approach.
Whether you’re drawn to the bold glow of highlights or the understated elegance of balayage, my goal is the same—to create color that moves beautifully, lasts gracefully, and feels unmistakably you.
Still unsure which technique fits your style? Explore the Experience Menu.