The main distinction between highlights and balayage is that highlights use a foiling technique, while balayage employs a visual technique. Both methods require the use of lightning products, which can cause significant damage to your hair if not used correctly. Overlapping is possible with highlights due to the use of foil; however, since balayage stylists color the hair using a visual technique, overlapping does not occur.
What are Highlights?
Highlights involve lightening specific sections of hair using a color lighter than your natural hair color. This hair coloring method is permanent until your hair grows out. There are various types of highlights, such as babylights, traditional highlights, foil-adage, ombre, and lowlights, which offer different textures and dimensions. Highlights can damage your hair due to strong chemical exposure, resulting in dry, burnt hair. As a result, hairstylists recommend touch-ups every four weeks to four months and using high-quality products to protect your hair. Highlights typically last for about 2-3 months, depending on factors like your haircare routine, hair texture, and hair health.
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a free-hand painting technique used to create soft, sun-kissed, and natural-looking highlights in your hair. The term “balayage” comes from the French word for “sweeping,” referring to how the color is applied. There are various balayage methods, with some stylists separating hair and others not, using cotton pieces or foil paper. This technique allows the stylist to hand-select the strands of hair they want to color. Balayage requires less maintenance and can be customized according to hair color, length, and texture to highlight or soften facial features. Before choosing balayage, consider factors like your favorite part of your hair, desired touch-up frequency, and daily hair styling habits.
Key Takeaways
- Highlights use a foiling technique to lighten specific sections of hair, while balayage is a visual technique involving free-hand painting for a more natural look.
- Highlights can cause more damage to your hair due to strong chemical exposure and typically require more frequent touch-ups than balayage.
- Balayage offers a lower-maintenance and more customizable option, allowing for a personalized look based on your hair type and facial features.
