Highlights vs. Balayage — Which One Is Right for You?

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Highlights vs Balayage: What's the difference? (A Hilton, NY Colorist Explains)

Highlights, balayage, foilayage, blonding, air touch. Even among professionals, these words can mean vastly different things. The biggest risk is that a stylist & client can be using the same words, but picturing a completely different end result.

Your safest bet? Schedule a consultation so you can go over your starting point, goals, budget, and appointment length. We are located in Hilton, NY right in the Salvatore's Old Fashioned Pizza & Napa Auto plaza! Consultations are quick (usually about 10-15 mins) and free. They give everyone peace of mind and are truly ideal, especially for big transformations.

But let's be honest...that's not always possible or practical.

So let's go over the differences between Highlights & Balayage so you can make the best decision when deciding which appointment to book.

First, what are Traditional Highlights?

Highlights are a service where a stylist intentionally weaves or slices sections of the hair, paints on lightener, and then lets it process inside of foil. The foil acts as an incubator, allowing for maximum uniform lift. Traditional highlights can provide more levels of lift than balayage, so it's a better option for people with naturally dark hair, OR hair that has been previously dyed.

• More levels of lift

• More uniform, brighter, and more consistent result.

• Better for a more polished result

• More frequent maintenance (10-12 wks is typical)

• Best for: Naturally dark or previously dyed hair.

So what is Balayage?

Balayage is a French word and technique that translates to "sweeping." Lightener is softly painted onto the surface of each section of hair. It creates a softer, more "sunkissed" look. This services processes in the open air (aka no foils). This is best for clients who want a really natural look and who have medium to light natural hair.

• Softer lift

• More diffused result

• Better for a soft, lived-in look

• Less maintenance (1-2 times per year)

• Best for: Naturally light hair (think dirty blonde or very light brown) and hair that has no previous dye (previous highlights are ok!)

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