Balayage vs highlights: which is right for you?

Both add brightness and dimension, but they're applied differently and grow out differently. Here's how to choose.

It's one of the most common questions in the salon chair. Balayage and highlights both lighten sections of your hair, but the technique and the result are quite different.

What is balayage?

Balayage is a hand-painted technique. Lightener is swept onto the surface of the hair, usually more heavily towards the ends, to create a soft, sun-kissed graduation with no harsh lines.

What are highlights?

Highlights are usually woven or sliced into foils from close to the root. They give more uniform, defined brightness from top to bottom and can take you lighter overall.

How to choose

• Want a low-maintenance, lived-in look? Balayage grows out softly.
• Want brightness right up to the root? Highlights give more lift and coverage.
• Going a lot lighter? Highlights, or a mix of both, may suit you better.
• Love a natural, beachy finish? Balayage is hard to beat.

Often the best result is a blend of techniques tailored to your hair. A consultation is the easiest way to find out what will work for you.