Balayage and highlights both lighten strands of hair, but they're applied differently. Highlights are woven sections lightened in foils from root to tip. Balayage is painted on by hand and concentrated toward the mid-lengths and ends. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Balayage vs highlights at a glance
- Type: Technique comparison
- Tone: Either can be warm or cool
- Lightening needed: Both use lightener. Foils usually lift lighter than open-air painting.
- Maintenance: Balayage: low. Highlights: medium
- Touch-ups: Balayage: 3 to 4 months. Highlights: 6 to 8 weeks
What makes it different
Highlights give an even, defined brightness right up to the root. Balayage gives a softer, more blended result with a natural-looking root.
Who it suits
Choose highlights if you want to be noticeably blonder, want brightness at the root, or have very dark hair that needs strong lift. Choose balayage if you want a natural look and fewer salon visits.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Describe the result, not only the technique: how light, how blended, how bright at the root.
- Ask which technique the colorist recommends for your starting color.
- Ask how often it will need touching up.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Both need sulfate-free shampoo, a toning shampoo when brassiness appears and regular conditioning treatments.
Shades and variations
- Foilyage: a hybrid: painted like balayage, processed in foils.
- Babylights: very fine highlights for a soft, natural brightness.
- Teasylights: hair is teased before lightening, to blur the root.
- Money piece: bright pieces at the front only.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see different shades on your own hair before you book.
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FAQ
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
Balayage and highlights both lighten strands of hair, but they're applied differently.
Which should I choose?
Choose highlights if you want to be noticeably blonder, want brightness at the root, or have very dark hair that needs strong lift. Choose balayage if you want a natural look and fewer salon visits.
Is bleach needed?
Both use lightener. Foils usually lift lighter than open-air painting.
How often does it need touching up?
Balayage: 3 to 4 months. Highlights: 6 to 8 weeks.
Is balayage or highlights more damaging?
Both use lightener, so both cause some stress to the hair. Balayage usually covers less hair and is repeated less often.
Which lasts longer, balayage or highlights?
Balayage. Its soft root means regrowth is less obvious, so it can go 3 to 4 months between appointments.
