Balayage Vs Highlights
In the ever-evolving world of hair styling and colouring, balayage and highlights remain two of the most coveted techniques for adding dimension, depth, and a sun-kissed radiance to your locks. Both methods offer unique outcomes and can transform your hair in different ways. Whether you’re yearning for a subtle change or a complete makeover, understanding the nuances between balayage and highlights is key to achieving your desired look. Let’s delve into these popular hair colouring techniques, exploring their differences, benefits, and which might be the best fit for your hair aspirations.
What is Balayage?
Balayage, a French word meaning ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’, is a freehand hair colouring technique that creates a graduated, natural-looking effect. This method involves hand-painting the colour onto the hair, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths, which allows for a more natural, sun-kissed finish. The roots are left darker to enhance the depth and dimension of the hair. Balayage offers a low-maintenance option as it grows out beautifully without noticeable regrowth lines, making it a favourite for those seeking a subtle, yet impactful change.
Benefits of Balayage
Natural-Looking Results: Balayage provides a soft, blended look with no harsh demarcation lines.
Customisability: Since it’s hand-painted, it can be tailored to accentuate your features and hair texture.
Lower Maintenance: The technique allows for more time between salon visits as it grows out naturally and gracefully.
Versatility: Balayage suits a wide range of hair lengths, colours, and textures.
What are Highlights?
Highlights involve sectioning off hair and treating those sections with lightener or hair colour to make them a few shades lighter than your base colour. This technique can be performed using foils to isolate the sections of hair and control the lightening process. Highlights can vary in thickness, from fine, natural-looking pieces to thicker, more dramatic streaks, and are applied from root to tip for a uniform colouring. This method offers a more noticeable and structured colouring than balayage, with a clear contrast between the highlighted sections and the base colour.
Benefits of Highlights
Dramatic Contrast: Highlights can create a bold, fresh look with a clear distinction between the lightened strands and the rest of the hair.
Fuller-Looking Hair: The contrast between the highlights and the base colour can give the appearance of more volume.
Customisable Placement: Highlights can be placed strategically to frame the face or add dimension where needed.
Variety of Styles: From traditional foil highlights to more subtle baby lights, there’s a wide range of styles within the highlighting technique.
Balayage vs Highlights: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between balayage and highlights ultimately depends on your personal style, hair type, and maintenance preferences. The FUL Hyaluronic Acid Hair Serum is a perfect hair product for keeping your hair moisturised after colouring, whether you choose a balayage or highlights.
Choose Balayage if: You’re looking for a natural, low-maintenance look that offers a gentle transition of colour. It’s perfect for those wanting a subtle enhancement with less frequent salon visits.
Opt for Highlights if: You prefer a more defined, vibrant look with clear colour contrast. Highlights can be the way to go if you’re seeking to add volume to your hair or if you enjoy regular salon visits to keep your colour fresh.
Conclusion
Both balayage and highlights are exceptional techniques to introduce colour and life into your hair. Balayage offers a more understated, sun-kissed glow that evolves gracefully over time, while highlights bring a dynamic, vibrant contrast that can dramatically change your look. Discussing your hair goals with a professional stylist can help determine which method is best suited to your lifestyle, hair type, and aesthetic preferences. Whichever route you choose, both balayage and highlights are sure to bring a fresh and exciting dimension to your hair.
