Balayage vs. Highlights

Make the Best Choice

An informed decision is the best kind to make. So, before we go into specific details about balayage vs highlights, we thought it would help to tell you that balayage is a French word that means “to sweep.” That probably doesn't explain a lot to you at the moment, but you will soon find out a whole lot more. We are all about helping you make the best choice, so here are some explanations:

• Traditional Highlights. Using specific techniques to divide your hair into sections, traditional highlights are added to the roots and taken all the way to the ends of your hair. The sections ensure there is no streaky look, and natural hair is left between them. Foil is applied to keep the colored hair separate from the natural.
• Though you might have thought this was a “look,” it is actually a technique. Selected strands, or locks of hair, are freehand painted with the chosen color. No foil is necessary. And, the results convey a warmer look that simulates the presence of lots of time in the sun. Balayage is generally multi-tonal and blended.
• Using the same techniques as highlights, a darker color is added to your natural base. If you get frequent highlights, you will notice that much of your natural color gets lost after multiple applications of lighteners. Lowlights are designed to recreate the initial dimension you saw when you first got your highlights.

What's the difference between highlights and balayage?

Essentially, balayage allows your stylist to personalize your look. There's no specific sectioning pattern necessary. Your lighter areas are specifically chosen based on your own facial structure, hair cut, and skin tone. This makes balayage result in a seemingly more natural look.

Which one's best for me? 

Honestly, this is a matter of personal opinion. If you're new to coloring your hair and are looking for a subtle way to blend colors, balayage is an excellent choice. However, if you have dark hair naturally, you will note red undertones that you may or may not like. Traditional highlighting techniques provide your stylist with far more tonal control in that area, so discussing these options with your stylist is probably the best answer for you.

Balayage vs highlights is truly a matter of preference. Both are ways to beautify your natural look and with help from the experts at Lords & Ladies Salon and Medical Spa, you will find the technique that is right for you. Give us a call at (844) 725.6655 to schedule a consultation or an appointment.

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