Balayage V Highlights

What's The Difference Between Balayage & Highlights?

The Hair Colour Experts In Halifax At Anthony James Hair Salon Explain

At one time, there were just highlights, and some of them we did with a cap and crocheting needle, which seems so primitive now. In recent years names for hair colouring have changed, for example, names like ombre, sombre and balayage have all entered the hairdressers and public vocabulary. As a result, we get clients coming into the salon and asking for all these different techniques, but do they know the difference between Highlights and Balayage? Most do not, therefore, let us have a look at the difference, so when you go to the hairdressers, you can tell them with confidence.

highlights at anthony james hair salon in halifaxWhat Are Highlights?

Some clients ask for streaks in the hair when they come into the salon. Streaks are heavy blonde pieces put onto darker hair, whereas highlights are placed in smaller sections and are lighter than your natural colour or, in some cases, we can add a colour in between the highlights).

People usually highlights must be blonde. That is not the case. Highlights are simply a lighter shade or colours than you have now such as a lighter brown, reds or coopers. In summary, highlighting is not the colour; it is the technique.

For highlights, you have your hair strategically placed around your head in foil then colour put on from roots to end. The foils keep the heat in to help the highlights process to the right level of brightness.

balayage at anthony james hairdressing salon in halifaxWhat Is a Balayage?

Balayage is French for 'to sweep' (trust the French to make something sound sexier). The colour is painted or swept onto sections in a freehand manner. For instance, the colour is applied to the mid-length and ends, leaving out the roots.

Balayage colour usually starts at the nape, leaving out a thin bottom section, subsequently, working its way up around the midsection, finishing on the top part.

The look is thicker than highlights but is just a few shades lighter than your base shade. It adds depth and dimension to your hair, giving it a sun-kissed look.

 

 

The Difference Between Balayage & Highlights

  • With balayage you tend to paint the colour on from the mid-lengths to the ends.
  • With highlights, the hair is saturated with colour from roots to the ends.
  • If you want a balanced, blended and softer look then balayage is for you.
  • For a more intensely lightened look, then you should go for highlights.
  • Placing colour on the roots means that highlights are more of a commitment; they need touching up every few weeks as they grow out.
  • Balayage grows out more naturally so you can leave more space between hair colouring appointments. 
  • Depending on what you are after balayage adds depth and dimension to your hairstyle.
  • Highlights are usually more evenly placed across the head and can focus on framing your face.