Are you looking to add a touch of color to your hair but can't decide between balayage and highlights? Both techniques are popular and can give you the look you want, but there are some key differences between them. Balayage is a hand-painted application that creates a natural-looking hair color kissed by the sun, while highlights are added with aluminum foil to help saturate the precise locks of the hair. This article will help you break down the differences between balayage and highlights so you can choose the one that best suits your hair. If you want to add non-uniform stripes or subtle touches of color, balayage is a better option. This method gives your stylist more freedom to add a color that fits and flatters your cut, the shape of your face and, of course, your personal style.
Balayage is a type of highlighting technique that originated in France and means sweeping. As a result, you get a more natural-looking hair color that appears to be kissed by the sun, subtly and effortlessly. If you are now satisfied with the tone of your hair in general, but want to give it a little more dimension, balayage is probably your best option. On the other hand, highlights are created by applying color to the surface of the hair with aluminum foil. This method gives your stylist more control over the tone of your hair when it comes to laminated highlights.
Laminated highlights can eliminate red and orange areas much more effectively than balayage. The result of the balayage is very soft, thus emulating the shine of the hair after spending all summer on the beach. If you want to achieve a look that requires little maintenance, with the softness of balayage and very shiny tips, you can explore the use of balayage with a “tip”. The difference between mechas and balayage is that wicks almost always use sheets, while balayage is more well a hand-painted visual technique. No matter which technique you choose, it's important to take care of colored hair. Make sure to use products specifically designed for colored hair and avoid washing your hair too often.
With proper care, both balayage and highlights can give you beautiful results.