Balayage vs. Highlights: Which Colour Technique is Right for You?

Harriet Wells
Jul 13
2 min read

If you’re thinking about lightening your hair, you’ve probably heard of both balayage and highlights. But what’s the difference, and how do you choose the right one for your style and lifestyle? Here’s our expert guide to help you decide.

What’s the Difference?

Balayage

Balayage is a freehand technique where lightener is painted onto the hair to create soft, blended, sun-kissed tones. It’s perfect for a more natural, lived-in look and grows out seamlessly.

We offer:

Everything Balayage: a full transformation with beautifully blended results.
Half Head Balayage: focusing on the top and front sections for a softer effect.
Face Frame Balayage: brightens your hairline and frames your face for a radiant look.

Highlights

Highlights use foils to achieve more precise, uniform streaks of colour throughout the hair. They’re ideal if you’re looking for a more luminous, even finish.

We offer:

Full Head Highlights: foils throughout the whole head for maximum brightness.
Half Head Highlights: focusing on the top and sides for a natural, lower-maintenance option.
Partial Highlights: adds dimension where you need it most.

Customise Your Look

No matter which technique you choose, we can tailor your colour with additional services:

Gloss Placement: to add shine, tone, or depth to specific areas.
Global Gloss: a full-head shine and tone refresh.
Scandi Hair Line: brightens the hairline for a Scandinavian-inspired glow.
Tip Out / Cleanse: to lighten and brighten ends or remove unwanted tones.

Which Should You Choose?

If you prefer a more natural, low-maintenance style that grows out beautifully, balayage is a great choice. If you’re after a brighter, more defined look, highlights may be better for you. Not sure? Book a Colour Consultation & Skin Test: we’ll help you find the perfect technique for your goals.