Balayage vs Highlights

What is Balayage?

Pronounced BAH-LEE-AHGE

Balayage comes from the French term, balayer which means sweeper - as in to sweep lightener to create highlights. Balayage technique is free-hand painting highlights onto the hair which leads to a soft natural lightness towards the ends and a lived in look without the harsh contrast from root regrowth. It gives the appearance of the perfect, natural and unintentional dimensions and highlights like in a child’s hair after a summer spent outside.  This natural appearing, lived in look is not just for blonds but can be done brunettes to give deeper dimension.  The benefit is a natural looking grow-out and a ”lived in look” that looks great even after hair grows. 

The technique in which a stylist will perform this service can vary depending on their preference, but ultimately the idea is to have a free hand; lived in longevity to this look.

What’s the difference between Balayage and Highlights?

Highlights aren’t just for blonds! It really refers to the lightening of hair, which can be any level lighter than your natural colour. Traditionally, foiling is the technique used for highlights and are often lightening from roots to the end.  Foiling is using sheets of foil to separate the area of hair that have had lightener or colour applied and then wrapping these areas in the foil to process. Foils keep the lightener from getting on the surrounding hair and to trap heat allowing the lightener to lift more.  Highlights can be added in as many or as little amount which can change the overall brightness and lightness of the hair. Face framing highlights are just as they sound, highlights placed around the face to brighten up the look.  Babylights are very thin sections of hair that are lightened to give a subtle, sunkissed change. Highlighting, for an overall blond look,  often requires more commitment to regular appointments on a regular basis as the hair regrowth is more defined.

Balayage does not typically require the use of foils to separate the hair and is applied in a free hand style that is a softer contract/blend with the surrounding hair. This technique is typically from mid to end lightness, with the hair mid length to root being typically darker, deeper, richer.  This allows a gradual lightness towards the ends, with no harsh regrowth root line.  Without the harsh regrowth, this gives a longevity to the hair colour, with no need for touch ups every 4 weeks.  Some clients go 4-6 months in between appointments. 

Highlights
Images from Stylist Chloe & Carly

Babylights/Hairline Foils
Images from Stylist Chloe & Carly

Balayage
Images from Stylist Chloe & Carly

Whatever it is that you’re looking for, my best suggestion is to have photographic examples of what you’re looking for.  Our stylists will always consult with you about what you are looking for, what your budget is and how to get you to your goal.  Generally, these consultations will occur prior to your appointment so that you and your stylist both know what you can expect, having these inspiration photos, along with a photo of your current hair in natural light is very beneficial for us to be able to give you what you’re looking for and discuss how to get you there!