Balayage vs. highlights: which one is right for you?

Both balayage and highlights brighten your hair and add dimension. The difference is in how the color goes on, how it grows out, and how often you’ll want to come back. Here’s how to tell which one fits you.

What is balayage?

Balayage is a freehand technique. Your stylist paints lightener directly onto sections of hair, usually softer near the root and brighter toward the ends. The result looks natural and sun-kissed, and because there’s no sharp line at the root, it grows out softly.

Our Balayage Package includes cut, color and a deep conditioning treatment. Plan on about three and a half hours.

What are highlights?

Traditional highlights use foils to lighten fine sections of hair starting close to the root. That gives brighter, more even dimension all over, and more lift if you want to go noticeably lighter. Because the color starts near the scalp, regrowth shows sooner.

Our Highlight Package covers your whole head and includes color, glaze, cut and a deep conditioning treatment. Want a lighter touch? The Partial Highlight places foils at the crown and hairline and leaves the rest of your natural color.

How to choose

• Choose balayage if you want a soft, lived-in look that grows out gently.
• Choose highlights if you want brighter, more even blonde or more contrast from root to end.
• Still not sure? Book a free 30-minute consultation and talk it through with a stylist.

Between appointments, a glaze revives your color and brings back shine.

Keep it fresh

Whichever you choose, a glaze is the quick refresh between color visits. Ours starts at $60 and takes about an hour.