Balayage vs Highlights

Balayage vs Highlights: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram looking for hair inspiration (we know you have!), you’ve probably seen two words pop up again and again: balayage and highlights.

Both techniques can transform your hair beautifully but they create very different looks, require different levels of maintenance, and suit different lifestyles. So which one is right for you?

Here’s our stylist-approved guide to help you decide.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is a freehand colouring technique where your stylist paints lighter pieces throughout your hair to create a soft, natural blend.

The Look

  • Sun-kissed
  • Seamless and low-maintenance
  • Soft ribbons of lightness
  • No harsh lines or obvious regrowth

Perfect For

  • Anyone who wants a natural, lived-in glow
  • Clients who don’t want to be in the salon every 6–8 weeks
  • Brunettes and blondes equally (we create both!)
  • A more modern, blended effect

Maintenance Level

Low.
Most clients come back every 3–4 months, with optional toners in between.

What Are Highlights?

Highlights use foils to lighten sections of hair from root to tip. This creates a brighter, cleaner, more uniform lift.

The Look

  • Brighter, lighter, more classic blonde
  • Bold contrast or soft fine weaves, you choose
  • Great for maximum lift

Perfect For

  • Clients who love a bright, blonde look
  • Anyone wanting lift right from the roots
  • Controlled, precise, even colour

Maintenance Level

Higher.
Regrowth is more noticeable, so most clients return every 6–8 weeks.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want…
🌤 A natural, blended “I woke up like this” blonde → choose balayage
☀️ A bright, bold, classic blonde → choose highlights
🌙 A low-maintenance routine → balayage
🌞 Maximum lift and brightness → highlights
Soft ribbons of brightness → balayage
Root-to-tip consistency → highlights

And if you’re unsure? Don’t worry, most of our clients aren’t sure until they come in! That’s what consultations are for.

Can You Mix the Two?

Absolutely and we do this a lot at Blackheath Hair & Co.
A combination of face-framing highlights with a balayage blend is one of our most requested services for that perfect bright-but-natural finish.

Final Tip from the Team

Bring photos.
We LOVE when clients show us the tones, brightness levels, and styles they’re drawn to. It helps us personalise your colour so you leave feeling your absolute best.

If you’d like to chat about your colour or book a consultation, you can reach us here:
📞 020 8318 4043
📲 Book online: www.blackheathhair.co.uk
📍 Blackheath Village

 

Choose Professional, Choose Quality
Choose Blackheath Hair & Co!

Share This