Balayage and highlights are two popular hair coloring techniques that are used to add color to the hair. While both techniques involve adding color to the hair, there are some key differences between balayage and highlights.
One of the main differences between balayage and highlights is the way the color is applied to the hair. Balayage involves hand-painting the color onto the hair, while highlights involve applying color to the hair using foils.
To create a balayage effect, the stylist will section off the hair and use a sweeping motion to apply the color to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, with less color applied to the roots. This creates a graduated, natural-looking color effect that is softer and more subtle than traditional hair coloring techniques.
Highlights, on the other hand, involve applying color to specific sections of the hair, usually in a stripe or chunk pattern. The color is typically applied to the hair using foils, which helps to separate the highlighted sections from the rest of the hair. Highlights can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle to bold, and are often used to add dimension and depth to the hair.
Another difference between balayage and highlights is the maintenance required. Balayage typically requires less maintenance than highlights, as the color is applied directly to the hair, rather than the scalp. This means there is no need to worry about regrowth or root touch-ups. Highlights, on the other hand, require more frequent touch-ups.