No matter if you prefer the natural look or want to add contrast and dimension, there are numerous hair color options available to you – Balayage and highlights are two popular examples.
Both techniques offer freehand coloring techniques designed to produce natural-looking results, yet each has some key distinctions that could make one or the other the more suitable for you. Keep reading to discover which is the right one for you!
Natural
Balayage hair color technique creates more natural-looking results than highlights because it allows your stylist to paint on colour freehand in a sweeping motion, giving it more of a sun-kissed effect on dark locks.
Balayage tends to grow out more naturally than highlights due to less noticeable regrowth lines; therefore, you won’t require touch-ups as often.
Sombre is an ideal solution for anyone looking for a subtler sun-kissed look without making a big commitment, starting higher up on the scalp and lightening one or two shades rather than three. Sombre can keep its vibrant appearance with help from hair care products such as Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Treatment or Balmain Ash Toner which help preserve color integrity while counteracting brassy tones.
Blended
Balayage provides an effortless look that requires less frequent salon visits than its counterpart, highlights. This makes balayage ideal for busy professionals or individuals concerned with finding enough time for maintenance.
Balayage involves freehand application, so your hairstylist may lighten fewer strands than they would with traditional highlights (which typically involves wrapping each strand with foil to ensure it absorbs dye).
As with all hair changes, selecting the appropriate method depends heavily on personal choice and lifestyle factors. Balayage works best with darker natural hair colors or those who desire a subtle transition, while highlights provide more dramatic contrast. Whatever method you select, be sure to follow your colorist’s recommendations for aftercare so your new look lasts as long as possible!
Contrast
Balayage is a freehand highlighting technique in which your colorist uses their hand to paint (or sweep) dye or lightener over your locks for an ombre effect that blends more naturally than traditional foil highlights. Balayage highlights are ideal for creating sun-kissed looks, adding dimension to locks or even emphasizing shadowed areas around your face with lowlights.
Balanceyage can also be far less damaging than full head foils, particularly if your stylist utilizes lower volume peroxide bleach for bleaching process. Balayage requires significantly less bleaching to achieve lighter shades and does not necessitate as many touch ups due to obvious regrowth lines.
An experienced balayage artist can tailor highlights specifically to match the shape and features of your face, creating a truly custom glow-up for lengths and ends. Colour-safe shampoos and conditioners help maintain this look while toning can restore any brassy tones that occur, keeping it vibrant for longer.
Maintenance
Balayage offers a softer, less visible option than highlights for those seeking low maintenance looks. Although you will still require touch up visits every six to eight weeks to address demarcation lines that appear when your hair grows out, prolonging its life by using shampoo and conditioner designed to preserve color as well as toning products against warm or brassy tones can extend its life considerably.
Hair texture also plays an integral part in how Balayage colors appear; lighter shades will enhance fine hair and add dimension, while bolder Balayage colors can bring more contrast and drama for thick or coarse hair types.
For best results when maintaining Balayage hair color, avoid over-processing or over-styling it. Also protect it from heat and UV damage with protective sprays, wearing a hat or using protective hats; and schedule regular trims as well as using a nourishing hair serum that combats dryness.
