Balayage and Highlights: Two Different Approaches to Dimension
If you’re considering adding dimension to your hair color, you’ve probably heard both terms thrown around. Balayage and highlights both lighten sections of your hair, but the technique, the result, and the maintenance are different. Understanding those differences helps you make a better choice for your hair and your lifestyle.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a French hand-painting technique where your stylist applies lightener freehand onto sections of your hair. There are no foils involved. The result is a soft, natural-looking gradient that’s lighter toward the ends and blended seamlessly through the mid-lengths.
Balayage tends to look more sun-kissed and lived-in. It’s popular because the grow-out is subtle. You won’t see a harsh line at your roots as your hair grows, which means longer intervals between appointments.
Balayage Is Best For:
- Clients who want a low-maintenance color
- Natural-looking dimension and movement
- Longer hair that benefits from a graduated lightness
- Anyone who doesn’t want to be in the salon every 6 weeks
What Are Highlights?
Traditional highlights use foils to isolate specific sections of hair and lighten them evenly from root to tip. The placement is more structured, and the result is more uniform brightness throughout your hair.
Highlights give you more contrast and overall lightness compared to balayage. They’re also more versatile. You can do a full head of foils for a dramatic change or a partial foil for more subtle brightness around your face.
Highlights Are Best For:
- Clients who want more noticeable contrast
- Covering or blending grey hair with lighter tones
- Shorter hair where balayage may not show as well
- A more uniform, all-over lighter look
Pricing at Joseph’s Hair Design
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Foil (Highlights) | Starting at $90 |
| Partial Foil | Starting at $75 |
| Mini Foil | $5 per foil |
| Balayage | Starting at $90 |
| Toner | Starting at $25 |
Many clients add a toner to their balayage or highlight service for a more customized, polished finish. Your stylist will recommend this during your consultation if it would benefit your result.
Can You Combine Both?
Absolutely. Many of our stylists combine balayage and foil techniques in a single appointment. This is sometimes called a “foilayage.” It gives you the natural blending of balayage with the brightness and lift of foils. It’s a great option if you want the best of both worlds.
How to Decide
The honest answer: book a consultation. Bring reference photos of what you like. Your stylist will look at your current color, your hair type, and your maintenance preferences, and recommend the technique that will actually deliver the result in the photo.
What works on someone else’s hair might not work on yours, and a good stylist will tell you that upfront rather than just doing what you ask and hoping for the best.
Book Your Color Consultation
Joseph’s Hair Design is located at 54 Wood St, New Bedford, MA 02745. Our color specialists include Vanessa, Stacey, Sarah, and Carla, each with their own style and strengths. Call (508) 998-7147 to book your consultation or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is balayage or highlights cheaper?
Full highlights at Joseph's start around $120. Balayage starts at $150. Partial highlights are typically less at $85.
Which lasts longer, balayage or highlights?
Balayage. Because the color is hand-painted with a softer grow-out line, it can go 3 to 4 months between appointments. Foil highlights create a harder line and usually need a touch-up every 6 to 8 weeks.
Can I switch from highlights to balayage?
Yes, but depending on your current color you may need a blend session or two. We'll design a plan at your consultation.
Ready to Book?
Call Joseph's Hair Design at 508-998-7147 or book your appointment online. We're at 54 Wood St in New Bedford, MA.