Hair
Highlights or balayage? How to choose the right colour for you
Brighter and defined, or soft and blended? A simple guide to the difference between highlights and balayage — and how to decide which suits you.
It is one of the questions we hear most in the salon: should I have highlights or balayage? Both lift your colour and add brightness, but they look — and grow out — quite differently.
Highlights: brighter and more defined
Highlights add lighter strands through your hair for brightness, movement and dimension. They can be fine and subtle for a natural lift, or bolder and more noticeable.
- The look: brighter and more defined
- Grow-out: a clearer line appears as your hair grows
- Upkeep: regular root visits suit this look
Balayage: soft and blended
Balayage is a colouring technique in which the colour is painted on by hand. It gives a soft, blended look, often with a gradual fade from darker roots to lighter ends.
Because there is no hard line at the root, balayage grows out more gradually than traditional highlights.
Many clients need fewer colour appointments with balayage, although this depends on how light you go and how fast your hair grows.
So which is right for you?
Choose highlights if you want a clear, lighter look and are happy with regular root visits. Choose balayage if you would like a natural, sun-kissed finish that grows out softly.
Your natural colour, hair history and condition all affect the result, so we always start with a conversation. Bring a photo of the look you like and we will tell you honestly what can be achieved.
