What's The Difference Between Balayage & Highlights?
Quick Takeaways
Balayage creates soft, natural-looking colour
Highlights give brighter, more defined results
Balayage requires less maintenance
Highlights offer more uniform colour
Choice depends on lifestyle and desired look
What Is Balayage?
When it comes to transforming your hair colour, two of the most popular techniques you’ll hear about are balayage and highlights. Both can create stunning, multi-dimensional results, but they achieve very different looks.
We’re often asked which option is best - and the answer depends on your hair goals, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. Most people are a little confused by balayage so let's explain that first...
Balayage is a freehand colouring technique where colour is painted onto the hair in sweeping motions. The result is soft, natural-looking colour that mimics how the sun would naturally lighten your hair.
Because it’s not applied from root to tip in a uniform way, balayage grows out beautifully with no harsh regrowth lines. This makes it ideal for clients who want a low-maintenance yet high-impact look.
If you would like a fabulous new hair colour, why not book a complimentary consultation at MINT? Call 020 3745 3126 or book online.
What are Highlights?
Highlights are created using foils to separate sections of hair, allowing for more precise and uniform colour application. This technique lifts the hair from root to tip, resulting in a brighter, more defined look.
Highlights can be subtle or bold depending on how many foils are used and the contrast between your natural colour and the lightened strands.
The Difference Between Balayage and Highlights
The biggest difference lies in the finish. Balayage offers a softer, blended look with gradual transitions, while highlights deliver a more structured, consistent colour from root to tip.
Balayage is perfect for a lived-in, beachy feel, whereas highlights are ideal if you want a brighter, more noticeable lift throughout your hair.
If you prefer fewer salon visits, balayage is often the better choice. It grows out naturally and doesn’t require frequent touch-ups. Highlights, on the other hand, may need refreshing every 6–8 weeks to maintain a polished look, especially if you want to keep your roots looking fresh.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Your lifestyle, hair type, and personal style all play a role in choosing between balayage and highlights. If you love effortless, natural colour, balayage is a great option. If you prefer a brighter, more uniform finish, highlights may be the way to go.
As our Revlon colour expert Amy explains: “Balayage is perfect for clients who want soft, sun-kissed colour with less upkeep, while highlights are ideal if you’re looking for a brighter, more structured transformation.”
