Balayage vs. Highlights: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

Funda Shamsher
Jul 2
2 min read

Ever stared at a salon menu and wondered, “Should I get balayage or highlights?” You're not alone . This is one of the most common questions I get from clients at Starleet Studio.

Both techniques lighten your hair, but the vibe, maintenance, and results are totally different. Let's break it down so you can choose what suits your lifestyle, look, and hair goals.

☀️ What Are Traditional Highlights?

Highlights use foils to lighten specific sections of hair from root to tip. The result is usually more structured, bright, and evenly blended from the scalp.

💡 Perfect for:

Clients who love a brighter, more noticeable contrast
Those who want all-over brightness or dimension
People who want to lighten their base color significantly

🔁 Maintenance:

Needs root touch-ups every 6–8 weeks
Grows out with a line of demarcation (visible regrowth)

🌿 What Is Balayage?

Balayage means "to sweep" in French. It’s a hand-painted technique where lightener is placed on the surface of the hair, creating soft, natural-looking brightness, especially toward the ends.

💡 Perfect for:

A sun-kissed, beachy, lived-in vibe
Clients who want low-maintenance color
Those transitioning from highlights or gray blending

🔁 Maintenance:

Grows out beautifully — touch-ups every 10–14 weeks
Can be refreshed with toners or glosses between lightening sessions

🎯 The Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Highlights	Balayage
Application	Foil	Hand-painted
Result	Bright from roots	Soft, natural toward ends
Maintenance	6–8 weeks	10–14 weeks
Look	High contrast	Lived-in, blended
Ideal For	Bold change	Subtle lift, dimension

👩‍🎨 Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s how I help clients decide at Starleet Studio:

Want brighter blonde and bold lift? Go for highlights.
Want a low-maintenance glow-up with softness and depth? Choose balayage.
Want both? We can do a hybrid — customized just for you.

💬 My Honest Advice as a Stylist

Every head of hair is unique. That’s why I always start with a consultation — so I can listen to your vision, check your hair health, and create a custom plan that keeps your hair vibrant and healthy.