Balayage vs Highlights: Which Hair Color Approach Is Proper For You?

Due to how they’re utilized, the outcomes range, too: “Balayage is comparatively low upkeep whereas highlights require way more upkeep and maintenance, as regrowth on the roots may be extra noticeable, requiring extra frequent touch-ups,” Chase explains, including that balayage tends to look “tender, blended, and extra refined with a gradual lightening impact” whereas highlights are “extra structured and outlined, with distinct lighter sections that begin from the roots.”

There are additionally variations in how every type grows out: “Balayage has a extra swish develop out because it lives in a vertical areas versus highlights which grows out horizontally,” says Min, who notes that due to this, balayage is usually superb for somebody on the lookout for a lived-in, low-maintenance look, whereas highlights may be extra fitted to shoppers who need extra pronounced lightness.

Balayage Vs Highlights: Which is true for me?

On the subject of selecting which method to pursue, Lorena M. Valdes, a colourist at Maxine Salon, suggests contemplating your hair targets in addition to your hair’s texture and density. “In case your density will get thinner in direction of the ends, it could be a candidate for balayage or a mixture, since highlights may end up in a brighter total look faster however might have just a few classes to get the ends totally saturated,” she explains.

Then again, Renée’s alternative between the 2 sometimes is determined by the extent of lightness and the specified remaining look. Simply keep in mind, the lighter you go, the extra maintenance required, which may probably be extra damaging on hair. Min thinks the easiest way to determine is to consider how a lot upkeep you need to decide to, the general look you’re going for, and your present color historical past. (That is particularly vital in the event you field dye your hair.)

“If you’d like one thing that grows out extra naturally and requires fewer touch-ups, balayage is right, however in the event you desire a brighter, extra uniform color, or in the event you like a noticeable change between your base color and the lighter items, highlights are an amazing alternative,” Min says, including that generally a mixture of each works very well, particularly if you would like dimension however with pops of brightness.

The most effective candidates for balayage

“Balayage works nicely for nearly all hair varieties, however it’s particularly nice for these with medium to lengthy hair, because the method actually shines when there’s size to work with,” says Min. “It’s additionally superb for individuals who need low-maintenance color for the reason that softer transitions in balayage imply you don’t want to the touch up as usually as with conventional highlights. It’s good for somebody on the lookout for a pure, sun-kissed impact.”

The most effective candidates for highlights

“Highlights are improbable for anybody wanting so as to add dimension and brightness to their hair. This system works nicely on all hair varieties, however it’s particularly helpful for these with shorter hair or those that desire a extra structured, uniform lightness all through,” says Min.

“If you happen to like your color to be noticeable, or in the event you’re aiming for a high-contrast look, highlights are an amazing choice. It’s additionally an amazing choice if somebody has earlier throughout (darkish) color because the foils will assist to interrupt by a number of the built-up color higher in some circumstances than with balayage (is determined by the general desired end result).”

Consultants universally advise consulting with a hair care skilled. “To find out which method is most flattering, it’s important to have an in depth session together with your colourist,” Renée asserts. “They can assist assess what aligns together with your targets and is finest suited in your life-style and upkeep dedication.”

Sustaining balayage and highlights

Whereas the appliance methods might differ, balayage and highlights upkeep is just about the identical. “For any lightening service, correct dwelling care is essential to sustaining your color and defending your funding,” says Renée, whose color care merchandise of alternative embody R+Co Sundown Blvd Day by day Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner and Gemstone Colour Shampoo and Conditioner.

“For sustaining each balayage and highlights, I all the time suggest a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner that’s colour-safe,” Min says. “One among my go-to merchandise is the L’Oréal Professionnel Steel Detox – it neutralises metals within the hair (which all of us have due to water), leading to stronger hair that’s much less uninteresting and extra manageable.” For shoppers with blonde or lighter highlights nonetheless, Kim suggests a purple shampoo just like the L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Knowledgeable Silver Shampoo to neutralise any undesirable brassiness.

“Moreover, an excellent hair masks just like the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Restore Masks is crucial to maintain hair nourished and hydrated between salon visits,” she provides.

Danielle Sinay is affiliate magnificence editor at GLAMOUR. Comply with her on Instagram @daniellesinay.

This function initially appeared on GLAMOUR US.