Balayage vs Highlights: What’s Better for Your Hair?

We get this question a lot at the salon: should I get balayage or highlights?

The truth is, there’s no one right answer. It depends on what kind of look you want, how much time you want to spend maintaining it, and how your hair responds to color.

Let’s talk about both so it’s easier to choose.

Balayage means “sweeping” in French, and that’s exactly what it looks like. The stylist paints the color directly onto your hair in a freehand way. No foils, no strict sections. It creates a very soft effect. The color doesn’t start right at the roots. Instead, it blends in gently from the middle of the hair down to the ends.

We usually recommend balayage if someone wants a natural, sun-kissed finish. Think of how hair looks after a long vacation at the beach — lighter in places, but never harsh.

People also like balayage because it grows out nicely. You won’t see a clear line between colored and natural hair after a few weeks. So you can wait longer between salon visits.

Highlights work differently. With this technique, the stylist takes small strands of hair and wraps them in foil after applying lightener. The result is more precise and often brighter.

The lightened sections go all the way up to the roots, which gives a more structured and noticeable effect. If you want your hair to look brighter, highlights can be a better choice.

But keep in mind, highlights need more maintenance. Once your roots grow out, you’ll see the difference right away. Most people come in every six to eight weeks for a touch-up.

We often ask our clients a few things to help them decide:

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a bold or soft look?
• How often do I want to come in for color?
• Am I okay with visible roots, or do I want a low-maintenance style?
• Do I like the look of painted-on pieces or something more uniform?

Also think about:

• Hair type and texture
• Whether you’ve colored your hair before
• How much contrast you want between your natural color and the new one

Some clients even choose a mix — balayage with a few face-framing highlights for extra brightness.

No matter what you choose, you’ll want to care for your color. Color-treated hair can feel dry, so we always recommend using a good shampoo made for colored hair, plus a conditioner that adds moisture.

Here are a few tips that help:

• Don’t wash your hair every day
• Use heat tools as little as possible
• Wear a hat in the sun
• Deep condition once a week

Good care makes a big difference in how your color looks and how long it lasts.

If you’re looking for balayage or want fresh highlights hair color in Florida, come see us at our beauty salon in Deerfield Beach. We’ll help you decide what works best for your hair and your schedule. Our stylists take the time to understand your hair and your vision.

We offer personal attention, professional care, and beautiful results every time. Whether it’s your first time coloring your hair or you just want a change, we’re here for you.

Book your visit today and let us bring out the best in your hair.