Choosing whether to go for balayage or highlights can be difficult when you want to change the color of your hair.
I have used both methods at different times and this is what I have discovered, which may help you in deciding which one is suitable for you.
Understanding Balayage and Highlights
Balayage is a technique from France that means ‘to sweep’. A colorist paints dye onto the hair with their hands in such a way that it gives an impression of a natural sun-kissed look.
The roots receive less coloring whereas the ends are given more so as to fuse well with your own shade. It’s less formal and provides soft warm looks.
On the other hand, highlights divide hairs into thin sections which are wrapped in aluminum foil after applying dye.
This process is much more accurate or structured since it creates strong color contrasts against natural hair colors. They require regular touch-ups rather than balayages because they have distinctive color differences.
Types of Balayage
1. Full Balayage: In this classic method, paint is applied from around halfway down to the tips.
2. Face-Framing Balayage: Only strands close to one’s face should be lightened starting a few inches away from roots; very easy-care style!
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3. Subtle Balayage: Uses a tone slightly lighter than your own shade for a gentle understated effect.
4. Foliage: Helps prevent color transfer between hairs while giving a blended outcome through combination with conventional foils.
Personal Experience with Balayage
A few years back was my first encounter with balayage as I sought natural-looking dyed hair that would not demand much maintenance on my part.
Lesser-defined demarcation lines appealed because when growth sets in, roots become less visible compared to typical highlighting.
The process felt quite calming – an artistically inclined stylist used brush strokes without any guidelines or templates thus allowing them maximum freedom while painting on bleaching agent from roots towards ends starting off lightly.
What resulted was an even, soft, sun-warmed look which made me feel like I had spent summer by sea somewhere. And given how frequently one would have to retouch their hair – about 3-4 trips per year were sufficient for someone with my lifestyle.
Experience with Traditional Foil Highlights
However, there came a time when I desired more defined or intense color changes hence trying out traditional foil highlights. This technique was more organized.
My stylist divided each part of my head into sections before applying bleach and then wrapped these selected strands using tin foil.
They were really breathtaking and created quite an impact but the need to keep them up posed a challenge since as days went by so did root growth become increasingly visible requiring touch-ups every 6 – 8 weeks.
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It also meant that continuous use of bleach weakened strands making necessary additional expenses on products & treatments for maintaining healthy hair condition.
Deciding Between the Two
Deciding between highlights and balayage really comes down to what you want out of a hair color. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maintain and looks natural, go with balayage.
It blends in with your natural hair as it grows out, so you won’t need to go back to the salon as often. It works well for people who have busy lives or are trying out coloring their hair for the first time.
Classic foil highlights may be more up your alley if you want a dramatic change that will certainly be noticed – and don’t mind the upkeep.
They give a brighter, more noticeable color that can completely transform how you look.
Just be ready to make those frequent trips back to the salon and possibly spend more on caring for your hair.
Taking Care of Your Dyed Hair
No matter which method you choose, taking care of colored hair is important. Here are my tips:
1. Use the Right Products: Buy sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners meant for dyed hair to keep it healthy and prevent fading.
2. Protect Your Hair: Always shield it from the sun and try not to let it come into contact with chlorine or salt water too much, as these things can strip away color and damage strands.
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3. Limit Washing: Try not to wash your hair every day so that the color stays put along with some of its natural oils; when washing is necessary, use lukewarm water instead of hot.
4. Deep Condition Regularly: Use deep conditioning treatments at home or visit a stylist who can provide professional ones that will help restore moisture and elasticity.
Based on my personal experience, both techniques have their good points.
Ultimately which one (or any other) is right for you will depend on your style preferences, hair type, desired level of maintenance/money spending, etc., so consult with an expert!
