25 Balayage & Highlights Styles That Will Inspire Your Next Hair Transformation

Balayage and highlights are two popular hair coloring techniques that can add depth, dimension, and brightness to your hair. While both techniques involve lightening strands of hair, they differ in how they are applied and the resulting look.

Balayage

Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect. The colorist will apply lightener to the hair's surface, creating soft, blended highlights that mimic the way the sun naturally lightens hair. Balayage is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance color that will grow out gracefully.

Types of Balayage

There are many different types of balayage, each with its own unique look. Some popular types of balayage include:

• Rooty balayage: This type of balayage leaves the roots darker, creating a more natural look.
• Ombre balayage: This type of balayage creates a gradual transition from dark to light, with the darkest color at the roots and the lightest color at the ends.
• Foilyage: This type of balayage uses foils to create more precise highlights.

Highlights

Highlights are a more traditional hair coloring technique that involves lightening individual strands of hair. Highlights can be placed all over the head or just in certain sections, such as the crown or the face-framing layers. Highlights can be used to create a variety of looks, from subtle to bold.

Types of Highlights

There are many different types of highlights, each with its own unique look. Some popular types of highlights include:

• Partial highlights: This type of highlights only lightens a portion of the hair, such as the crown or the face-framing layers.
• Full highlights: This type of highlights lightens all of the hair.
• Babylights: This type of highlights is very fine and subtle, creating a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
• Lowlights: This type of highlights uses a darker color to add depth and dimension to the hair.

Balayage vs. Highlights

The main difference between balayage and highlights is the application technique. Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect, while highlights are a more traditional technique that involves lightening individual strands of hair.

Another difference between balayage and highlights is the resulting look. Balayage creates a more blended and natural-looking effect, while highlights can create a more defined and dramatic look.

Which is Right for You?

The best hair coloring technique for you depends on your individual hair type, desired look, and lifestyle. If you want a low-maintenance color that will grow out gracefully, balayage is a great option. If you want a more dramatic look with more defined highlights, highlights may be a better choice.

Cost

The cost of balayage and highlights varies depending on the length and thickness of your hair, the desired look, and the experience of the stylist. Typically, balayage is more expensive than highlights.

Maintenance

Balayage is a relatively low-maintenance hair coloring technique. You can expect to get 4-6 months of growth before you need to touch it up. Highlights, on the other hand, require more frequent touch-ups, typically every 6-8 weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When getting balayage or highlights, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Going too light: It's important to choose a color that is flattering for your skin tone and hair color. If you go too light, your hair can look brassy or unnatural.
• Getting too many highlights: If you get too many highlights, your hair can look over-processed and damaged.
• Not getting regular trims: It's important to get regular trims to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.

Inspiration

If you're thinking about getting balayage or highlights, here are 25 inspiring styles to help you find the perfect look:

1. Bronde balayage: This type of balayage uses a mix of blonde and brunette tones to create a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
2. Caramel balayage: This type of balayage uses warm caramel tones to create a rich and dimensional look.
3. Ash blonde balayage: This type of balayage uses cool ash tones to create a chic and sophisticated look.
4. Ombre balayage: This type of balayage creates a gradual transition from dark to light, with the darkest color at the roots and the lightest color at the ends.
5. Rooty balayage: This type of balayage leaves the roots darker, creating a more natural look.
6. Foilyage: This type of balayage uses foils to create more precise highlights.
7. Partial highlights: This type of highlights only lightens a portion of the hair, such as the crown or the face-framing layers.
8. Full highlights: This type of highlights lightens all of the hair.
9. Babylights: This type of highlights is very fine and subtle, creating a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
10. Lowlights: This type of highlights uses a darker color to add depth and dimension to the hair.
11. Bronde highlights: This type of highlights uses a mix of blonde and brunette tones to create a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
12. Caramel highlights: This type of highlights uses warm caramel tones to create a rich and dimensional look.
13. Ash blonde highlights: This type of highlights uses cool ash tones to create a chic and sophisticated look.
14. Ombre highlights: This type of highlights creates a gradual transition from dark to light, with the darkest color at the roots and the lightest color at the ends.
15. Rooty highlights: This type of highlights leaves the roots darker, creating a more natural look.
16. Foilyage: This type of highlights uses foils to create more precise highlights.
17. Partial highlights: This type of highlights only lightens a portion of the hair, such as the crown or the face-framing layers.
18. Full highlights: This type of highlights lightens all of the hair.
19. Babylights: This type of highlights is very fine and subtle, creating a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
20. Lowlights: This type of highlights uses a darker color to add depth and dimension to the hair.
21. Face-framing highlights: This type of highlights focuses on lightening the hair around the face, creating a brightening and flattering effect.
22. Money piece highlights: This type of highlights focuses on lightening the hair around the hairline, creating a bold and dramatic look.
23. Blorange highlights: This type of highlights uses a mix of blonde and orange tones to create a warm and vibrant look.
24. Pink highlights: This type of highlights uses pink tones to create a playful and unique look.
25. Blue highlights: This type of highlights uses blue tones to create a cool and edgy look.

Conclusion

Balayage and highlights are both great ways to add depth, dimension, and brightness to your hair. The best technique for you depends on your individual hair type, desired look, and lifestyle.

If you're not sure which technique is right for you, consult with a professional hairstylist. They can help you choose the perfect color and technique to achieve your desired look.