Highlights vs Lowlights vs Balayage, What Suits You the Best?

Choosing the right hair coloring technique can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably heard terms like highlights, lowlights, and balayage at salons, but what do they actually mean?

What is balayage, and the difference between lowlights vs highlights?

These are three popular coloring methods that create completely different looks and effects. Each technique has its own benefits, costs, and maintenance requirements. I’ll break down the key differences between these methods.

By the end of this post, you’ll know which option suits your hair type, lifestyle, and budget. Let’s help you make the best choice for your next salon visit!

What is Balayage?

Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep.” This technique creates soft color gradients that mimic how the sun naturally lightens your hair.

The result looks like you spent months at the beach, with darker roots that gradually become lighter toward the ends. It’s perfect for people who want low-maintenance color with a natural, lived-in appearance.

• Technique: Freehand painting with a brush where the color is sweeps bleach or lightener onto sections of hair without using foils or caps
• Maintenance: Touch-ups needed every 3-4 months since the grow-out process looks natural and doesn’t create harsh lines at the roots
• Time required: 2-3 hours at the salon, depending on your hair length and desired level of lightness

What are Highlights?

Highlights involve lightening selected sections of your hair to create contrast and dimension. The finished look features distinct lighter streaks throughout your hair that stand out against your natural base color.

Your stylist uses foils or a highlighting cap to separate strands before applying bleach or lightener, giving you more control over placement.

• Technique: Uses aluminum foils or a perforated cap to isolate specific hair strands before applying bleach or lightening products
• Maintenance: Root touch-ups every 6-8 weeks as new growth creates visible lines of demarcation between colored and natural hair
• Time required: 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on how much coverage you want and the thickness of your hair

What are Lowlights?

Lowlights are the opposite of highlights, and they add darker shades to your hair for depth and richness.

The final result shows darker streaks that blend naturally with your base color, creating visual interest and making your hair appear fuller. This technique works well for people with lighter hair who want more dimension or those looking to tone down overly bright highlights.

• Technique: Applies darker color using foils or weaving methods to select specific sections of hair for treatment with deeper shades
• Maintenance: Touch-ups needed every 8-10 weeks as the darker color grows out and may require refreshing to maintain the depth
• Time required: 1-2 hours at the salon, depending on how much lowlighting you want and your current hair color

Color Confusion? Highlights vs Lowlights vs Balayage

Stuck between these three coloring options? Don’t worry. Many people walk into salons unsure which technique will give them their desired look.

Understanding highlights vs lowlights vs balayage comes down to the application method, final results, and how much upkeep you’re willing to handle.

Let me clear up the confusion so you can make an informed choice.

Additional Notes for Inspiration and Cost

• Balayage: Although the upfront cost is higher, fewer salon visits are needed due to soft regrowth. Ideal for users wanting effortless, artistic color changes and customizable looks. Full balayage is the most expensive option, while partial or face-framing is more affordable.
• Highlights: Entry price is friendlier, but regular upkeep adds up. Great for bold statement looks and brightening effects. Chunky or babylight styles will change the overall cost.
• Lowlights: Perfect for adding dimension and seasonal depth; often less costly if done alongside highlights, and maintenance is easy. Especially good for those correcting over-lightened hair or who want subtle richness.

Which Hair Coloring Technique Is Right for You?

Choosing the right coloring technique depends on your lifestyle, hair goals, and maintenance preferences.

Your natural hair color, texture, and condition also play important roles in determining which method will work best. When considering lowlights vs highlights vs balayage, remember that one adds darkness while the other creates brightness.

I’ll help you figure out which option matches your needs so you can walk into your salon appointment with confidence.

Choose Highlights If

1. You want noticeable brightness: Perfect for adding dramatic lightness to dark hair or creating a striking contrast against your natural color

2. You have time for regular upkeep: Since highlights grow out with visible root lines, you’ll need salon visits every 6-8 weeks to maintain the look

3. You prefer structured results: The foil technique gives your stylist precise control over placement and ensures even color distribution throughout your hair

4. You’re going lighter for the first time: Highlights let you test how you feel about lighter hair without committing to an all-over color change

Choose Lowlights If

1. Your hair looks too flat or one-dimensional: Adding darker tones creates depth and makes your existing color appear richer and more complex

2. You want to tone down overly bright highlights: Lowlights can balance out highlights that turned out too light or brassy during previous coloring sessions

3. You have naturally light hair: Blonde or light brown hair often benefits from darker accents that add visual interest and prevent a washed-out appearance

4. You prefer subtle changes: Lowlights create a gentle contrast without the dramatic effect that highlights can sometimes produce

Choose Balayage If

1. You want low-maintenance color: The natural grow-out means you can go 3-4 months between touch-ups without obvious root lines showing

2. You love natural-looking results: Hand-painted application creates soft, sun-kissed effects that don’t look obviously colored or artificial

3. You have a busy lifestyle: Less frequent salon visits make balayage perfect for people who don’t have time for regular color appointments

4. You’re trying color for the first time: The subtle, gradual lightening makes it a great introduction to hair coloring without dramatic changes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Hair coloring mistakes can be expensive and time-consuming to fix.

I’ve seen people make the same errors over and over again, whether they’re choosing between highlights vs lowlights vs balayage, leading to damaged hair or disappointing results.

• Wrong technique for your hair type: Fine hair shouldn’t go too light as it looks thinner, while thick hair might not show subtle balayage results well
• Coloring damaged or over-processed hair: Always repair your hair first, or risk severe breakage and brittleness that takes months to fix
• Unrealistic color expectations: Going from black to blonde needs multiple sessions, and Pinterest photos don’t show real-world lighting or editing
• Poor maintenance habits: Using regular shampoo strips color faster, skipping conditioning makes hair dull, and heat styling without protection causes fading
• Ignoring professional advice and timing: Colorists understand hair chemistry better than clients, and rushing between appointments often creates problems
• Budgeting only for initial service: Factor in ongoing touch-ups, color-safe products, and deep treatments when planning your hair budget
• Choosing cheap salon options: Bargain coloring usually costs more when you need expensive correction services to fix poor results

Professional vs DIY Considerations

The temptation to color your hair at home is real, especially when you see those drugstore box kits promising salon results.

However, there’s a big difference between what professionals can do with techniques like highlights vs lowlights vs balayage and what you can achieve in your bathroom.

Your hair’s health and your wallet might thank you for understanding these differences before you make a decision.

Wrapping Up

Now you have the complete picture of these three popular hair coloring methods. Highlights vs lowlights vs balayage each offer different benefits depending on your hair goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Highlights create bright contrast, lowlights add depth and richness, while balayage gives you that natural sun-kissed look with minimal upkeep.

Remember to choose a skilled colorist who understands your hair type and can guide you toward the right technique.

Your hair deserves professional care, especially when making significant color changes like choosing between highlights vs lowlights vs balayage.