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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Highlights and Balayage?

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The main difference between highlights and balayage lies in the technique used to apply the color to the hair. Both methods are used to lighten and add depth to the hair, but they produce different effects:

Highlights:

  • Traditional highlighting involves sectioning the hair and applying aluminum foil to help saturate precise strands of hair with color.
  • Highlights are often placed much closer to the scalp and applied in specific sections.
  • They follow a more structured pattern and require more frequent maintenance due to obvious grow out.
  • Highlights can be used on both natural and colored hair, as well as on light and dark hair.

Balayage:

  • Balayage is a French word that means "to sweep," and in this technique, color is hand-painted or "swept" onto the surface of random sections of hair.
  • The balayage process includes a graduated painting of the color onto the hair in random sections.
  • It creates a more natural, sun-kissed glow by gradually blending the color on the hair surface.
  • Balayage is typically more low-maintenance, as it grows out almost undetected, and salon visits can be few and far between.

In summary, highlights are created using foil and follow a more structured pattern, while balayage is achieved by hand-painting the hair, resulting in a more natural and sun-kissed appearance. The choice between the two techniques depends on your desired look and maintenance preferences.

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  • What is the Difference Between Highlights and Balayage?
  • Comparative Table: Highlights vs Balayage

    • Comparative Table: Highlights vs Balayage

    Here is a table comparing the differences between highlights and balayage:

    Feature Highlights Balayage
    Technique Foil-based technique Freehand technique, color painted on the surface of the hair
    Effect More uniform, all-over lightening effect More natural-looking, sun-kissed effect
    Maintenance May require more frequent touch-ups Easier to maintain and grow out
    Hair Type Suitable for thick hair that can handle bleaching Suitable for fine or thin hair, as it uses less bleach
    Desired Look Traditional, structured, and more pronounced contrast between lightened and natural hair Low-maintenance, natural, and more subtle depth and dimension

    In summary, highlights are created using foil and provide a more uniform, all-over lightening effect, while balayage is a freehand technique that creates a more natural-looking, sun-kissed effect. Highlights may require more frequent touch-ups and are best for thick hair, whereas balayage is easier to maintain and works well with fine or thin hair. The choice between highlights and balayage depends on your hair type, desired look, and maintenance preferences.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.