What's the difference between balayage and highlights?
Highlights use foil and are applied in uniform sections from root to tip. Balayage is hand-painted onto the surface for a softer, more natural look with no harsh regrowth line.
Highlights (foils)
- Applied in even sections wrapped in foil
- Saturates from root to tip
- Bolder, more uniform contrast
- Needs touch-up every 6–8 weeks
Balayage
- Hand-painted freehand on the surface
- Lightens mid-lengths and ends most
- Soft, sun-kissed look
- Grows out 3–4 months before refresh
Many colorists combine both — "foilyage" or "babylights + balayage" — to get brightness around the face plus dimension throughout.