You want to lighten your hair, but should you go for balayage or highlights? Both techniques can transform your look, but they offer different results depending on your hair type, maintenance preferences, and desired outcome. Whether you’re after a natural sun-kissed lighter brown or a bold, high-contrast blonde, choosing the right technique is key to achieving your dream hair color.
At BRUSH Amsterdam, our experienced colorists specialize in balayage and highlights, using the latest techniques and premium products to ensure the most healthy and natural results. A balayage or highlight treatment with one of our BRUSH expert colorists starts with a personalized consultation, full guidance during your treatment, and use only the best hair care products, including K18 treatments and only premium color agents like Schwarzkopf BlondMe 9+ protection, to keep your hair in top condition.
So, what’s the difference between balayage and highlights? Let’s answer some of the most asked questions about balayage and highlights we get at BRUSH Amsterdam so you can make the best choice for your hair!
What is Balayage and What Are Highlights?
Balayage is a freehand hair painting technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed effect. The color is applied in soft, sweeping motions, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends for a seamless, blended look. It’s a low-maintenance option that grows out beautifully without harsh lines.
Highlights, on the other hand, involve foiling sections of hair to create a more structured, uniform brightness from root to tip. This method is ideal for those who want a more intense, all-over lightening effect with greater contrast.
Which One is Better: Balayage or Highlights?
The best option depends on your hair goals and lifestyle:
✔ For a natural, low-maintenance look: Choose balayage. The softer blend means fewer salon visits.
✔ For more uniform brightness and contrast: Go for highlights. Perfect for those who love a classic blonde look.
✔ For a customized approach: Our balayage and highlights specialists at BRUSH Amsterdam can combine both techniques as a tailor-made foilyage!
What Lasts Longer: Balayage or Highlights?
A general rule of thumb is: the more lighter strands you add and the closer they are to the root, the higher the maintenance required.
Balayage grows out more seamlessly and requires less maintenance than highlights. Because the roots are not as defined, you won’t need frequent touch-ups—usually every 3-6 months.
Highlights, however, create more contrast, so regrowth is more visible. Expect to book a touch-up every 8 weeks to maintain brightness.
Which is Better for Grey Hair: Balayage or Highlights?
Both can be used to blend or cover grey hair, but the choice depends on your coverage needs:
✔ For subtle blending: Balayage can soften grey regrowth without needing full coverage.
✔ For full grey coverage: Highlights work better, especially when combined with a root touch-up.
At BRUSH Amsterdam, we create custom color solutions to ensure the most flattering results for clients with grey hair.
Is Balayage Healthier Than Highlights?
Balayage is generally less damaging because it doesn’t require foils or heat, reducing the risk of over-processing. Highlights, depending on the technique used, may lighten the hair more intensely, which can lead to more dryness.
At BRUSH Amsterdam, we prioritize hair health by including a K18 repair treatment in all balayage, highlight and foilyage services, ensuring strong, healthy hair after every color session.
Can I Switch from Highlights to Balayage?
Yes! If you want a softer, more blended look, we can transition your highlights into a balayage effect by adding depth at the roots and softening the contrast. Our expert colorists specialize in color corrections and transitions to give you the most natural result.
Can I Go Darker with Balayage or Highlights?
Absolutely! While both techniques are often used to lighten hair, you can also use them to add dimension and depth with darker or warmer tones. A reverse balayage, for example, blends darker shades into lighter hair for a richer, multi-dimensional effect.
Which is Best for Low-Maintenance Hair?
✔ If you want fewer salon visits: Choose balayage (touch-ups every 3-6 months).
✔ If you prefer consistent brightness: Go for highlights (touch-ups every 8 weeks).
How Natural Do Balayage and Highlights Look?
Balayage is the most natural-looking option due to its soft, blended effect, mimicking how the sun naturally lightens hair. Highlights can look natural too, especially when done with a fine, soft technique like babylights.
How BRUSH Amsterdam Simplifies the Choice for You
Many clients struggle to decide between balayage and highlights. At BRUSH Amsterdam, we take the guesswork out of the process. That’s why we have combined both treatments under one category in our booking system: “Dimensional Balayage & Highlights.”
Here’s how it works:
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You simply book an appointment for the desired time slot—no need to decide between balayage or highlights in advance.
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During your consultation, our expert colorists analyze your hair’s history, texture, and overall health.
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We discuss your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and budget to ensure the best technique for your needs.
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You receive a fully customized color service tailored to your unique hair goals, without the stress of choosing the wrong option.
This approach ensures that every client gets the best possible outcome based on their hair’s condition and their personal preferences.
Book Your Personalized Balayage or Highlight Appointment Today
At BRUSH Amsterdam, we specialize in bespoke hair color, ensuring every client leaves with stunning, healthy, and perfectly blended hair. Whether you’re looking for sun-kissed balayage, dimensional highlights, or a seamless color transition, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your Dimensional Balayage & Highlights appointment today and trust our specialists to create the perfect color for you!
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