Balayage vs. Foil Highlights? What's the difference?
Updated: Jul 12, 2019
When it comes to coloring and highlighting your hair, you may have heard the term "Balayage" tossed around. So what is it and is it right for you? Balayage is a hair lightening technique that’s specifically designed to impart a more natural, sun-kissed look to hair. The word itself comes from French and means “to sweep” or “to paint,” which is why balayage is also known as hair painting.
Traditional foils and balayage will produce differing results, and there are differences between the two techniques. Each technique has it's own advantages, depending upon the style you're going for. The stylists and colorists at Studio A are skilled in both techniques and can help you decide which will achieve your desired look. And yet, it's also fun to explore your options before you hit the salon. So let's explore what's possible with these two popular highlighting methods.
Balayage
1. Lower maintenance. Due to the blending of the color away from the roots, new growth is less obvious and allows you to go longer between visits as your hair grows out seamlessly and beautiful.
2. Easier to obtain a natural sun-swept look with just a few natural streaks here and there.
3. Blended, more subtle sweeps of color that allow the stylist to better accentuate your cut, face shape, and style.
4. Great for highlighting the hair's midsection and ends, allowing for more of a face-framing effect. Mid to long hair length is recommended for this technique.
Foil Highlights
1. Wanting a more significant color shift throughout your hair from the roots to the ends, with a lot of contrast from your normal hair color.
2. High impact and more dimension, especially for those with thinner hair. The effects of a foil highlight can create the appearance of greater volume.
3. Recommended for short to medium length hair.
Of course there are other techniques, like babylights, lowlights,and root smudges, that your stylist can utilize or combine with balayage or foil highlights to get you the look you desire. However, hopefully this quick summary of hair coloring techniques will clarify any questions that you may or may not have had, and of course you can discuss with your stylist at any time during your next visit to Studio A.