Balayage vs. Highlights: What’s Best for Your Hair Goals?

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram wondering whether you should get balayage or highlights, you’re not alone. As a professional colorist in Chicago’s West Loop, I get asked this question all the time—“What’s better for my hair: balayage vs highlights?” The answer? It depends on your hair goals, lifestyle, and desired maintenance level. Let’s break it all down so you can make an informed (and fabulous) decision.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is a French technique that means “to sweep.” Traditionally, it’s a freehand painting method that creates a soft, sun-kissed blend with less noticeable regrowth. But here’s the thing: the modern balayage isn’t always painted freehand. Some stylists, like myself, use foils to create a brighter lift while still maintaining that soft, lived-in look. It’s less about the tools and more about the result—a natural, dimensional finish that mimics how the sun would lighten your hair over time.

Perfect For:

• Low-maintenance beauty lovers

• Clients who want a softer grow-out

• Brunettes looking to add dimension

• Blondes who want a more natural, blended blonde

Because balayage is customized for each client, no two results are the same. As a specialist in this technique, I tailor every placement to your hair type, face shape, and goals—giving you a result that grows out beautifully and looks effortlessly gorgeous between appointments.

What Are Traditional Highlights?

Highlights involve sectioning the hair and applying lightener from roots to ends, typically using foils. This gives a more uniform lift and brighter, more consistent results throughout the hair. Highlights are great for achieving bold contrast, high-impact blonde, or more defined dimension.

Perfect For:

• Clients who want to go noticeably lighter

• Those who love bold, bright color

• Anyone looking to cover grays while adding brightness

• People who don’t mind a little more maintenance

As a color expert, I use advanced placement techniques and top-tier products to ensure your highlights stay bright, healthy, and vibrant between visits.

Balayage vs. Highlights: Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Balayage	Highlights
Look	Soft, lived-in, natural	Bright, bold, dimensional
Grow-Out	Subtle, low-maintenance	More noticeable regrowth
Maintenance	Touch-ups every 3–4 months	Touch-ups every 6–8 weeks
Customization	Highly personalized	More structured placement
Best For	Natural dimension & depth	Overall brightness & contrast

My Expert Tip:

Not sure which direction to go? That’s where a professional consultation comes in. As an experienced colorist, I take the time to understand your hair goals, maintenance preferences, and lifestyle before recommending the best option. In some cases, a hybrid approach—combining both balayage and highlights—gives the most stunning and customized result.

Ready to Transform Your Hair?

Whether you’re dreaming of that effortless, lived-in balayage or eyeing bold, face-framing highlights, I’ve got you covered. I specialize in creating custom color that fits your vibe, lifestyle, and hair goals—because no two clients (or heads of hair) are the same.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s West Loop, my studio is a space where artistry meets expertise. If you’re ready to feel confident every time you catch your reflection, let’s make it happen.

✨ Click [here] to book your consultation or color appointment. Have questions first? Reach out—I'd love to talk through your vision and help you decide what’s best for your hair.

Let’s create something beautiful—together.