Balayage vs Highlights

Key Takeaways: 

*Balayage creates a low-maintenance, sun-kissed look that's gorgeous even as it grows out.

*Highlights offer a brighter, bolder effect, but require more regular upkeep.

*A combination of balayage and highlights can give you the best of both worlds: natural flow and striking contrast.

*At Cutting Room salon, our stylists will help you choose the perfect technique to suit your hair goals, maintenance routine and overall lifestyle.

Balayage vs Highlights: Which is Right For You?

Want to brighten your hair or add natural movement and dimension this season? Two of the most popular techniques we offer are balayage and highlights. Both bring texture, depth, and light to your locks, but each creates a distinct final look. To help you decide which is right for you, Cutting Room senior Stylist Adelle explains the main differences.

Already know which technique you want? Call Cutting Room Salon on 01709 730111 to schedule your bespoke hair colour transformation today, or book online hassle-free now.

Note: A quick allergy alert test is required at least 48 hours before your colour appointment if you are new to our salon or have not had colour in the past 6 months or longer.

What is Balayage?

Balayage is a freehand technique where colour is painted directly onto the hair using a sweeping motion. This creates a soft, natural effect that mimics 'sun-kissed' hair. Balayage is completely customisable, as lighter pieces can be tailored to frame your face, or highlight the shape of your haircut. 

"Many of our clients love balayage for its low-maintenance finish. There are no harsh lines as your hair grows out, so it continues to look beautiful even as your natural colour starts to show through," says Adelle.

Balayage works on almost any base colour, from dark brunettes and mocha browns to copper reds and honey blondes, adding instant dimension and texture. If you prefer to keep your look in tune with the season, balayage can be created with rich, autumnal tones — think chestnut, caramel, copper, and honey — so you can enjoy warmth and depth without losing that natural, blended look.

What are Highlights?

Unlike balayage, highlights are created by sectioning strands of hair and applying lightener wrapped in foils. This controlled process allows for precise lift, uniform light and dark sections, and even brightness from root to tip — perfect if you're after a bolder look.

"This technique works wonders for clients who want to go significantly lighter, or if they're after a more structured, polished look than balayage," Adelle advises.

Looking for something subtler? At Cutting Room, we've got something for everyone! We're always happy to apply lightener in smaller sections to create 'babylights', a softer, more natural looking alternative to chunky, dramatic highlights.

If you love the idea of highlights, it's important to keep in mind that they require more regular maintenance than balayage, as regrowth lines become visible faster. Many clients schedule touch-ups every 6 to 8 weeks to keep their colour looking fresh.

How to Choose Between Balayage and Highlights 

So, how do you decide between balayage and highlights? It depends on the look you’re after, your lifestyle, and how often you want to visit the salon. Here's a quick summary: 

Balayage: A hand-painted technique that's perfect if you prefer a softer, more natural result with fewer touch-ups.

Highlights: Applied using foils to create a bright and bold all-over lift. Ideal if you don’t mind regular maintenance.

Combination: Increasingly popular, this technique blends the best of both worlds — the natural flow of balayage with the brightness of highlights where you need it most. Ask our Cutting Room stylists about creating a gorgeous combination tailored to your hair colour and personality.

If you colour your hair often and want to save money, why not join our colour club to get exclusive discounts and VIP benefits? At Cutting Club, we offer three membership options, so you can pick which works best for your budget and hair colour requirements. 

Upgrade Your Hair Colour at Cutting Room Salon, Rotherham

Ready to enjoy a beautiful balayage or striking highlights, or a combination this season? Call Cutting Room Salon on 01709 730111 to schedule your bespoke appointment today, or book online hassle-free now.