Balayage vs highlights means summer is officially on. After enduring months of moody Midwestern gray, the Great Lakes region is back in its seasonal slay era: lakefront hangs, weekend fests, rooftop rosé, and obviously a hot new hair moment.
It’s the season of shredded denim, aggressively cute bikinis, and sun-bleached locks that scream I just got back from Mykonos — even if you just got back from the Jewel-Osco.
So how do you get that perfectly kissed-by-the-sun color? Two words: Balayage and Highlights. But don’t get it twisted — they may both say “blonde,” but the vibe and maintenance? Totally different.
Let’s break it down.
First, a Little History (Because We’re Fancy Like That)
The obsession with lighter hair goes way back — think Renaissance Florence, where ladies brewed up lightning potions from ginger, ash, and alum like beauty alchemists just to score that buttery gold. Even earlier, Ancient Romans tried wine and bird poop. (No, seriously.)
Fast forward to the 1970s, and suddenly you’ve got Sun-In and lemon juice spritzed hair sizzling in the backyard. The look? Casual, carefree, and beachy. The tools? Evolving. And now in 2025, your glow-up options have gone pro: Balayage vs Highlights is the hair color showdown of the summer.
Highlights: The Classic That Never Quits
Let’s talk highlights. They’ve been salon staples since the 1960s, hitting icon status in the ‘80s. Foils. Precision. Drama. This is the look for the bold — or at least the girls who live for a good hair appointment.
How It Works
Your stylist weaves sections of hair and wraps them in foil after applying lightener. This saturates strands from root to tip, creating contrast and depth.
Celeb Inspo
Gigi Hadid: Chunky Y2K blonde
XTINA (2002 era): Peak highlight drama
Ginger Spice: The Original Money Piece pop star
PROS
- Defined streaks = serious dimension
- Super customizable (go chunky, subtle, or full Sporty Spice)
- Universally flattering and easy to lift in one session
- Almost every stylist knows the technique
CONS
- Maintenance is real — touch-ups every 6–12 weeks
- Grows out with visible roots (unless you like that grunge y2k vibe)
- Can cost more long term due to frequency of salon visits
Pro Tip
Ask your stylist for a root smudge — it blends the line between your roots and highlights, buying you weeks of regrowth without looking like you quit mid-transformation.
Balayage: Effortless, Lived-In, French Girl Energy
Balayage (French for “to sweep”). This hand-painted technique was born in Paris in the ‘70s and hasn’t stopped trending since.
How It Works
Your stylist paints bleach onto the hair mid-shaft to ends using freehand strokes — no foils, just a blend of art and science. The goal? Natural, sun-drenched, low-key luxe.
Celeb Inspo
Beyoncé: Golden dimension perfection
Jessica Alba: The balayage blueprint
Margot Robbie: Blonde on Blonde giving Barbie Balayage
PROS
- Grows out seamlessly (aka no panic when your roots show)
- Low-maintenance chic: touch-ups every 3–4 months
- Versatile for soft looks or bold sunlit streaks
- Works beautifully on wavy, curly, and textured hair
CONS
- Not all stylists are trained (it’s an advanced technique)
- Often more $$$ upfront due to time + expertise
Pro Tip
Want the balayage look for less? Head to a beauty school like The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, where services start at just $85 vs the average $300 salon price.
Quick Comparison: Highlights vs Balayage
Feature
Highlights
Balayage
Application
Foils, structured
Freehand painted
Placement
Root to tip
Mid-shaft to ends
Maintenance
High
Low
Grow-Out
Harsh line
Natural blend
Price
Moderate (but frequent)
Higher upfront, less frequent
Vibe
Dramatic, precise
Soft, beachy, artistic
Skin Tone pairing
Great for bold Contrast
Flattering when blended with warm/cool Undertones
Which One’s Your Summer Hair Vibe?
Ask yourself:
- Want bold, face-framing definition? Highlights.
- Craving soft, sunkissed dimension? Balayage.
- Love the idea of combining both? Totally doable — stylists can layer foils over balayage for added brightness and custom tone. Think babylights + balayage = maximum slayage.
What About Damage?
They both involve bleach, so yes, damage is possible — but highlights are typically more intense since they start at the root and saturate more hair. Balayage is gentler, especially when done on healthy, untreated hair.
botanical repair™ intensive strengthening masque (rich)
Intensely repairs and strengthens hair instantly. Conditions with 2 times the plant lipids with added butters*. Hair is visibly healthier, softer and shinier after just one use.
Pro Tip
If your hair is already processed or fine, talk to your stylist about Aveda’s award winning botanical repair treatments or lower-volume lighteners.
Bonus Round: What About Gray Hair?
Balayage doesn’t cover gray but can blend it beautifully. It’s perfect if you want a lived-in, low-maintenance approach. If you want full gray coverage, talk to your stylist about combining balayage with traditional all-over color.
Ombre ≠ Balayage
Let’s clear this up: ombre is a gradient effect (dark roots, light ends), while balayage is a technique that creates natural highs and lows. Balayage blends. Ombre drops the mic.
How to Make That Color Last
- Don’t wash it for 48 hours. Period.
- Wash less—2–3 times per week max.
- Use color-safe products. (Sulfate-free = your bestie.)
- Purple shampoo if you’re blonde and fighting brass.
- Heat protectant before styling. ALWAYS.
- UV protection if you’re sun-soaking.
Product Recommendations
Color Control Light Shampoo
Vegan, silicone-free shampoo gently cleanses hair while effectively reducing color fade. Precisely formulated for cleansing color-treated hair without stripping to help minimize color washout.
Color Control Conditioner
100% vegan, silicone free formula conditions and detangles hair, seals cuticle and helps maintain beautiful color with radiant shine. Effectively fights color fade while giving you soft, silky hair without the weight of silicones.
color control leave-in treatment (light)
100% vegan, silicone-free leave-in treatment protects color vibrancy up to 12 weeks*
sun care protective hair veil
A lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure to minimize damage and dryness. For all hair types.
blonde revival™ purple toning shampoo
Revive the look of salon-fresh blonde color by neutralizing brassy yellow tones for an illuminated, beautiful blonde result. Sulfate cleanser-free formula, gently cleanses without stripping hair.
blonde revival™ purple toning conditioner
evive the look of salon-fresh blonde color by neutralizing brassy yellow tones for an illuminated, beautiful blonde result. Smooths, softens and detangles over-processed hair.
Final Word
- Balayage = effortless, artistic, minimal maintenance
- Highlights = bold, precise, high contrast
Whether you’re chasing blonde bombshell, beachy boho, or just a touch of summer glow, the secret isn’t just in the technique—it’s in finding a stylist who gets your vibe.
We have 3 locations for you to choose from in Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee.
Just remember hair is an accessory you wear every day. Might as well make it couture.
