Balayage vs Highlights: Which is best for you? Richmond's Hair Colour Specialists Explain.

Piper Violet Hair
Jul 15
3 min read

Updated: Aug 27

At Piper Violet Hair in Twickenham, we’re proud to be a L’Oréal Colour Specialist salon and winner at the British Hairdressing Business Awards “Salon of the Year.” We are also finalists at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2025. You’re in expert hands when it comes to personalised colour.

Understanding Your Options: Balayage and Highlights

Choosing between balayage and highlights can feel overwhelming. If you're unsure about the differences, you're not alone. Each technique has its unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, hair goals, and maintenance expectations.

Let’s break down both techniques to help you decide which one is right for you.

What Is Balayage?

The French word balayage means “to sweep.” This technique involves softly painting colour through the hair for a seamless, sun-kissed effect.

At Piper Violet, we customise every balayage service to suit you. Whether you’re after soft dimension or bold contrast, no two balayage looks are ever the same. That’s the beauty of bespoke colour.

Key Questions We Ask in Your Consultation:

Do you want defined pieces that pop, or subtle transitions?
Should the brightness focus on the ends or travel high up toward the root?
Are you after a face-framing "money piece" or a lived-in, low-key look?
How much contrast do you like — from dark to light or a seamless melt?

Balayage techniques can vary. Some are hand-painted in open air, while others may use foils or film for more lift. Each method is tailored to your hair type, history, and goals.

What Are Highlights?

Highlights typically use foils to section and lighten specific parts of the hair. This method creates a more structured, uniform result. It’s ideal for lifting natural colour, blending greys, or adding multi-dimensional tones.

Creamy balayage and baby lights combo hair by our foil Queen Alex

In Your Highlights Consultation, We Explore:

How bright would you like to go?
Do you need a full head, half, or just a partial refresh?
Do you prefer fine babylights or chunkier weaves and slices?
Are you covering grey hairs?
Would you like some natural colour showing through or full coverage?

Highlights offer precision. We can avoid previously coloured or fragile areas and layer tones like ash, golden blondes, coppers, or rich brunettes throughout your hair.

What About the Extras?

Whether you choose balayage or highlights, your finished colour is usually refined with:

Root Shadow / Tap / Melt – This softens lines where lighter tones meet darker roots. Your colourist will work with you to create the best approach, sometimes using balayage, sometimes highlights, and sometimes BOTH!

Gloss or Semi Colour – This is used to blend greys, deepen tones, or add richness.

Toner – The final touch to perfect your shade, whether it’s icy, golden, or neutral. Toners are temporary and perform better when hair is in good condition. Maintain your ideal tone with regular "top-up" appointments for toners and bonding.

Natural sun kissed highlights in biscuit blonde toner.

Balayage vs Highlights: Pros & Cons

Balayage:

Lower maintenance – great for long gaps between appointments.
Soft, grown-out effect – regrowth is less visible.
Easily adaptable for subtle change or seasonal refresh.
More gentle transition if you’re new to lightening.
Condition and care are a must, especially on ends where hair is naturally older.

Highlights:

More regular upkeep – especially for bright blondes.
Strong lift and brightness possible in fewer sessions.
Precision placement – can target grey or specific areas.
Can incorporate multiple colours for contrast or tone.

So, Which Is Best for You?

At Piper Violet Hair Twickenham, we believe in tailored colour, not templates. Whether you go for the sun-kissed softness of balayage or the high-impact dimension of highlights, your service will start with an in-depth consultation. This is always guided by our Award Winning Team and L’Oréal Colour Specialists.