Balayage vs. Highlights: Which Is Right for You?

The short version: highlights are applied with foils in even sections for a uniform, all-over brightness, while balayage is hand-painted freehand for a softer, more natural, sun-kissed look. Both lighten your hair — they just get there differently and grow out differently.

I'm Heather Williams, a Tier 6 stylist at Drew James Aveda Salon in Plantation, FL, and I do both every week. Here's how to decide which one fits your hair, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Side by Side

Choose Balayage If…

• You want a natural, "I spent the summer at the beach" look.
• You'd rather stretch 3–4 months between salon visits.
• You don't want to see an obvious line as your color grows out.
• You like softer brightness around the face rather than uniform coverage.

Choose Highlights If…

• You want maximum, all-over brightness or lots of coverage.
• You like a more uniform, evenly-placed result.
• You're covering more gray or want a bigger lift near the roots.
• You don't mind touch-ups every 6–8 weeks.

Which Costs More?

They're often in a similar range, but pricing depends on your hair and how much lightening is involved. My balayage starts at $195 and full highlights at $180. Because balayage lasts longer between appointments, many clients find it works out to less over a year. For a deeper breakdown, see my guide on how much balayage costs.

Can You Combine Them?

Absolutely — and I often do. A technique called "foilyage" uses foils to boost the lift of a hand-painted balayage, giving you extra brightness with a natural grow-out. The best approach is decided in your consultation based on your starting color and the result you're after.

Related Guides

• How much does balayage cost?
• How long does balayage last?
• How to keep your balayage from going brassy