Understanding the Difference Between Balayage and Highlights
If you are considering adding dimension to your hair, you have probably heard both "balayage" and "highlights" mentioned as options. While both techniques lighten sections of your hair, the methods and results are very different. As Pittsburgh's leading color specialists, our team at Craft Collective Salon Group performs both techniques daily and can help you decide which is right for your hair.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a freehand color technique where the colorist paints lightener directly onto the surface of the hair. The word comes from French, meaning "to sweep." Because the color is applied by hand rather than in foils, the result is a softer, more graduated effect. Balayage creates dimension that looks like natural sun-kissed hair, with lighter pieces concentrated around the face and at the ends.
The biggest advantage of balayage is the grow-out. Because the color is not applied right at the root, there is no harsh regrowth line. Most of our Pittsburgh balayage clients return every 12 to 16 weeks, which makes it a lower-maintenance option compared to traditional highlights.
What Are Highlights?
Traditional highlights use foils to isolate sections of hair, which are then saturated with lightener from root to tip. This method gives a brighter, more uniform lift and is ideal for clients who want maximum brightness, all-over dimension, or precise placement of lighter pieces.
Highlights require more frequent maintenance than balayage because the regrowth line is visible as your hair grows. Most highlight clients visit us every 6 to 10 weeks. However, if you want a dramatic, bright blonde or specific placement around your face, highlights may be the better choice.
Which Technique Should You Choose?
Choose Balayage If:
- You want a natural, lived-in look with soft transitions
- You prefer lower maintenance and longer gaps between appointments
- You have dark hair and want a subtle caramel or honey dimension
- You want dimension concentrated at the mid-lengths and ends
Choose Highlights If:
- You want maximum brightness and lift from root to tip
- You are going for a full blonde or very light overall result
- You want precise, consistent placement of lighter pieces
- You are comfortable with more frequent maintenance appointments
Can You Combine Both?
Absolutely. Many of our clients at Craft Collective get a combination of both techniques, which we sometimes call "foilayage." This gives you the brightness of foil highlights near the root with the soft, blended finish of balayage through the mid-lengths and ends. Our colorists, trained by Derek Piekarski, are experts at customizing a combination that works for your specific hair type and goals.
What About Cost?
Pricing for both balayage and highlights at Craft Collective depends on your hair length, density, and the extent of the color work. Balayage typically costs more per appointment but requires fewer annual visits, so the yearly investment can be comparable. We are happy to discuss pricing during your consultation.
Book Your Color Consultation in Pittsburgh
Whether you are leaning toward balayage, highlights, or a combination, the best first step is a consultation with one of our expert colorists. Visit our North Hills location or Canonsburg location, or call 724-514-7231 to schedule.
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