Balayage vs Highlights in North Hills: Which Technique Is Right for You?

Balayage and highlights are two of the most popular ways to add lightness and dimension to hair, but they create very different looks. At Craft Collective Salon Group in North Hills, our stylists specialize in both techniques and help each client choose the right method based on tone, texture, lifestyle, and maintenance goals.

If you’ve ever wondered which is best for your hair, this guide breaks down the differences clearly so you can book your next color with confidence.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage (from the French word meaning “to sweep”) is a freehand painting technique that creates soft, natural transitions between dark and light. Instead of starting at the roots, your stylist applies color along the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, mimicking the gentle lift of sunlight.

Balayage is perfect for:

– Clients seeking a natural, low-maintenance grow-out

– Anyone who prefers soft dimension instead of high contrast

– Those wanting seasonal brightness without harsh lines

– Blondes, brunettes, and redheads who love fluid movement in their color

See examples in Balayage Refresh & Maintenance in North Hills.

What Are Traditional Highlights?

Traditional highlights use foils to separate strands and achieve controlled, uniform brightness from root to tip. This technique delivers more lift and contrast than balayage, producing crisp ribbons of color.

Highlights are ideal for:

– Clients wanting a bold, bright, or platinum look

– Brunettes transitioning gradually lighter

– Those seeking even brightness throughout

– Clients who prefer a structured, consistent tone

You can explore maintenance tips in Partial vs Full Highlights in North Hills.

Key Differences Between Balayage and Highlights

Feature	Balayage	Highlights
Application Method	Painted by hand	Applied with foils
Result	Soft, sun-kissed gradient	Defined, even brightness
Tone	Natural and blended	Precise and bold
Maintenance	Low – grows out softly	Higher roots need retouching
Lightness Potential	Moderate lift	Maximum lift
Perfect For	Subtle elegance	Bright, dramatic transformation

Our stylists often blend both techniques for a hybrid result, soft dimension through the ends with a few strategic foils around the face for extra pop.

How to Choose the Right Technique

Ask yourself:

– Do you prefer a lived-in look or a fresh-from-the-salon finish?

– How often are you comfortable with maintenance visits?

– Do you want high-contrast brightness or subtle tone-on-tone shifts?

If you love effortless, sunlit color, go with balayage. If you want consistent, high-impact lightness, highlights may be best.

Many clients start with highlights to achieve lift, then transition into balayage for long-term ease.

Glossing & Aftercare

No matter which service you choose, every color receives a Gloss & Shine Enhancement. This seals tone, locks in shine, and keeps your color reflective and smooth.

We also recommend personalized home care through our Product Education & Hair Care program and strengthening treatments outlined in Hair Treatments & Health.

Sustainability at Every Step

Our color processes are part of Craft Collective’s Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Salon initiative. Every foil, tube, and glove is recycled through Green Circle Salons, and we exclusively use low-ammonia, cruelty-free color systems.

Eco-luxury is our standard, because beauty and sustainability belong together.

Book Your Balayage or Highlight Consultation

Whether you’re drawn to the soft, blended elegance of balayage or the bold, structured brightness of traditional highlights, our stylists at Craft Collective Salon Group in North Hills will customize a technique that enhances your tone, texture, and lifestyle.

Book your color consultation today and experience artistry, precision, and care in every strand.