Want to add some lightness and brightness to your hair colour, but not sure which treatment to choose? Let’s talk about your choices! Hair highlights are sections of hair that are dyed lighter than the rest of the hair. They are typically used to add dimension, depth and brightness to the hair. Highlights can be applied using various techniques, including foiling, balayage and chunking. Each method will add light and dimension to your hair, but the results will be a bit different.
What is Balayage?
Highlights are an important part of the history of hair care. Balayage, which means "sweeping" or "painting" in French, is a hair colouring technique that originated in France in the 1970s. A form of highlighting, this method was pioneered by French colourists who sought to create a more natural, sun-kissed look in clients’ hair, compared to more structured, traditional foil highlights.
The technique gained popularity in the fashion industry and among celebrities in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in Europe. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that balayage started to gain widespread recognition and popularity in Canada and other parts of the world.
One of the reasons for balayage's rise to prominence is its versatility and ability to create a customized look for each individual. Balayage allows colourists to hand-paint highlights onto the hair in a way that mimics the natural variation in hair colour caused by the sun. Painted on in a sweeping motion, these light touches of colour blend seamlessly with the base colour and grow out more subtly than traditional highlights, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
What are Foil Highlights?
Foil highlights involve sectioning off small pieces of hair and wrapping them in foil before applying the lightening product. The foil helps to isolate the hair sections and accelerate the colouring process by trapping heat, which aids in lifting the hair's natural pigment.
The use of foil highlights became popular in the 1980s and 90s, particularly in the United States. This technique provided hair colourists with more control over the placement of highlights and allowed for more dramatic, uniform results compared to earlier methods. Foil highlights quickly gained popularity due to their ability to create precise, customizable looks, making them a staple in the hair colouring industry.
What’s the Difference Between Balayage and Highlights?
Unlike traditional foil highlights, which create a more uniform look, balayage results in softer, more natural-looking highlights that grow out gracefully without a noticeable root line. Balayage can be customized to suit individual hair types, lengths and colours, making it a popular choice for those looking for low-maintenance hair colour with a sun-kissed, effortless appearance.
With balayage, you tend to paint the colour from the mid-lengths to the ends. With highlights, the hair is saturated with colour from the roots to the ends. If you want a balanced, blended and softer look, then balayage is for you. For a more intensely lightened look, then you should go for highlights.
Looking for a “Hair Salon Near Me?” That’s Us! Masterpiece Salon Red Deer & Blackfalds - Masterpiece Salon has two locations to serve you better. Book an appointment with one of our amazing hairstylists for cut, colour, balayage, highlights, or hair extensions! Salon treatments are an important part of your self-care regime, and that’s why our staff are always sure to pamper you during appointments. Come in to treat yourself and leave with a gorgeous new look!
