Balayage vs Highlights: Which Colour Technique Is Right for You?

If you're thinking about lightening your hair but not sure where to start, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Michael Todd Hairdressing is: "Should I choose balayage or highlights?"

Both are excellent options and our team are specialists in both, but the right choice depends on your desired finish, your maintenance preferences, and how you wear your hair day-to-day.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is a freehand colouring technique where colour is gently painted onto the hair to create a soft, natural blend. There are no harsh lines or obvious roots the effect is sun-kissed and seamless.

Key Benefits of Balayage:

• A softer, more natural result
• Low-maintenance regrowth
• Ideal for face-framing brightness and graduated lightness through the ends
• Works beautifully on mid-length and longer styles

Balayage is perfect if you want a more relaxed look, or you're colouring your hair for the first time and prefer something less structured.

What Are Highlights?

Highlights involve lifting strands of hair from root to tip, usually in foils, to create contrast and brightness throughout. The result is a more uniform lightening that can be bold or subtle, depending on your preference.

Key Benefits of Highlights:

• More even, all-over brightness
• Great for covering grey or lightening darker bases
• Allows for more control and precision in placement
• Suitable for all hair lengths and styles

If you like a cleaner lift, wear your hair up regularly, or want to see lightness from root to tip, highlights may be the better choice.

Balayage or Highlights: Which Suits You Best?

The decision comes down to the finish you love and the upkeep you’re happy to commit to.

• For soft, sweeping colour: Balayage offers a relaxed and natural feel
• For defined brightness or grey blending: Highlights offer greater structure and coverage
• For the best of both: Many clients choose a balayage and highlight combination to balance softness with lift

Whatever your starting point, our expert colourists at Michael Todd Hairdressing are here to guide you. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your hair history, maintenance preferences, and personal style to create a colour that feels beautifully you.