If you’ve ever sat down for a color consultation and felt your eyes glaze over looking at the service menu, you are definitely not alone. Balayage and highlights are two of our most requested techniques — and while people often use the terms interchangeably, they’re actually pretty different. 

Understanding how they work is the secret to getting exactly the look you’re dreaming of. Here’s everything you need to know, straight from our Aveda-trained colorists.

What Are Traditional Highlights?

Highlights are a timeless classic for a reason. To create this look, your stylist uses foils to isolate specific sections of hair, applying lightener or color in precise, even strips from root to tip. This gives you a uniform, consistent lift that brightens your overall look with clean, beautifully defined pieces of color throughout.

Who Are Highlights Best For?

Highlights are a great fit if you love a polished, structured look. They work beautifully on all hair types and lengths, and because the brightness starts right at the root, you get a higher-contrast, higher-impact result from day one. 

They’re also your best bet if you want to see a noticeable difference quickly. The foiling process gives your stylist precise control over placement and tone, meaning you can achieve anything from subtle, delicate brightness to a dramatic blonde transformation.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

A highlight service typically takes anywhere from one to two and a half hours, depending on your hair’s length and how many foils are used. To keep that root line looking fresh and intentional, you’ll want to pop back into the salon for a touch-up every six to eight weeks.

A person with long, wavy, blonde hair stands outdoors facing away, surrounded by blooming pink flowers and green leaves in bright sunlight.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage (pronounced bah-lee-AHJ) is a French word meaning “to sweep” — and that’s exactly what your colorist does. Instead of using foils, your stylist hand-paints lightener directly onto the surface of your hair using a freehand, sweeping motion. The result is soft, sun-kissed color that fades seamlessly from natural roots to lighter ends.

Who Is Balayage Best For?

Balayage is the ultimate choice if you’re after a low-maintenance, effortless look. Because the color is concentrated toward the mid-lengths and ends — leaving the roots more natural — the grow-out is gradual and natural-looking rather than stark. No harsh lines here! In fact, many of our guests can easily go three to five months between appointments, making it perfect for busy schedules. 

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you have fine hair, thick waves or natural texture, balayage can be tailored to complement your unique hair pattern and facial features.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Balayage appointments vary in length depending on how much color is being applied and your ultimate hair goals. During your consultation, your colorist will map out a customized placement that works perfectly with your lifestyle, base color, and vision. 

How to Care for Color-Treated Hair at Home

Regardless of which technique you choose, protecting your investment with the right at-home care makes all the difference. Our colorists always recommend reaching for products specifically formulated to nourish your strands and lock in your color.

For Everyday Vibrancy: Aveda Color Control Shampoo & Conditioner is our go-to for color-treated hair. This plant-powered duo gently cleanses while refreshing tone and boosting vibrancy between appointments.

For Extra Support: If your hair needs a little extra love, Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner is a total game-changer. Powered by a plant-based bond-building complex, it works to strengthen hair from within — repairing the bonds that chemical services can disrupt — while leaving hair visibly smoother and healthier.

A few other tips to keep your color looking salon-fresh:

  • Cool it down: Showering with hot water opens the cuticle, which causes color to fade much faster.
  • Mask up: Use a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep your hair hydrated and silky soft. 
  • Shield your strands: Protect your hair from UV exposure, which can cause both lightened hair and toners to shift or turn brassy over time.

Person with long, blonde hair wearing a black leather jacket, turning their head in front of leafy green foliage.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s the simplest way to frame it: if you want bold, bright and defined, highlights are your match. If you want soft, natural and beautifully low-maintenance color, balayage is calling your name. 

And if you’re still not sure? That’s exactly what consultations are for!

Our Aveda-trained colorists are here to look at your hair, hear your vision and recommend the technique — or combination of techniques — to get you there. Because great color isn’t just about the final look; it’s about hair that feels just as good as it looks.

Ready to find your perfect look? Book your color consultation today.