What’s Better, Balayage or Highlights?
What’s Better, Balayage or Highlights?
If your hair is craving a little glow-up but you’re not sure whether to go for balayage or highlights, you’re not alone. These two popular color techniques can both deliver gorgeous results—but the best choice depends on your hair goals, maintenance preferences, and yes, even how much time you want to spend getting ready in the morning. As expert stylists who bring luxury in-home salon services right to your door, we’re here to break it down clearly and honestly—so you can feel confident in your decision (and look stunning doing it).
First, What’s the Difference?
Let’s break it down simply:
Balayage (French for “to sweep”) is a hand-painted technique that gives your hair a soft, sun-kissed look. It’s more subtle at the roots and bolder at the ends.
Traditional Highlights involve foils to create uniform strands of lighter color from root to tip, giving a brighter and more structured finish.
Both can look gorgeous—but they serve different purposes, and one might suit your life better than the other.
🖌️Choose Balayage If You Want…
✔ Low maintenance with maximum style
Balayage grows out gracefully, so you won’t see a harsh line or feel the pressure to schedule frequent touch-ups. Perfect if you’re juggling summer camp pick-ups, client meetings, and trying to remember if you actually drank that second cup of coffee.
✔ Natural, sunkissed dimension
This technique mimics how the sun naturally lightens your hair—think of it as the “no makeup” makeup look of hair color.
✔ Flexible styling
Balayage shines whether you air dry, curl, or throw it up in a messy bun. It brings depth and movement that elevates your everyday hair game.
What’s Better, Balayage or Highlights?
🌟Choose Highlights If You Want…
✔ Brighter, more dramatic impact
If you’re going for a noticeable transformation or want to lighten up all over, hair highlights are your best bet. They’re structured, intentional, and give you that unmistakable “just did my hair” pop.
✔ More tone control
Because foils process evenly, highlights give colorists more precision with lighter blondes or cooler tones. Ideal if you’re going platinum, icy, or blending gray.
✔ Consistent upkeep schedule
Yes, highlights do grow out faster—but if you’re someone who likes the ritual of regular hair refreshes, this could actually be a plus.
What’s Better, Balayage or Highlights?
Our Honest Take? You Don’t Have to Decide Alone.
Here’s the thing: your hair is as unique as your schedule. Our in-home stylists are thoroughly trained in both balayage and hair highlighting techniques, so whether you want a low-maintenance glow-up or a bold blonde moment, we’ll help you choose the right option based on your goals, hair type, and lifestyle.
As part of our booking process, you will receive a form where you can upload pictures and references for your in-home hair stylist to see the results you are looking for. Then, your stylist will reach out to you, to provide a consultation prior to your appointment to determine the best course of action.
And the best part? You don’t even have to leave your house. We bring everything to you—from color bowls to foils to expert advice—so you can relax, recharge, and look amazing without rearranging your life.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Whether you’re craving something fresh or just need a little self-care boost, our in-home salon services are designed with your real life in mind.
Book your appointment today and let us come to you—no traffic, no waiting rooms, just beautiful hair in the comfort of home.
Our stylists currently serve clients throughout the Main Line and Philadelphia suburbs, including Villanova, Wayne, Berwyn, Malvern, Bala Cynwyd, King of Prussia, Ambler, and Bryn Mawr.
