Chicken couple:
If you want to give your hair a nice boost, a full or partial balayage might be the way to go. Balayage gives you a more subtle and natural color and definition.
It is also one of the most popular alternatives for highlights.Understanding the differences between full and partial balayage can help you determine which one is right for you.
The differences between full and partial balayage
Full and partial balayage are popular ways to add dimension to your hair without looking like you have a ton of highlights. Although the technique is not new, it has recently gained a lot of popularity thanks to celebrities like Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry.
While both full and partial balayage have their benefits, it's good to understand what each brings to the table, although there are some benefits that are common to both options.
These include:
- Natural looking multidimensional hair.
- Less damage than traditional reflexes.
- Easily customizable hair treatments
if you are newthe Balayage Technique, or are reluctant to color your hair anyway, you may want to start with a partial balayage that still gives you plenty of layers.
On the other hand, if you have dyed or dyed your hair in the past and want a new and updated alternative, try the all-over balayage.
You may also like...
- Does balayage damage hair?
- Can you change from highlights to balayage?
What is full balayage?
Erizo94/Shutterstock
trotzBalayage is not the same as traditional highlights, we can use similar terminology to talk about both. Full balayage refers to a technique in which your hairdresser paints balayage highlights all over your head.
And it's similar to getting a full head of traditional highlights. As a result, your locks will be much lighter and people will notice the difference.
Full Balayage Benefits
While you will get noticeable results from full balayage, it will still be subtle enough that it doesn't look too "done."
Plus, since your technician will color the balayage highlights instead of wrapping your locks in foil, you have much more creative control over your hair and can make subtle adjustments that perfectly suit your style and texture.
The results are natural, never over processed and very smooth. The full balayage is ideal for people who want to lighten a few shades, look tanned or trycover yoursgray roots between salon visits.
Because your stylist can choose where to apply the balayage highlights, they can select and neutralize the gray highlights and blend them beautifully with your natural hair.A full balayage is also ideal for people who don't want to make multiple visits to the salon.
Finally,Curly hair can be very expensive. esBeing more subtle, it grows well without appearing coarse or unkempt.
Depending on how you look and how fast your hair grows, it could take several months to get a touch-up. Full balayage looks amazing and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Was it a partial scan?
Igel94/Shutterstock
Partial balayage uses the same techniques as full balayage, except instead of your stylist covering your entire head with balayage highlights, they only cover part of it.
People who do a partial balayage often get subtle highlights around the face or on the top of the crown, although you may want to talk to your stylist for advice on what works best for you.
Partial balayage tends to be a bit more subtle than full balayage, and people may not notice the results right away.
Instead, your skin will look fresher after treatment and your hair will appear thicker, healthier and more dimensional. Partial balayage is ideal for anyone who wants to achieve gray hair or is looking for a subtle way to take their look to the next level.
Partial Balayage Benefits
Since partial balayage isn't as dramatic as full balayage, it's great for people who areNervous about dyeing her hair.It's also a fantastic way to look like you just spent some time in the tropics without drastically changing your hair.
As with full balayage, the partial balayage coloring method does not damage hair like traditional highlights.It is also usually cheaper than a full balayage. If you're not sure if balayage is for you, partial balayage is a great way to test the waters and possibly improve in the future.
As with the full balayage, the partial balayage requires very little maintenance. You don't need to go to the salon as often as with traditional highlights and less than with full balayage.
Difference between highlights and balayage
While it may seem at first glance that highlights and balayage are the same thing, there are key differences between the two. Balayage can give you much more subtle color than highlights, and the balayage technique is much smoother.
This quality means that balayage is suitable for damaged or over-processed hair and can produce much healthier results.
Because your stylist paints in balayage instead of using glitter sheets, you have much more creative control over the end result and can customize the look to your personal preference.
less damage
If you love the look of the highlightsbut i don't like damageYour hair is suffering, the balayage is definitely for you.
The coloring process is much less damaging to your hair overall because your hair technician gently applies the formula instead of soaking your strands in bleach and wrapping them in aluminum foil. This will make your hair look less damaged.
fully customizable
One of the main reasons celebrities love balayage so much is that it is totally customizable. Your stylist can offer you many options depending on your preferences, budget, and personal style. You can even combine balayage with other different styles and techniques to create a unique and classic look.
rare fixes
Balayage is your new best friend if you want a salon look that doesn't require the heavyMaintain regular reflexes (howroot bumps).
You can go two to three times as long without touching up, depending on how much balayage you have in your hair and how quickly it grows back.
frequent questions
Tetiana Tychynska/Shutterstock
Although balayage has been around since the 1990s, it is now at the peak of its popularity, so you are sure to have some questions. These frequently asked questions and answers will help you find the perfect balayage for you and your style.
Is it suitable for all types of hair?
Balayage's gentle formula and innovative application make it perfect for virtually all hair types. Your stylist can also customize the balayage shade you use and add different thicknesses to complement and highlight curly, straight, or wavy hair.
Balayage looks best on hair that is at least chin length because it is subtle and does not look as good on very short hair.
How long does it take?
Another great benefit of balayage over traditional highlights is that it is a much faster process. Depending on how much balayage you get, you need to sit in the salon chair for about an hour.
If you receive several different balayage colors or if it is significantly lighter, it may take a little longer. Talk to your salon professional for details and information about your personal situation.
Is balayage the same as ombre?
Ombre and balayage are not the same thing; EITHERgradient effectThis is when your hair gradually changes from dark to light or vice versa. It is a gradual but evident vertical change.
On the other hand, balayage gives you fully incorporated, blended and multidimensional hair. While there are color differences, it's not the dramatic dark-to-light look you get with ombre.
However, it is possible to achieve an ombre look and have a balayage at the same time. Just ask your stylist to start your balayage a little lower on your head so your roots are visible on top.
What are the most popular types of balayage?
While full and partial balayage are the two most popular and mainstream balayage styles, there are some specific things you can request in addition to full and partial treatments.
One of the most popular are babylights. Babylights are very fine balayage highlights that give subtle dimension and lift around your face.
How does my stylist apply the balayage?
Your stylist will color it with balayage instead of wrapping your tresses in foil. This process is usually much gentler on the hair as the bleaching solution does not saturate the strands as it would on fur.
It also gives your stylist much more freedom to work with your hair texture, face shape, and hair color to create a custom look that's perfectly suited for you.
full balayage vs. partial: final considerations
There are some differences between full and partial balayage, but these two treatments are very similar in essence.
The most significant difference between the two is that full balayage gives you a full head of highlights, while partial balayage gives you strategic highlights and tends to be less expensive and drastic in the end.
FAQs
Should I get a full or partial balayage? ›
Hair Styling – If someone is looking for subtle style changes then choose partial balayage, whereas full balayage is meant for more radical changes to your hair.
What is the difference between a full head balayage and a half head balayage? ›Traditionally, a full balayage involves applying highlights all over the hair. But a partial or half head balayage only covers the top layer of hair and not its entirety.
How often do you need a partial balayage? ›Your Partial Balayage will last between 12-14 weeks, which is a lot longer than most coloring treatments you can do to your hair. It's essential to schedule a follow-up appointment with your hairstylist to continue maintaining your beautiful hair color.
How often should you do a full balayage? ›How long does balayage last for? Because balayage highlights require less maintenance than traditional hair color, it's not necessary to go for touch-ups every month or 6 weeks. Depending on the style you go for, you can usually wait up to 4 months in between salon appointments.
What is the downside of balayage? ›The downside is that balayage can be expensive and if not done correctly, it will not result in the best look for your hair. This is why it is so important to find an experienced hairstylist who knows how to properly apply the dye in order to get the best results possible.
Is balayage or full highlight more expensive? ›Is balayage more expensive than highlights? While prices vary from salon to salon, balayage is typically more expensive than highlights. Balayage can create a total hair transformation, but highlights just add a pop of color and dimension to your mane, which requires much less time, training, and dye.
Is balayage more damaging than highlights? ›Although they can both damage the hair, in the long term, balayage is more damaging because you have to use a higher developer and layer the lightener more in order to achieve the desired result.
Does balayage look better with layers? ›This technique gives better results on layered hair, so balayage with straight hair looks much better if the hair is cut in layers as it adds a bit of movement.
Is partial balayage low maintenance? ›A partial balayage is relatively low-maintenance, but caring for it at home will ensure it looks its best between salon appointments. First, ensure you're using a shampoo and conditioner formulated to protect your color, like Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Volumizing Shampoo and Shine-Enhancing Conditioner.
Should I wash my hair before getting balayage? ›No, you should not wash your hair before a balayage treatment. You want to allow some natural oils to build up on your scalp and hair before the appointment. The oils soothe, moisturize, and protect your scalp. In addition, they help the balayage highlights to penetrate the hair shafts more effectively.
What is considered a full balayage? ›
Balayage can be applied as a full balayage throughout all of your hair to give you the lighter look all-around without needing to maintain inevitable root grow-out as you would for other lightening methods. It can also be done as a partial, or mini, balayage, such as only around the face or upper area of your hair.
Do they wash your hair during balayage? ›You shouldn't wash your hair beforehand. If you're adding highlights with balayage, you should come with oily hair to protect the scalp. But if you're getting a single process, it's better to come with clean hair to help the color hold, Scrivo says.
Is balayage low maintenance? ›Typically balayage requires far less maintenance than traditional color. It grows out naturally with no obvious regrowth line, making it one of the most low-maintenance ways to color your hair.
Is balayage difficult to maintain? ›Balayage hair is relatively low maintenance because the technique doesn't interact with your roots. Once applied, the colouring will remain in your hair without frequent follow-up visits to the salon.
Does hair get lighter after balayage? ›Because a balayage involves lightening certain sections of your hair, the effect is permanent, although the colour might fade slightly after a few months if not looked after properly (see further down for how to get long-lasting bright colour).
Does balayage look more natural? ›Balayage is customized, natural-looking, and low maintenance—thanks to the blended root with no obvious line of demarcation.
Why does balayage cost so much? ›“The reason why people charge more for balayage even though it is 'less work', is because it's not a service everyone offers. And the client can go longer between the retouch so you have to account for that too.” “You charge more because you know a technique that not everyone else does.
How do you know if balayage will suit you? ›...
What do I ask my stylist for?
- Balayage for pale skin: blonde, red and light brown or dark brown balayage will work best.
- Balayage for medium skin tone: avoid any light colours that can wash out the skin.
A full Balayage takes between 3 – 5 hours on average to finish. Since the technique is applied by hand and no two Balayages are the same, the amount of time can vary greatly. Longer and thicker hair will take longer. As well as the previous color you had can add to the total timer a Balayage can take.
Is it better to get full or partial highlights? ›When deciding between the two, Josh advises you to consider the impact you want to have. “Partial highlights are designed to enhance or subtly pop an existing color, while full highlights will give you a full transformation.
How much should I expect to pay for balayage? ›
Though balayage is expensive, the exact price depends on your particular salon and stylist. Typically, balayage costs between $70 to $300. By comparison, a full head of regular highlights only costs around $75 to $150. Additionally, it may take up to three sessions to get your hair as light as you want it to be.
What hair color is in for 2023? ›Subtle Cinnamon
If you're searching for a subtle way to transform your brunette into something a little, well, spicier, cinnamon may be the 2023 hue for you. “This is the most beautiful marriage between red and brunette,” says Perry.
Maintaining Balayage
If you prefer to avoid the maintenance of getting your hair colored every six to eight weeks, balayage may be a better match for your lifestyle. The technique is less obvious and allows you to go longer between salon visits—even just three to four times a year—and it grows out beautifully.
However, in general balayage does take a bit longer than foil because the stylist goes through piece by piece to customize the color. This highlighting technique is also a bit more expensive. “[It's] more expensive because it takes more thought and creativity from the stylist,” says Jordan Hunt.
Does balayage make you look younger? ›Caramel Balayage
This is a great option for dark hair and cool-toned brunettes. Adding caramel highlights can help to warm and soften facial features; and the balayage technique ensures your highlights grow out without a demarcation line. These things all lead to a more youthful appearance.
It makes your hair look thicker
Together with a Great Cut, balayage lends hair greater depth, giving the illusion of more fullness.
Because of the single process color, ombré grows out more quickly than a balayage. Balayage is perfect if you're looking to go longer in between touch-ups, as it grows out much less stark than ombré.
How much should you tip your hairdresser? ›Not sure how much to tip your hairstylist? We asked three etiquette experts, two salon professionals and a certified financial planner. Most of these experts suggest leaving 15% to 20%, depending on the service and your satisfaction. Going with 20% is nice for the stylist and you because that math is pretty simple.
How long should a partial balayage take? ›You can expect the balayage process to take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours. We estimate approximately 45-90 minutes for partial balayage treatments. Full balayage applications usually range from 90 minutes up to 3 hours.
Can you go from full head to balayage? ›Balayage is a surface highlighting technique that creates beautiful, natural highlights with lots of dimension. Transitioning a guest from foils to balayage requires a few weeks of outgrowth, usually at least 8-10 weeks. The best way to get a seamless blend is to highlight and lowlight.
How do I prepare for my first balayage? ›
How Should I Prepare For My Balayage Hair Colour Appointment? Make sure you have a patch test 48 hours before your appointment. Make sure your hair is clean and don't over use products before you come in. Bring photos of how you would like your Balayage to look so we know what effect you would like.
How long should you wait to shower after balayage? ›To keep them looking on point, though, you might need to adjust your hair care routine, and this includes washing. After a highlight or balayage appointment, it's good to wait between 48 and 72 hours before washing your hair.
How many sessions does balayage take? ›Depending on your desired results and the current color and condition of your mane, your balayage can take anywhere from one to three appointments.
What is a cheaper alternative to balayage? ›However, highlights are a lot less expensive than balayages. (One point for the highlight team!) A partial highlight is one of the most common highlight services, and it's generally priced between the cost of a base touch up and the cost of a full color; which is usually less than $100.
Do I need to use special shampoo after balayage? ›A shampoo that doubles as a toner is necessary for balayage hair that has blonde tones. Blue and purple shampoos contain pigments that can neutralize the brassiness, which result in yellow or orange tones. As purple is opposite to yellow in the color wheel, it cancels it out and will make blonde hair brighter.
What to do after balayage grows out? ›Trim your hair to cut the light ends
Cutting or trimming your hair is one cute way to get rid of grown-out balayage. Not only will this get rid of the lighter colors, but it also gives you a new entire look.
Balayage on short hair can look stunning, whether your hair is curly and layered or straight and blunt-cut. The technique allows to create dimension and accentuate natural layers and curves, so balayage is excellent for making short hair pop!
What damages your hair more balayage or highlights? ›Because Balayage highlights don't involve completely saturating your hair in bleach or color dye, you'll enjoy healthier hair because of less process on the hair. As a result, you get to enjoy softer, silkier hair with less damage and dryness.
Do highlights last longer than balayage? ›One of the greatest advantages of Balayage is how long it lasts. Traditional foil highlights require touch ups every few weeks, whereas Balayage will last 3-4 months on average.
How much should I pay for partial highlights? ›Carly suggests charging 10% to 20% less than you usually would for a full blonding service. “For example, if my full blonding is $300, a partial would be somewhere between $240 [to] $260,” she says.
What should you not do after balayage? ›
Too much washing may end up damaging the quality of your balayage. When you wash your hair every single day, the beautiful colour in your hair will fade more quickly. Ideally, you shouldn't wash your balayage hair for more than 2 or 3 times each week. Remember to use a conditioner to keep your hair healthy.
Is balayage only for going lighter? ›The key to maintaining this look on all hair types is colour maintenance. ' It works on both light and dark hair depending on how much lighter you want to go and all hair textures. You can ask for balayage to blonde or balayage for brown hair or dark hair, and your colourist will be able to tailor the style to you.
What is the most popular balayage? ›Caramel Balayage is one of the most popular hair trends this year. It's a great way to lighten up your natural dark color while still keeping it looking natural. The key to achieving a successful Caramel Balayage is to make sure that your highlights are blended in well with your base color.