Journal · 4 min read
Balayage vs. highlights: how to choose your next color
Hand-painted balayage or foil highlights? The difference in look, upkeep and cost — and when a gloss is all you need.
“I want to go lighter” can mean many different things. The two most popular ways to add brightness are balayage and foil highlights. Knowing the difference makes your consultation easier — and helps you choose a color you will love living with.
Balayage: soft, painted, easy to grow out
Balayage is painted by hand onto the surface of the hair, so lightness is placed exactly where the sun would naturally hit. The result is a soft, blended, lived-in look with no harsh regrowth line, which is why many guests refresh it only every few months.
Highlights: brighter, more uniform
Foil highlights are woven in sections and processed in foils. They lift more evenly from root to end, giving brighter, more defined dimension — ideal if you want a noticeable change or need to blend gray.
Adding a base color
Both can be combined with an all-over base color to deepen the root, cover gray or adjust your natural tone. That is what “with base” means on our menu.
| At Red Cottage | From |
|---|---|
| Partial highlight | $145 |
| Full highlight | $185 |
| Balayage | $195 |
| Full foil highlight with base | $225 |
| Balayage with base | $235 |
| Hair gloss | $45 |
Prices from our online booking menu; final price depends on length and density and is confirmed at consultation.
When a gloss is enough
If your color has faded or turned brassy but you love the placement, a gloss restores tone and shine in a short appointment.
Protect your investment
Use color-safe care and heat protection at home. Between appointments, a root touch-up spray from Style Edit can help disguise regrowth.
Still undecided? Book a free color consultation.