Highlights give even, defined brightness right from the roots, while balayage is painted on freehand for a softer, more sun-kissed effect that grows out discreetly. Which suits you depends on your hair length, how light you want to go and how often you want to come back.
Highlights: even and defined
With highlights, the hair is divided into thin sections that are lightened from the roots outwards, usually in foils. This spreads the brightness evenly over the whole head and gives a clear effect.
Highlights suit you if you want to go noticeably lighter, have short or mid-length hair, or like a neat, even result. The downside is that regrowth shows more, so they need topping up more often.
Balayage: soft and sun-kissed
With balayage, the colour is painted on by hand, with soft transitions and most of the brightness in the lengths and around the face. There's no harsh line at the roots.
Balayage suits you if you have longer hair, want a natural effect and don't want frequent top-ups. I've written more about the technique in my article on balayage in Lund.
Three questions that decide it
How light do you want to go? The bigger the change, the more often highlights are the right route – sometimes in several stages.
How long is your hair? Balayage needs length for the transition to show. In short hair, highlights do more.
How often do you want to come back? Highlights need more frequent visits. A balayage can grow out for a long time and still look intentional.
You can combine them
You don't have to choose one or the other. Often the best result comes from a few fine highlights around the face and a softer, painted effect through the rest of the hair. Afterwards the hair is toned so the shade sits exactly where it should.
In the salon, many people combine colour with a cut. Highlights, colour and a cut in one visit take around three hours.
Terms you might come across
Babylights are very fine highlights that give a soft, almost childlike brightness. Lowlights are darker strands that add depth to hair that has become too light or flat.
Toning is the step after lightening, where the shade is adjusted – warmer, cooler or more neutral. Money piece is the name for the brighter sections closest to the face.
You don't need to know the terms. But it helps to know that most of the colours you see in pictures combine several techniques.
Upkeep and regrowth
Expect highlights to need topping up after about two to three months, depending on how different they are from your natural colour. A balayage often lasts considerably longer.
Between visits, a toner can refresh the shade without lightening the hair again. It's gentle and makes a big difference to the shine.
At home the same advice applies to both: a mild shampoo for coloured hair, conditioner every time and heat protection before the hairdryer and straighteners.
What works for grey hair?
If you're starting to go grey, fine highlights are often a good way to soften the transition instead of covering everything. Regrowth is less obvious, and you avoid the harsh line at the roots. We look at how much grey you have and where it is, and choose the approach from there.
We decide together
You don't need to know what the technique is called when you book. Every visit starts with a consultation, and that's where we choose the approach. Feel free to bring a picture of what you like – and one of what you don't. It helps just as much.
Frequently asked questions
Are highlights harder on hair than balayage?
All lightening affects the hair. What matters is that it's done gently and that the hair gets the right care afterwards, whatever the technique.
What should I book if I'm not sure?
Book a consultation or the colour service closest to what you want, and add a line about what you're hoping for. We'll adjust on the day.
Can I go from highlights to balayage?
Yes. It's often done gradually, by letting the highlights grow out and softening the transition with hand-painted colour.