Balayage vs Highlights: Which Hair Technique Is Best for You?

If you're torn between balayage and highlights, well we don’t blame you. Balayage is ideal for a soft, natural sun-kissed look, while highlights offer stronger contrast and structure. 

In the year 2025, both techniques are widely offered in Singapore and JB salons that suit different hair goals, budgets, and maintenance preferences.  Naturally, you might be curious as to what the true differences between the two are, other than what we stated above.

This guide breaks down the differences in technique, results, hair care maintenance, and suitability, helping you decide which option aligns best with your hair type and lifestyle.

Balayage vs Highlights Comparison Table (2025)

Feature	Balayage	Highlights
Application	Hand-painted, freehand technique	Foil-based sectioning
Result	Soft, blended, natural gradient	Defined, structured lightening
Maintenance	Low, regrowth less visible	High, roots need regular upkeep
Ideal For	Natural, sun-kissed looks	Bold contrast and uniform tone
Time at Salon	2.5 – 4 hours	2 – 3 hours
Price Range (SGD)	$250–$500+	$150–$400

What Is Balayage and How Does It Work?

Balayage is a hand-painted hair colouring technique that creates a seamless gradient from root to tip.

• Colour is painted directly onto the surface of the hair
• No foils or harsh lines
• Mimics natural sunlight effects

“Balayage is perfect for those seeking a softer, low-maintenance colour that grows out gracefully,” says a senior stylist at REDS hair salon.

This technique works particularly well on medium to long hair and suits Asian hair tones when ash brown, caramel beige, or rose gold hues are used.

How Are Highlights Applied Differently?

Highlights use foil to isolate sections of hair and lighten them from root to tip.

• Offers brighter, more uniform colour
• Ideal for bold colour contrast or grey coverage
• Regrowth is more visible compared to balayage

Foil allows for stronger lift and precise placement, which is beneficial for those aiming for lighter shades or a more dramatic change.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Technique?

Balayage Pros

• A more natural, lived-in finish
  Balayage creates a sun-kissed, low-contrast look that blends seamlessly into natural hair tones.
• Grows out subtly with no harsh lines
  Because the colour starts away from the root, regrowth is far less noticeable.
• Less frequent salon visits
  With proper toning, balayage can last several months, making it ideal for low-maintenance routines.

Balayage Cons

• Higher upfront cost
  The application process takes more time and skill, which increases the base price.
• Takes longer to apply
  Sessions can run between 2.5 to 4 hours depending on hair length and density.
• Limited lifting power
  It may not lighten hair as drastically as foils, especially if starting from a dark base.

Highlights Pros

• Stronger brightness and contrast
  Foils allow precise placement for bold colour contrast or dramatic transformations.
• Better grey blending and full-head coverage
  Highlights can target specific sections including grey strands and offer uniform results.
• Lower cost at entry level
  Compared to balayage, a basic highlight service is typically more affordable.

Highlights Cons

• More frequent maintenance required
  Roots grow out clearly, meaning retouches are needed every 6–8 weeks.
• Harsher regrowth lines
  High-contrast shades make the difference between natural hair and highlights more apparent.
• Potential for more damage
  Foil highlights often use stronger lighteners and frequent retouching can weaken the hair over time.

Which Technique Requires Less Maintenance?

Balayage typically lasts longer because of its soft grow-out pattern.

• Natural-looking regrowth can stretch appointments to every 3–6 months
• Toners or gloss treatments can maintain shine without full recolour

By contrast, highlights require more upkeep:

• Regrowth appears sharply within 6–8 weeks
• Roots must be retouched for consistency

For those with busy schedules, balayage is the better option.

Which One Is Safer for Hair Health?

Balayage is gentler on the scalp and roots.

• No bleach near the scalp reduces risk of irritation
• Many stylists use lower-volume developers or ammonia-free products
• Less frequent processing = less long-term damage

Highlights may cause damage if applied repeatedly or left on too long:

• Direct contact with the scalp
• High-volume developers used for lifting dark hair
• Frequent touch-ups lead to cumulative stress

Is Balayage or Highlights Better for Asian Hair?

Balayage offers more flexibility for Asian hair tones and texture.

• Caramel, ash, and beige shades enhance warm undertones
• Less processing near the scalp helps avoid brassiness
• Thick hair can blend better with sweeping gradients

“Many with Asian hair prefer balayage for a softer, more dimensional look that flatters their skin tone.” - Senior stylist at REDS hair salon.

How Much Does Each Cost in Singapore as of 2025?

Balayage:

• $250–$500+ depending on length, colour complexity, and stylist expertise
• Often includes toners, bonding treatment, or gloss

Highlights:

• $150–$400 for partial or full-head highlights
• May require more frequent maintenance visits

Always confirm if extras like toning or styling are included in the quote.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Between Balayage and Highlights

Mistake 1: Choosing based solely on trend rather than hair health

Just because a colouring style is trending on social media doesn’t mean it suits your hair. For example, balayage may look stunning on layered, healthy hair but can appear patchy on heavily damaged or chemically treated strands.

What to do: Always prioritise your hair’s health and structure before jumping on a trend. Ask your stylist whether your hair is strong enough for the chosen technique.

Mistake 2: Expecting balayage to deliver the same lift as full foils

Balayage is designed to be subtle and dimensional. Clients looking for high-lift platinum results may be disappointed if they expect balayage to produce that level of brightness.

What to do: If you're aiming for a significant lift or want very light tones, consult your stylist about mixing foil highlights with balayage or opting for a full-head foil approach instead.

Mistake 3: Overlooking your natural undertone and root colour

Hair colour that clashes with your natural base or skin undertone can appear unnatural or brassy. This is especially important for clients with very warm or very cool undertones.

What to do: Ask for a tone match consultation. A professional colourist can recommend shades like ash, honey, or mocha, that suit your complexion and blend well with your roots.

Mistake 4: Failing to budget for long-term maintenance

Highlights, in particular, require frequent upkeep. Even balayage, while lower maintenance, benefits from gloss or toner refreshes every few months.

What to do: Consider both the initial cost and the cumulative expense of upkeep before deciding. A cheaper service today may cost more over time if it requires frequent visits.

Mistake 5: Not consulting a stylist about your hair’s bleaching history or strength

Overlapping bleach applications can severely compromise your hair’s structure. Many clients forget to mention past colouring or straightening treatments.

What to do: Be transparent about your full hair history, including home hair dye jobs, rebonding, and prior bleaching. Your stylist needs this information to choose the safest and most effective approach. 

“Your hair’s condition, colour history, and desired effect should guide the decision, not Instagram or Tiktok alone.”

Still Deciding Between Balayage and Highlights?

Think about your:

• Hair texture and colour history
• Desired finish (subtle or high contrast)
• Willingness to commit to touch-ups

Some clients benefit from a hybrid approach, combining foil highlights near the crown with hand-painted balayage on the mid-lengths and ends.

A good stylist will customise the technique to match your hair and goals.

Conclusion on Balayage vs Highlights

Balayage and highlights each offer unique benefits depending on your hair goals and maintenance preferences. 

Balayage remains the go-to choice for a soft, natural finish with minimal upkeep, while highlights still shine when bold, structured results are preferred.

The right choice isn’t about trend, it’s about fit. Let your hair type, colour history, and lifestyle guide you. 

If you need expert hair colouring services and wouldn’t mind going across the straits for the best hair salon JB, REDS Hair Salon is a trusted choice among clients from both Malaysia and Singapore. 

Known for their FREE consultations and stylist expertise, they offer personalised balayage and highlight services that prioritise hair health, colour harmony, and long-term satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Balayage & Highlights

What’s The Main Difference Between Balayage And Highlights?

Balayage is hand-painted and creates a gradient, while highlights use foils for a uniform lightening effect.

Is Balayage Less Damaging Than Highlights?

Generally yes. Balayage avoids the root area, reducing scalp stress, and often uses gentler lighteners.

Can You Combine Balayage And Highlights?

Yes. Many salons offer hybrid colour techniques to blend softness with brightness.

Which Lasts Longer: Balayage Or Highlights?

Balayage lasts longer without visible regrowth due to its natural placement.

Are Highlights Or Balayage Better For Grey Coverage?

Highlights offer more coverage for greys, especially when applied close to the root.

How Often Should I Touch Up Balayage Or Highlights?

Balayage can last 3–6 months with toning, while highlights often need touch-ups every 6–8 weeks.