Balayage vs. Traditional Highlights

Balayage vs. Traditional Highlights: What's the Difference?

At Salon Edit, choosing the correct hair colouring technique makes all the difference in achieving your desired style. Let's explore the key differences between balayage and traditional highlights to help you make an informed decision.

Balayage

  • Technique: Balayage, which means "to sweep" in French, involves hand-painting colour onto the hair. This freehand technique creates a natural, sun-kissed look with softer, less noticeable regrowth lines.
  • Application: The colour is applied sweepingly, starting fine at the roots and becoming thicker towards the ends. This method allows for a beautifully blended gradient effect.
  • Maintenance: Balayage is low-maintenance because it grows out more naturally. You can go longer between touch-ups, typically every 3-4 months.
  • Look: Balayage provides a natural, multi-dimensional look. It's perfect for those who want a subtle, lived-in colour mimicking how hair naturally lightens in the sun.

Traditional Highlights

  • Technique: Traditional highlights involve sectioning the hair and applying the colour from the roots to the ends using foils. This method creates a more uniform and structured look.
  • Application: The hair is woven into small sections, and the colour is applied to these sections before being wrapped in foils. This ensures even saturation and a more defined contrast.
  • Maintenance: Highlights require frequent touch-ups, usually every 6-8 weeks, to maintain the look and manage root growth.
  • Look: Highlights offer a more dramatic change with distinct streaks of colour. Depending on the desired effect, they can be customised to be bold or subtle.

Choosing Between Balayage and Highlights

  • Balayage: Ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance, natural look with soft, blended colour transitions.
  • Highlights: Perfect for those who want a more noticeable, structured colour change with defined streaks.

Both techniques can be tailored to suit your personal style and hair goals. Consulting with a professional stylist at Salon Edit can help you decide which method is best for you based on your desired result.

Section 2: Balayage / Foils Maxi

Description: Experience the pinnacle of highlighting with our Maxi Balayage or Foil Service. This premium service is designed for those who desire the full impact of a head of foils, delivering vibrant and striking results that let your hair shine. Whether preparing for a special occasion or simply wanting a dramatic transformation, this service ensures your hair looks its best.

Ideal For:

  • Clients Looking for a Dramatic Transformation: If you're ready for a bold change, this service provides a complete makeover that will leave you refreshed and confident.
  • Special Occasions: Perfect for weddings, galas, or any event where you want to make a lasting impression with stunning, head-turning hair.

At Salon Edit, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results with every service. Our Max Balayage or Foil Service is no exception, offering a comprehensive and luxurious experience that transforms your hair into a work of art.

Section 3: Balayage / Foils Midi

Description: Our Balayage / Foils Midi service offers a comprehensive highlighting experience similar to our Maxi service but with a slightly less intense impact. This service is perfect for those who want the full effect of a head of foils while maintaining a balanced, natural look.

Ideal For:

  • Clients Seeking a Full Head of Highlights with a Balanced, Natural Look: This service is perfect for those who want the impact of a full head of foils without an overly dramatic change. It provides a natural, sun-kissed look that is both elegant and sophisticated.
  • Great for Maintaining a Consistent Colour and Shine: This treatment is ideal for clients who want to keep their hair looking vibrant and healthy. The combination of treatments ensures your hair remains in top condition, with a consistent colour and beautiful shine.

At Salon Edit, we are dedicated to providing hair care services that enhance your natural beauty. Our Balayage / Foils Midi service is designed to give you stunning, head-turning results while maintaining a natural, elegant look.

Section 4: Balayage / Foils Mini

Description: Our Balayage / Foils Mini service is perfect for those looking to add subtle, sun-kissed highlights to their hair. This service is equivalent to a quarter head or focuses on the hairline and part, making it ideal for face-framing foils. If you aim for a natural, understated glow, this treatment will bring out the best in your hair with a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Ideal For:

  • Clients Wanting a Subtle Enhancement: Perfect for clients who want to add brightness and dimension without a dramatic change. It enhances your natural beauty with a soft, sun-kissed look.
  • First-Time Highlights or Maintaining a Natural Look: This service is ideal for clients new to highlights or who prefer a more natural, understated appearance. It provides a gentle introduction to hair colouring and is perfect for maintaining a consistent, natural look.

Preparing for your appointment at Salon Edit ensures you get the most out of your visit. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

Know What You Want
Research Styles: Look up styles and colours you like. Bringing photos can help your stylist understand your vision.

Consultation:
If you need more clarification, book a consultation to discuss your options with a stylist.

Hair Condition:
Wash your hair the day before your appointment. Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down your hair.

Healthy Hair:
Use a deep conditioning treatment a few days before to ensure your hair is in good condition.

Give a detailed Hair History:
Inform your stylist about any prior colour treatments, chemical processes, or issues you've had with your hair.

Allergies:
Mention any allergies or sensitivities to hair products.

Plan Your Day:
Ensure you have enough time for your appointment, especially if it's a more extended service like balayage or foils with additional treatments.

Relax:
Plan to relax and enjoy the experience. Bring a book or something to keep you entertained if needed.

Post-Appointment Care:
Ask your stylist about recommended products for maintaining your new style.

Follow-Up:
Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments, such as touch-ups or treatments.

Additional Treatments

At Salon Edit, we offer a range of additional treatments that you can add to your service to enhance your experience and achieve your desired look.

Here are some popular options:

  • Deep Conditioning Hair Treatments add an extra boost of hydration and help strengthen hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and manageable.
  • Scalp Treatment: A specialised treatment to address scalp concerns such as dryness, dandruff, or excess oil. It promotes a healthy scalp environment, essential for healthy hair growth.
  • Keratin Treatment: Smooth and tame frizz with a keratin treatment. This service helps to make your hair more manageable and gives it a sleek, shiny finish.
  • Additional Colour Services: If you're looking to add more dimension to your hair, consider adding extra highlights, lowlights, or a root shadow to your service.
  • Hair Extensions: You can opt for extensions for added length or volume.

How to Add Treatments

  • Consult with Your Stylist: During your appointment, discuss your hair goals and any additional treatments you're interested in with your stylist. They can recommend the best options for your hair type and desired outcome.
  • Book in Advance: It's a good idea to mention your additional treatments when booking your appointment to ensure we have enough time to accommodate them.
Adding these services can elevate your salon experience and help you achieve the best possible results.


We're here to make sure you leave the salon feeling fabulous. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your appointment at Salon Edit and can look forward to a fantastic experience and stunning results.

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