Balayage vs Highlights: What You Need to Know

Are you thinking about getting a new hair colour, but you’re unsure if you want to go for a full colour change or just add some highlights? At our hair salon in Singapore, one of the most common questions we hear is: "What’s the difference between balayage and highlights?"

When it comes to balayage vs highlights, balayage hair typically offers a more natural, seamless blend, while traditional foil highlights create a more uniformed, defined look. Although it’s important to note that we also use foils for some balayage techniques at our hair salon in Singapore, the end result still appears softer and more blended compared to traditional highlights.

Today, there are different balayage methods available to achieve various styles, whether you want a subtle lift or a more dramatic change. Whether you’re aiming for hair with highlights that pop or a sun-kissed balayage hair look, understanding the difference is key to choosing a style that suits your personality and lifestyle.

If you’ve been curious about the difference between balayage and highlights Singapore trends, keep reading, we’re here to break it down for you.

1. What is the difference between balayage and highlights?

Balayage is one of the most requested hair colouring techniques at our hair salons in Singapore. With balayage, you achieve a well-blended, natural-looking, and sun-kissed effect. While balayage includes highlights, the highlights from this technique blend seamlessly with your base colour, creating a softer and more natural look.

In contrast, traditional highlights use foils and feature strands of vertical hair that are more uniform and typically one or two shades lighter than your natural or base colour. This method adds depth and dimension to your hair, but it’s important to note that regrowth lines are usually more noticeable with highlights compared to balayage.

Highlights and balayage can both be done with or without bleach, depending on your desired result and maintenance preference, something important to consider if you have a busy lifestyle and limited time for frequent salon visits.

2. Is balayage better than highlights?

Nothing is generally better than the other, it always depends on which hair colouring technique best suits your personality and lifestyle. At our hair salon in Singapore, our stylists offer a complimentary hair consultation before each service to answer any questions you may have and to provide personalized recommendations.

During this consultation, our stylists will ask you comprehensive questions about your hair goals and even request inspiration photos if you have them. We also provide professional hair colour swatch books for you to browse through, making it easier to visualise and select your ideal shade.

Whether you're considering balayage hair for a soft, natural look or exploring other colour options, we’ll help you choose a style that complements your complexion and fits your lifestyle.

If you're still deciding between balayage vs highlights, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

3. Does a balayage cost more than highlights?

At our hair salon in Singapore, the cost will depend on the service details and the level of stylist you choose. For senior stylists, a single shade colour (non-bleach) ranges from $120 to $160, while highlights or balayage without bleaching are priced between $180 to $260. If you opt for highlights or balayage with one round of bleaching, the price ranges from $220 to $320.

For services by junior stylists, highlights or balayage without bleaching, including a haircut, cost between $140 to $180.

4. Does balayage last longer?

On average, balayage hair lasts around 3 to 4 months, depending on how well you care for it after your appointment and the hair care products you use regularly. To help your balayage hair last longer, we recommend using shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for coloured hair, ideally sulfate-free to prevent colour fading.

In comparison, highlights generally last around 2 to 3 months before needing a colour refresh or a root touch-up. As mentioned, this timeframe can vary depending on the method used and the maintenance products applied.

Overall, balayage tends to last longer than traditional highlights, making it a great option if you prefer a lower-maintenance hair colouring style.

5. Can balayage be done without bleach?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to achieve balayage hair without bleaching, especially if you already have naturally dark hair and want to stay within dark to medium brown shades. At our hair salon in Singapore, our hairstylists can create beautiful balayage looks using shades like Soft Mahogany Brown, Dark Brown, Chocolate Brown, Chestnut Brown, and Mocha Brown, without the need for bleaching.

However, if you are aiming for a noticeably lighter hair colour, typically about one to two shades lighter than your natural hair, a round of bleaching may be required to achieve the desired result.

Ready to get your balayage hair at Kimage Salon?

If you're looking for a hair salon in Singapore and a personalized hair colouring experience, our hairstylists are here for you. Established in 1994, we are a boutique hair salon chain renowned for enhancing individual personalities through expert hairdressing. With nine outlets across Singapore and a team of skilled hairdressers, we offer a wide range of services, including hair colouring, treatments, perming, and straightening.

At Kimage, our experienced stylists take the time to understand your preferences and skin tone to recommend the perfect hair colour for you. If you’re looking for a subtle change or a bold new look, we provide a comfortable and professional environment to help you achieve your desired style. Plus, we often have some of the best hair colour deals here in Singapore, so you get top-notch quality without breaking the bank.

Visit Kimage Salon to schedule an appointment here and discover the perfect hair colour that complements your skin tone and personal style.