Both balayage and highlights brighten your hair. The difference is in how the lightener is applied, and that changes how the color looks, how it grows out and how often you come back. Here is how to tell them apart, what each one costs at Salon Bravissimo, and how to choose.
At a glance
- Balayage: color painted on by hand for a soft, graduated, natural-looking effect
- Highlights: full or partial, for brighter, more defined brightness
- Starting at: $150 for partial highlights, $350 for balayage
- Balayage deposit: required
- Where: all three Salon Bravissimo locations, in Sacramento and Folsom
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
Balayage is a technique in which the color is painted on by hand to create a graduated, natural-looking effect. Your colorist places brightness where the light would naturally hit, so the color melts from deeper at the root to lighter through the ends.
Highlights are a more traditional lightening service, done as a full or partial set. A partial adds brightness in key areas, and a full set brightens the hair throughout. A toner, glaze or color balance can be added to a highlight service to fine-tune the shade.
How do balayage and highlights look different?
Balayage tends to read as soft, blended and lived-in. Highlights tend to read as brighter and more defined. Many clients ask for a mix of both, and your colorist can tell you which approach to use where. Here are two examples of the kind of color we create:
How do they grow out, and how often will I be back?
Because balayage is blended from the root down, regrowth usually looks softer and there is no hard line, so many clients can go longer between visits. Highlights that start close to the root tend to show new growth sooner, so touch-ups usually come around more often. Your colorist can give you a realistic schedule for your hair when you book.
A comparison at a glance:
| Balayage | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Painted on by hand | Full or partial set |
| Look | Soft, graduated and natural-looking | Brighter and more defined |
| Grow-out | Usually softer, with no hard line | New growth usually shows sooner |
| Starting price | $350 to $650, by hair length | $150 partial, $250 full |
| Deposit | Required | Your colorist confirms |
Which one is right for me?
Balayage may be a great fit if you want:
- Soft, natural-looking brightness
- A graduated look that melts from deeper roots to lighter ends
- Fewer visits as your hair grows out
Highlights may be a great fit if you want:
- Brightness that starts closer to the root
- A crisper, more defined result
- A full or partial set you can fine-tune with a toner, glaze or color balance
Still not sure? That is exactly what a consultation is for.
How much do balayage and highlights cost?
These are starting prices from our menu. Your colorist confirms your price, and you can ask for a quote before your service starts.
| Service | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Balayage, shoulder length | $350 to $450 | Deposit required |
| Balayage, mid back | $450 to $550 | Deposit required |
| Balayage, waist length | $550 to $650 | Deposit required |
| Partial highlights | From $150 | A toner, glaze or color balance can be added |
| Full highlights | From $250 | A toner, glaze or color balance can be added |
| Toner | From $55 | Added to a highlight service |
What about going much lighter?
If you want to lighten your hair by two or more shades in one session, ask about double process blonding. Your colorist bleaches the hair completely, then tones it to your desired shade. It starts at $350. We specialize in the full lines of Wella Koleston Perfect and Color Touch, and we also offer Nectaya ammonia-free color.
What happens at a color consultation?
Some color services begin with a conversation. Your colorist looks at your hair history, your current color and the look you want, then recommends balayage, highlights or a combination. Balayage needs a deposit, and you can ask for a quote before any color service begins. Bring a few photos of color you love, and one you do not, to make the plan clearer.
Where can I get balayage or highlights?
Salon Bravissimo is a twelve-time KCRA 3 A-List winner for Best Hair Color. Balayage and highlights are available at all three locations: Fair Oaks Blvd and Howe Ave in Sacramento, and Historic Folsom. See the full menu on our Hair Color page, then book online or call (916) 972-7273.
See it on Instagram
In the mood for gorgeous highlights? Watch our highlights reel on Instagram.
