--- title: "Balayage vs highlights: how to choose | Luxury Hairdressers London | Simon Warwick Salons" description: "Balayage vs highlights explained: the real difference, upkeep, cost and how to choose, from the colour team at Simon Warwick in Maida Vale." canonical: "https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/blog/balayage-vs-highlights" last_updated: "2026-10-22T09:17:09.367Z" --- # Balayage vs highlights: how to choose ![Samar Zarmani, colour specialist at Simon Warwick Salons in Maida Vale – expert in creative colour, balayage, and personalised colour transformations.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fsamar-zarmani-colour-specialist-simon-warwick-salons-128x170.jpg%3Fv%3D1747379913181&w=128&q=75&dpl=dpl_9qoeXQbUgg3Q3tjNAZjRY13wxw9E) Samar ZarmaniColour & Cutting Specialist PublishedWednesday, 7 October 2026 ![Balayage vs highlights hero image, soft balayage colour by Simon Warwick Salons, Maida Vale London](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fbalayage-vs-highlights-hero-simon-warwick-salons-maida-vale.png%3Fprefix%3Dtenants%252F67f7b377e459ebe831fc564c%26v%3D1791360705378&w=3840&q=75&dpl=dpl_9qoeXQbUgg3Q3tjNAZjRY13wxw9E) Balayage and highlights both lighten your hair, but they are applied in different ways and give different results. Highlights are painted onto sections and wrapped in foils for a more uniform, defined lift. Balayage is painted freehand, so the colour is softer, more natural, and grows out without a hard line. Which one suits you comes down to how bold you want to go, your natural colour, and how often you want to visit the salon. > **Quick answer:** Choose highlights for brighter, more even lift and definition, and balayage for a soft, sun-kissed look with less upkeep. Balayage grows out more gently, so it usually needs fewer appointments. Our [colour specialists in Maida Vale](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/service-categories/hair-colouring-in-maida-vale-london) can help you decide at a consultation. ## What balayage and highlights actually are Highlights are worked through the hair in fine sections, each wrapped in foil so the lightener can lift evenly from root to tip. The result is bright, consistent and easy to control, which makes highlights a good choice if you want a noticeable change or an all-over brighter blonde. You can see more on our [highlights in Maida Vale](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/service-categories/highlights-in-maida-vale-london) page. Balayage, from the French for sweeping, is painted on by hand without foils. Your colourist places the lightness where the sun would naturally catch it, so the colour is softer near the roots and brighter towards the ends. For the detail, our [balayage guide](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/blog/balayage-london) explains what to expect from the appointment. > **At a glance:** highlights give you even, defined brightness from the root. Balayage gives you a soft, lived-in blend that is lightest at the ends. ## How balayage and highlights compare The best choice depends on the look you want and the upkeep you are happy with. - **Upkeep.** Balayage grows out softly with no harsh regrowth line, so it usually needs fewer visits. Highlights start at the root, so regrowth shows sooner and benefits from more regular appointments. - **The look.** Highlights are brighter and more uniform. Balayage is softer and more natural, with most of the lift through the mid-lengths and ends. - **Your starting colour.** Highlights suit those wanting an all-over brighter result. Balayage works beautifully on darker bases, where a gradual, blended lift looks most natural. - **Cost over time.** Because balayage can mean fewer appointments across the year, it often works out well over time. For how colour is priced, see our [hair colouring services](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/service-categories/hair-colouring-in-maida-vale-london) or our guide to [what balayage costs](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/blog/balayage-cost-london). - **Time in the chair.** Both are skilled services, and a full head of foils or a detailed balayage can take a few hours, finished with a toner and blow dry. > **Good to know:** balayage and highlights are not mutually exclusive. Many people have balayage for the soft base and a few face-framing highlights for extra brightness. ## How to choose between them If you want low maintenance and a natural, grown-out finish, balayage is usually the better fit. If you want maximum brightness, crisp definition, or to lift your whole head evenly, highlights will get you there. If you are still unsure, a consultation is the quickest way to decide, because your colourist can look at your hair, your natural depth and your routine before recommending either. > **Local tip:** our Maida Vale colour team, including colour specialist [Carlos Alves](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/meet-the-team), colour-match in person so the result suits your skin tone, not just the trend. ## Keeping your colour looking its best Whichever you choose, good aftercare protects the result and keeps it looking fresh between visits. Use a sulphate free shampoo, add a weekly mask and protect your hair from heat. Our [coloured hair aftercare tips](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/blog/aftercare-blog-for-coloured-hair) and [advice for highlighted hair](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/blog/aftercare-advice-for-highlighted-hair) cover the simple habits that make the biggest difference. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is balayage or highlights better for low maintenance? Balayage is usually the lower maintenance option. Because it is painted freehand and is lightest towards the ends, it grows out softly with no obvious regrowth line, so you can leave longer between appointments than you typically would with foil highlights. ### Which lasts longer, balayage or highlights? Balayage tends to look good for longer because it grows out so gently, often three to four months or more. Highlights still look great for months, but regrowth shows sooner at the root, so touch-ups tend to come around a little faster. ### Is balayage more expensive than highlights? A single appointment can be priced similarly, as both depend on your hair length, thickness and how much lift you want. Balayage can work out well over a year because it often needs fewer visits. For current prices, see our [hair colouring page](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/service-categories/hair-colouring-in-maida-vale-london). ### Can you have balayage and highlights together? Yes. Combining a soft balayage base with a few brighter highlights around the face is a popular way to get natural depth with extra brightness where it frames your features. Your colourist can tailor the balance at your consultation. ### What suits dark hair better, balayage or highlights? Balayage often looks especially natural on darker hair because the freehand blend creates a gradual lift rather than a hard contrast. Highlights can also work well on dark hair, though they usually need careful placement and toning to keep the result soft. ## Book your colour consultation in Maida Vale If you are weighing up balayage and highlights, the easiest next step is a quick consultation with our colour team. See the options on our [hair colouring page](https://www.simonwarwicksalons.co.uk/service-categories/hair-colouring-in-maida-vale-london), then [book online](https://book.frively.com/salons/cb0f3dfa-a82c-4838-8a11-3647833fe569/book) or call the salon on 020 7289 2100. 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