Balayage vs Highlights: Which Blonding Technique Is Right For You?
If you're thinking about going blonde, you've probably found yourself asking...
Should I have balayage or highlights?
The truth is, neither technique is "better". They simply create different results.
At Nichares, this is one of the most common questions we're asked during consultations. The answer depends on your dream hair, how blonde you want to be and how much maintenance you're happy to commit to.
The good news?
You don't need to know the answer before booking. That's our job.
Unlike many salons, our blonding appointments are based on results, not technique, meaning we can combine balayage, highlights, lowlights and face framing to create the perfect bespoke result for you.
What's the difference between balayage and highlights?
The biggest difference isn't actually how they're applied.
It's how they grow out.
Choose balayage if...
You want a softer, more lived in blonde.
Balayage creates seamless blends with a softer root, meaning there's no obvious line as your hair grows.
It's perfect if you:
✓ Want a lower maintenance blonde
✓ Love effortless, expensive looking colour
✓ Prefer visiting the salon fewer times each year
✓ Want brightness without harsh regrowth
Choose highlights if...
You want to feel blonde AF.
Highlights create brightness from the root, giving you maximum lift and a brighter overall result.
They're perfect if you:
✓ Love a bright blonde look
✓ Don't mind regular maintenance
✓ Want maximum brightness around your face
✓ Prefer a more classic blonde finish
Which one lasts longer?
Balayage generally grows out softer because the colour is blended away from the root.
Highlights usually need refreshing sooner because your natural regrowth becomes visible much quicker.
That's why many of our balayage guests only need a Full Works appointment once to four times each year, with maintenance appointments in between to keep everything looking fresh.
Which one is lower maintenance?
If low maintenance is your priority, balayage is usually the winner.
Most guests visit us every six to twelve weeks for maintenance appointments, depending on how bright they like to keep their colour.
Our maintenance menu includes options like Sprinkle of Colour and Mini Refresh to keep your blonde looking salon fresh between larger appointments.
Can balayage make me blonde?
Absolutely.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that balayage only creates subtle colour.
It can create beautifully bright blondes too.
The technique simply determines how your blonde is placed throughout the hair rather than how blonde you become.
Is balayage only for brunettes?
Not at all.
Balayage works beautifully on both light and dark hair.
Whether you're naturally blonde, brunette or somewhere in between, balayage can be customised to suit your hair goals.
Which technique is kinder to your hair?
Neither balayage nor highlights should leave your hair feeling damaged when carried out correctly.
Healthy blonde hair starts with the right plan.
That's why every Nichares colour journey begins with a consultation.
We'll assess your hair history, discuss what's realistically achievable and create a personalised roadmap that prioritises the health of your hair throughout the process.
Sometimes that means achieving your goal in one appointment.
Sometimes it means creating a staged journey to protect the integrity of your hair.
What if I have grey hair?
This depends on what you're trying to achieve.
If your priority is covering grey hair, highlights are often the better choice.
If you're looking to blend your greys naturally and create a softer grow out, balayage may be a better option.
If grey hair is your main concern, we'd recommend visiting our dedicated Grey Blending page to explore your options.
Which one should I choose?
Honestly...
You don't need to know.
Bring three to five inspiration photos that you love to your consultation.
We'll assess your hair, understand what you love about those images and create a bespoke colour plan that gets you there safely.
Because choosing the right technique is our job, not yours.
Why Nichares does things differently
Many salons ask you to decide whether you need balayage, highlights or something else before you've even spoken to a stylist.
We don't.
Our appointments are based on the amount of transformation needed rather than the technique itself.
That means your stylist has complete flexibility to use whatever combination of techniques will achieve the best result for your hair.
It's one of the reasons our colour feels so bespoke.
Ready to start your blonde journey?
For just a £1 consultation reservation fee, you'll receive:
✓ A personalised roadmap to your hair goals
✓ An accurate quote before you commit
✓ Expert advice on the right blonding journey for you
✓ A bespoke maintenance plan to keep your colour looking incredible
Reserve your consultation today and let's create your dream blonde.