Slug: balayage-vs-highlights-chicago Target keyword: "balayage vs highlights chicago" Category: Hair Color Education
If you've been searching for hair color inspiration and keep seeing "balayage" and "highlights" used almost interchangeably, you're not alone. They're related — but they're not the same thing. Here's the honest breakdown from the colorists at Reverie Salon in River North, Chicago.
What Are Traditional Highlights?
Traditional highlights use aluminum foils to isolate sections of hair, applying lightener from root to tip within each foil. The result is uniform brightness throughout each strand — classic, bright, and consistent. Foil highlights are great for maximum coverage, going significantly lighter, or achieving a very precise placement.
Best for: Clients who want lots of brightness, significant color change, or very uniform coverage.
Maintenance: Every 6–8 weeks, as the root grow-out is visible.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a freehand painting technique. Your colorist sweeps lightener onto the surface of the hair using a brush, starting lower on the strand and building concentration toward the ends. Nothing is wrapped in foil. The result is softer, more graduated — a blended, sun-kissed look that fades naturally as it grows.
Best for: Clients who want a natural, effortless look with less frequent appointments.
Maintenance: Every 3–5 months, since the color grows out gracefully without harsh lines.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Balayage | Traditional Highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Hand-painted, freehand | Foil-wrapped sections |
| Result | Soft, graduated, natural | Uniform, brighter coverage |
| Regrowth | Grows out seamlessly | Visible line at roots |
| Maintenance | Every 3–5 months | Every 6–8 weeks |
| Best for | Natural, low-maintenance look | Maximum brightness, full coverage |
| Price | Typically similar | Typically similar |
Can You Combine Them?
Absolutely — and many of our clients do. Foil highlights around the face combined with balayage through the lengths is a popular technique that gives you maximum brightness where it counts while keeping the rest looking natural. Your colorist will recommend the right blend for your goals.
AirTouch: The Next Level
If you want the most natural balayage result possible, ask us about AirTouch — an advanced technique that uses a blow dryer during the coloring process to create an even softer, more feathered transition. It's a step beyond traditional balayage and the results are stunning.
So Which Should You Book?
- Want low maintenance and natural-looking? → Balayage
- Want maximum brightness and full coverage? → Foil highlights
- Not sure? → Book a consultation and we'll look at your hair and goals together
Book a Consultation at Reverie Salon →
Reverie Salon is located at 300 W Grand Ave, River North, Chicago. Call us at (312) 955-0083.
