Balayage vs. Highlights: Which Look Fits You Best?

I hear this question almost every week at Bokaos Salon & Spa. “Hasblady, should I go with balayage or stick to highlights?” It’s a fair question. Living here in Pasadena, the sun, the weather, and even your lifestyle can change how your hair color holds up. Let me break it down the way I would if you were sitting in my chair during a trim.

What’s the Real Difference?

Balayage is a painting technique. I sweep lighter tones onto your hair where the sun would naturally hit. It looks soft, blended, and grows out without sharp lines. Highlights, on the other hand, are done with foils. That gives you more even brightness from root to tip, which is great if you want a bold, consistent look.

Here’s how I usually explain it to clients who stop by after a movie at the IPIC Theater downtown: if you love that effortless, California sun-kissed glow, balayage is perfect. If you want the kind of all-over blonde you see on magazine covers, highlights do the job better.

Why Choose Balayage?

If you don’t want to sit in the salon chair every six weeks, balayage is a good match. The grow-out is soft and forgiving. I have a client who works nearby in Old Pasadena and only comes in three times a year. Her hair still looks fresh between appointments because the color blends so naturally.

• Perfect for brunettes who want soft caramel pieces.
• Ideal for blondes looking for a beachy, natural blend.
• Great for anyone who prefers a lower-maintenance routine.

Balayage also works beautifully with textured cuts, because it moves with your layers instead of looking blocky or rigid.

When Highlights Shine

Highlights are the way to go if you want maximum brightness right from the roots. They’re also great if your natural shade is darker and you’re looking for a dramatic shift. One of my clients downtown always chooses foils because she likes that polished, even look. Highlights also give me tighter control with placement, which is helpful if you want bold face-framing streaks or a near full-blonde effect.

Mixing the Two

Some of my favorite results come from mixing both. A little balayage for the soft blend, then a few foils around the face for brightness. Clients often tell me, “This is exactly the look I wanted, but I didn’t know how to describe it.” Combining the two gives you the best of both worlds.

Mistakes People Make

The most common mistake I see is when people try balayage at home. It’s not just brushing on color. The size of each section, the angle, the placement, those details matter. Another mistake is expecting balayage to give platinum roots-to-ends in one visit. That’s a highlight look, not balayage.

Hasblady’s Local Take

When I work on color, I think about how it will look not only under salon lights but also when you’re out walking along Colorado Boulevard. Balayage is about movement and softness. Highlights are about brightness and control. Neither is “better”, it just depends on what you want and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with.

How to Decide

If you love softer grow-out and natural-looking dimension, balayage is a great choice. If you like bold, even brightness and don’t mind coming in for touch-ups, highlights might be your fit. Still not sure? That’s what consultations are for. We’ll sit down and look at your hair, your style, and your lifestyle to figure out the right path for you.

At Bokaos Salon & Spa, we work with both techniques every day, tailoring them to Pasadena’s sun and city lifestyle. Whether you’re getting ready for dinner in Old Town or a night out near the theater, your color should feel fresh and completely yours.

Let’s Plan Your Next Color

Come see us at One Colorado Square, 52 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103. Call (626) 304-0007 or book online here. Ask for me, Hasblady Guzman, or any of our talented team, Alfred, Suzi, or Andrew. We’ll help you choose between balayage, highlights, or a custom mix that fits your life and your look.