What’s not to love about the balayage hairstyle and highlighting technique? The balayage has been popular for the past few years, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Why? Well, this lightening technique creates a lived-in, stunning look for every hairstyle, texture, length and type.
Source: Volodymyr Tverdokhlib | Dreamstime.com
When you visit your hairstylist and ask for a balayage using professional hair color, your stylist may ask you if you want to do a partial or a full balayage. It may be hard to understand the difference between the two, as well as which technique will give you the look you want.
However, we have written this article to highlight the main differences between a full and partial balayage so that all you have to worry about is finding some inspirational photos for your stylist to look at and decide whether you want a balayage vs. traditional highlights.
What’s a Balayage?
If you have been hearing the word “balayage” a lot as you look for inspiration for your new hairstyle, but you aren’t sure what it means, let us explain. In short, a balayage is a more natural-looking version of traditional highlights. Instead of chunky, straight highlights, balayage highlights are hand-painted by your hairstylist on random sections of your hair. Unlike typical highlights that start at the root, a balayage starts at the midshaft of the hair and is painted down toward the ends. The balayage is very faint in the middle of the hair and gets bolder and more dramatic toward the bottom. Since the bleach is painted onto the hair, it gives your hair more of a natural, sun-kissed look.
@kashmirbeautylounge via Instagram powered by Squarelovin
How Is It Different from Highlights?
There are several different techniques to use to highlight hair, and balayage is just one technique. However, you can think of highlights being more patterned, thicker and not as natural looking. While both balayage and highlights can range in tone and shade as well, a balayage is usually closer to the person’s natural color, whereas highlights have more contrast.
What Is a Partial Balayage?
When you arrive at the salon, your stylist may ask you if you want a partial or a full balayage. Both are great options. However, there are some differences to consider. For a partial balayage, this means that your stylist will lighten the hair on one part of your head — usually around the face or the topmost layer of your hair with thicker lightened strands toward the bottom. A partial balayage usually gives a more subtle sun-kissed look.
What Is a Full Balayage?
On the other hand, a full balayage means that your stylist will paint highlights throughout every portion of your hair. A full balayage creates a brighter, more vibrant look. While a full balayage may look closer to actual highlights, it still has a lived-in and more natural look that is also more low-maintenance than traditional highlights.
Source: Neonshot | Dreamstime.com
What Are the Differences Between a Full and Partial Balayage?
Now that you understand what a partial and full balayage is,l let’s talk about some of the biggest differences so that you can better determine which style is right for you.
- Overall Look – Obviously, the partial and full balayage differ in the number of highlights and brightness you will be bringing to your hair. A full balayage will give you brighter hair, whereas a partial balayage will give you a more natural, sun-kissed look.
- Time – A partial balayage takes far less time than a full balayage because your stylist will only be working on one portion of your hair, whereas a full balayage is done throughout your entire head. The amount of time you spend in the salon depends on your hair length, texture and history, as well as the kind of balayage you choose.
- Price – A partial balayage will typically be less expensive than a full balayage because it takes less time and requires less product.
- Damage – Hair damage can occur anytime you lighten your hair. You may experience more hair damage with a full balayage than with a partial. Luckily, regardless of what method you choose, your stylist will ensure to use high-quality hair care products to minimize damage.
Have you decided on which balayage style you want? We know it’s not always easy to make such a big decision about your hair, but we hope this article made it easier! With that, we will say that a partial balayage is a great place to start, and it’s always possible to do a full balayage later if you decide your hair needs more brightness!
Share Your Feedback