Are you in the mood to update your hair color? If so, this might be the perfect time to get some highlights. Nowadays, though, there are many different options to consider for highlights—you can go for the traditional with some foiling or experiment with something newer with balayage.

Foil highlights and balayage both offer unique looks, and they both have their advantages and differences. As long as you get your treatments done by expert colorists, both these color solutions can bring you something amazing.

So, how do you choose between the two? Keep on reading to find out.

What Are Foil Highlights?

Foil highlights, or foiling, is a hair-lightening technique ideal for people who want a significant color shift. Using foils works best when one has dark hair and wants to go many shades lighter. 

The hairstylist will section the hair off, apply the hair color, and wrap it in foil for processing. Foil is used in this treatment because it is a good heat conductor, meaning the hair color will infiltrate deeper into the hair strands and give off a more intense look.

When to Use Foil Highlights

Foil highlights are best for these types of clients:

• People who want more lift. If you have darker hair and want a distinct contrast from the color of your hair to the highlights, foiling is the best option. Foiling gives off an intense, bright color perfect for highlights, lowlights, and base colors all blending together.

• People who can handle maintenance. Because foil highlights provide a more dramatic color change, it will be more noticeable when your hair starts growing out. If you want to preserve the look you get from highlights, you may have to visit the salon more for touch-up treatments.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is another hair-lightening technique with the main goal of producing a more natural, sun-kissed look. The term balayage comes from the French word meaning “to sweep” or “to paint,” which is why it is also called hair painting.

With balayage, hairstylists will use a freehand technique to paint the desired color onto the hair. The result has lighter colors that blend it with your natural hair.

When to Use Balayage

Balayage works best for these types of clients:

• People who are looking for four levels of lift or less. Balayage can get about four levels of lift in just one session. It won’t be the best choice if you need intense brightness for your hair or if you want a very dramatic color change.

• People who want something that doesn’t require too much upkeep. Balayage provides a subtle result and a very natural look. If you get balayage, you don’t have to go for touch-ups repeatedly.

• People who are new to highlights. Balayage is perfect as an introduction for those who have never gotten highlights or undergone drastic hair color changes before. It’s a popular treatment because it gives a natural effect. It is an ideal option for beginners and those who just want to see a slight change for now.

Final Thoughts

Breathe something new to your overall look by trying out highlight hair treatments like foiling or balayage. They bring color diversity into your hair so you can enjoy dimension, depth, and added beauty for your locks. 

For your next hair highlight treatment, book an appointment at The Glam House. As hair color experts in Denver, we can help you enjoy an effortless and luxurious treatment for glamorous hair. Whether you want balayage or foil highlights, our glam team can deliver what you need!