Highlights vs Balayage

Which Hair Colour Technique Is Right For You?

At The Cutting Club Salon in Cleethorpes, Grimsby, we know how important it is to find the perfect hair colour that suits your style, lifestyle, and personality. In this blog, we’re breaking down the key differences between two of the most popular colouring techniques—highlights and balayage to help you decide which look is right for you.

Not sure which to choose? No worries! Book a consultation and chat with one of our expert stylists today. We’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure you leave with a look you love—and one that truly suits you.

Book a consultation with one of our expert stylists today by calling 01472 694 900 or book online.

Please note: In the interest of your safety and peace of mind, we offer a complimentary allergy alert test before providing our colouring services. Please contact us at least 48 hours before your appointment to arrange for your patch test.

What are Highlights?

Highlights are typically done using foils and involve lightening specific sections of the hair from root to tip. They create a more uniform, structured brightness throughout the hair, often starting closer to the scalp than balayage.

There are several types of highlights, each offering a different level of coverage and impact:

T-Section Highlights
These are placed along your parting and the hairline - essentially in the shape of a “T.” T-sections are great for a quick refresh between larger colour appointments or for someone who wants subtle lightening around the face.

Partial Highlights
These target only certain parts of the head, often the top layer and sides. It gives dimension without fully committing to a whole-head transformation.

Half Head Highlights
This technique includes the top and sides of the head, often enough to give a noticeable lift and contrast throughout your hair, while still leaving the lower layers untouched.

Full Head Highlights
As the name suggests, this covers the entire head, top, sides, back, and underneath. This is the most dramatic option and is perfect if you want an all-over lighter look.

What is Balayage?

Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep.” It’s a freehand colouring technique where colour is painted onto the hair in a sweeping motion to create soft, natural-looking highlights. The result is a sun-kissed effect with a gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends. Balayage is often lower maintenance than traditional highlights because there’s no harsh line as your hair grows out.

It requires less upkeep than traditional highlights as the root grow out is softer. Balayage works on brunettes, red heads and blondes and often incorporates face-framing highlights, commonly known as "the money piece". This is a brighter section of colour placed around the front hairline to instantly lighten the face and add contrast. Even in a soft, blended balayage, the money piece can be more defined and vivid, creating a bold yet flattering pop. It’s a great way to draw attention to your features and can be customised to be subtle or striking, depending on your style.

Balayage is often associated with sun-kissed, beachy tones, typically in shades of blonde, caramel, or honey. The soft, hand-painted technique mimics the natural lightening effect of the sun, giving hair a warm, effortless glow. Thinking about changing your hair colour to blonde? Read our handy guide to going blonde.

Read more about looking after your Balayage at home.

How Often Should You Book Your Colour Appointments?

We know life gets busy, but keeping on top of your colour appointments is the key to maintaining that fresh, flawless look you love. That’s why we always recommend booking your next appointment before you leave the salon. It ensures you get your ideal time and never miss a spot in our busy schedule.

Every colour service has a different ideal booking interval, so whether you're maintaining highlights, balayage, or a mix of the two, we’ll help you find the timing that works best for your hair and lifestyle. If you're unsure, just ask! Our expert team here at The Cutting Club Salon in Cleethorpes is always happy to guide you.

Our best advice? Be consistent. Regular appointments mean healthier hair, longer-lasting results, and less stress trying to squeeze into the diary last minute.

Book Your Appointment Online

Book a consultation with one of our expert stylists today by calling 01472 694 900 or book online.