Balayage vs Highlights vs Ombre: What Is the Difference?
With the development of the fashion world and the huge progress in the hairdressing industry, the single change in hair color today is no longer enough to satisfy people’s quest for beauty. That’s why there are constant developments and innovations offering new techniques and options for all those who want to be different and try new things. The most popular hair coloring techniques nowadays are balayage, ombre and highlights. While these techniques may be similar in approach and end result, they are actually very different. In addition, fashion trends are constantly changing and something new is always being introduced. As a result, it is easy for a person to get bogged down when looking for the best options. Balayage, highlights, and ombre are three popular hair color techniques. So, what are the real differences between these three hair color techniques in terms of method and appearance?
What is balayage?
Balayage is a freehand coloring method. It focuses on sweeping the hair dye onto the surface of the hair. The hair color or hair dye is applied vertically. This keeps the highlights from disappearing in the midsection and at the ends of the hair. Most importantly, it allows the hair to grow out gracefully. From the moment it appeared on the hair scene, balayage has been the most loved hair coloring technique. It is a great choice for all skin tones, hair colors and hair types. In addition, it adds a contouring detail to the face and highlights facial features in the unique way.
What is the highlights?
Highlightsare a very well known coloring technique. They are not a new method like balayage or blending. With highlights, there is nothing to miss when it comes to changing the look and color of your hair. It is safe to say that highlighting looks great on everyone. However, the final look is different from the look of balayage. For those who are looking for a more blended overall effect, but with less dimension, a pick dye is a good choice. It is also a good option for those with finer textured hair. The process of getting highlights is traditional — the hair is saturated within the foil. In contrast to balayage, regrowth is more pronounced here when the hair grows back.
What is Ombre?
Ombre is a hair coloring technique that comes from the French word meaning shade. In terms of the appearance of the hair, ombre means a dramatic, two-toned hair color effect with a darker color on top and a lighter color on the bottom. Brunette hairstyles can be any combination of colors — natural blonde, brown, red, or even some intense and unexpected colors such as pink, blue, green, or purple. The look offered by brunettes is versatile and extraordinary for all hair lengths. However, it always looks best on long and medium hair. Brunettes are a common choice because it does not require regular touch-ups. This is because the top part remains dark. The overall look from the ombre hair coloring technique will change as your hair grows, which is quite nice because you will always have a different look.
Differences
The most important difference between these techniques is how the stylist applies the color to achieve the desired look. For example, when it comes to the difference between balayage and highlights, the main focus is on the softness of the regrowth. The so-called negative space or dark space is applied with balayage, allowing the highlights to fully play their leading role. The saturation of color occurs in the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. As for the highlights, the entire section is made of aluminum foil.
On the other hand, balayage and ombre are often combined as two coloring techniques. Of course, there are differences between them. The special thing about brunette hair is the smaller size of the middle section and the ends of the hair. Traditional balayage coloring, on the other hand, gives dimension to the entire hair.
Comparing ombre and highlights results in something less common. Highlights go from the roots to the ends of the hair. Auburn lightens from the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair.
All three of these hair coloring techniques are unique in appearance. However, what is very appealing is that today’s market offers a wide variety of hair accessories and accessories that can give you more style. So, anyone who doesn’t want to perpetuate this change, or who is willing to try some new styles, can try hair toppers or wigs. At Donmily, we have the most interesting and fashionable wigs available. And many wigs are available with highlights or balayage techniques — a perfect option to make a noticeable change in your hairstyle and try something new.