What is the difference between highlights and balayage?
Highlights are fine sections of hair lightened from at or near the root down to the ends. They are usually placed in foils, in a pattern, so the brightness looks even from the part to the tips. Hi/lo lights mix lighter pieces with deeper ones, so the color has depth and never looks flat.
Balayage is hand-painted. The colorist sweeps color onto the surface of the hair, heavier toward the ends and softer near the root. The result looks like hair that spent a summer in the sun. There is no hard line at the root, which is why it grows out so softly.
Which one looks more natural?
Both look natural in skilled hands. Balayage looks relaxed and lived-in, because the light falls where the sun would hit. Highlights look more polished, with brightness close to the face and part.
If you wear your hair smooth and straight most days, fine highlights often show beautifully. If you wear soft waves or air-dry, balayage ribbons show more movement.
How do they grow out, and how often will you need a visit?
This is where the two differ most. Because highlights start near the root, new growth shows sooner, and many clients book a refresh more often. Balayage has a gentle fade at the root, so many clients go longer between visits.
Your natural color matters too. The bigger the gap between your base and the lightest pieces, the sooner your roots show. For more, read how often to refresh highlights and roots.
Which is better for gray hair or a dark base?
If you have gray to cover, highlights placed close to the root usually blend it better, because they reach the area where gray shows first. Many of Esther's clients pair all-over color with highlights for this reason. See why in color first, then highlights.
On dark brunette hair, balayage can add caramel or honey ribbons without a big upkeep plan. Highlights on dark hair work well too, but they need more care to keep the tone rich and not brassy.
What do highlights and balayage cost?
On Esther's 2026 menu, full hi/lo lights are $250+ and partial hi/lo lights are $175+. Balayage is $275+ and partial balayage is $200+. The plus sign means the price starts there.
Length, thickness and hair history all change the final price. Hair with box color or old highlights may need more time. At the free consultation, Esther gives you the exact quote before she starts.
How Esther helps you decide
Esther listens first. She looks at your base color, your skin and eyes, how you style your hair, and how often you want to come in. Then she suggests highlights, balayage or a mix. Some clients like both: fine highlights around the face and hand-painted pieces through the lengths.
She mixes every shade for the client and finishes color with a glaze for mirror shine. Read about balayage in Palm Beach and hair highlights, or text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation.
Questions clients ask
Is balayage lower maintenance than highlights?
Usually, yes. Balayage is painted softer at the root, so new growth blends in and many clients wait longer between visits. Highlights show new growth sooner because they start near the root. A glaze between visits keeps either one looking fresh.
Can I get highlights and balayage together?
Yes. Many colorists blend the two, with fine highlights near the face and part for brightness and hand-painted pieces through the lengths for softness. Esther decides the mix with you at your free consultation, based on your hair and how you wear it.
Which is better for fine hair?
Both can make fine hair look fuller, because lighter and deeper tones create the look of depth. Fine highlights spread brightness evenly, while balayage adds movement at the ends. The cut matters as much as the color, so plan them together.
Does balayage work on short hair?
It can, but short hair has less length to show the soft fade from root to end. On short cuts, fine highlights or a few painted pieces around the face often work better. A good colorist will tell you honestly what will show on your length.