Balayage, Ombre, Or Highlights? What’s The Difference?

Stepping into a salon to colour your hair for the first time can feel like walking into a different world. Suddenly, you’re hearing words you’ve never had to worry about, and you find yourself smiling and nodding, not wanting to look confused in front of your stylist. You may have even shown them a photo from Pinterest, only to be asked which technique you prefer... and that’s when the panic sets in.

The truth is, many of us hear these terms all the time but don’t actually know what sets them apart. If you’ve ever wondered what these techniques really mean, how they differ, and which one might suit you best, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down, jargon-free.

What is balayage?

Balayage (pronounced bah-lee-ahzh) comes from the French word meaning "to sweep" or "to paint", which is exactly how this technique is applied. The stylist hand-paints the colour onto sections of your hair, usually from mid-length to the ends, creating a soft, natural gradient.

The result? Sun-kissed, low-maintenance hair that grows out beautifully. There’s no harsh regrowth line, so it’s perfect if you want a fresh look without having to pop back to the salon every few weeks. Think effortless, beachy, “I woke up like this” hair.

Best suited for: Those looking for a low-commitment, lived-in look. It’s especially great for first-timers or anyone who doesn't want to fuss too much with upkeep.

Pros:

• Natural and soft transition of colour
• Low maintenance
• Can work on most hair lengths and textures

What is ombre?

Ombre means “shaded” in French, and that’s exactly what it looks like: a dramatic fade from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the ends. Unlike balayage, which is painted in a more scattered way, ombre has a more defined line where the colour shift happens, creating a bold gradient.

It’s an eye-catching look that can be subtle or striking, depending on the contrast and colours used. Some opt for natural tones, while others go for fun shades like purple, blue, or pink.

Best suited for: People who want a bold, trendy transformation and don’t mind a bit of upkeep.

Pros:

• Statement look with lots of contrast
• Customisable to your personality and style
• Less root maintenance if you keep your natural colour at the top

What are highlights?

Highlights are a classic technique where sections of hair are lightened from root to tip, usually using foils to separate strands. This method creates contrast and dimension throughout the hair, giving it a multi-tonal appearance.

You can choose from full-head highlights (all over), half-head (top and sides), or even a few face-framing pieces. Highlights can range from very natural to very bold, depending on the colour and placement.

Best suited for: Those who want a more structured, defined lightening throughout their hair.

Pros:

• Adds brightness and texture
• Customisable intensity
• Can blend grey hairs naturally

Balayage vs ombre vs highlights: What’s the real difference? 

It all comes down to technique and effect.

• Balayage is hand-painted for a subtle, sun-kissed look. The colour blends softly with your natural hair, and it typically doesn’t start at the roots.
• Ombre is a more dramatic gradient, fading from dark roots to light ends, with a clear line of transition.
• Highlights are precise, often foiled, and applied from the roots down to give defined streaks of lightness.

While they may look similar at a glance, especially on social media, the techniques and upkeep levels vary quite a bit. So, it’s always best to discuss with your stylist what you’re aiming for. Do you want something soft and blended or bold and structured?

Which one should you choose?

Here’s a simple way to figure it out:

• Go for balayage if you want a natural, low-effort glow that looks good even as it grows out.
• Try ombre if you’re after a strong, striking colour shift with a bit of edge.
• Pick highlights if you want all-over brightness and contrast, or you're looking to blend greys seamlessly.

Still unsure? Your stylist can always mix techniques! For example, many hair pros use balayage and highlights together to add even more depth and brightness in targeted areas.

What about DIY hair colouring?

Salon visits can be time-consuming or pricey, and the question of whether to colour your hair at home or in a salon is real. While boxed dyes and DIY kits are readily available, achieving techniques like balayage or highlights on your own can be tricky. These styles require a trained eye for placement, sectioning, and timing. That’s why it’s usually best left to the professionals, especially if you’re after a more polished or tailored look.

Salons that offer hair colouring services in Singapore often provide consultations, so you can chat about what you want, your hair history, and the best options for your hair type and lifestyle.

Maintenance tips

No matter which technique you choose, coloured hair needs a little extra love:

• Use colour-safe shampoo and conditioner to maintain vibrancy.
• Minimise heat styling or use a heat protectant to avoid further damage.
• Schedule touch-ups or toners if you want to keep the shade fresh and bright.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Deep conditioning treatments will help keep your strands healthy and shiny.

Conclusion

The next time you’re sitting in a stylist’s chair and hear “balayage”, “ombre”, or “highlights” being tossed around, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about and, more importantly, which one works best for your hair goals.

Ready to transform your hair with a fresh new look? Visit No.8 Hair Studio! We offer a range of professional hair services to help you look and feel your best. Whether you're after a soft balayage or a head-turning ombre, our stylists are here to make it happen.