Balayage vs Ombre vs Highlights

Highlights, lowlights, babylights. Ombre, balayage, dip dyed…. The list goes on. Confused? Don’t be. We are just going to dive in a discuss the difference between the most popular trends today.

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” flex_column_spacing=”0px” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” first=”true”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

Highlights, lowlights, babylights. Ombre, balayage, dip dyed…. The list goes on. Confused? Don’t be. We are just going to dive in a discuss the difference between the most popular trends today.

 What Is Balayage?

Balayage is graduated natural-looking highlights. With this technique, stylists apply highlights by hand in a freestyle manner.

As with any highlights, balayage involves the use of bleach, however with a balayage, highlights start away from the scalp, preserving your natural roots whilst getting lighter toward the ends. This means there are no blunt roots, so you can go longer between salon visits and touch-ups.

Key Difference – Tends to look more natural and requires less maintenance than traditional foil highlights.

What Is Ombre?

Ombre is when a stylist uses balayage to create a seamless graduation of colour from dark to light, creating a dramatic, graduated effect. Ombre hair is such a popular look thanks to its low level of maintenance. The most popular colour combination is a medium brown that graduates into golden tips, but the colour combination can be something more dramatic.

Key Difference – A dramatic, gradated look, which can be created using a balayage technique.

What Are Highlights?

Highlights are small sections of your hair that are coloured to be lighter shades than your natural colour. Darker hair wanting lighter highlights will be achieved using bleach.

There are different techniques to apply highlights. The most common method is foiling, which involves sectioning out pieces of the hair with a comb before using a lightener.

Key Difference – Highlights are lightened hair strands, which can be achieved using a few different techniques.

If you’re still a little unsure, we are always here to offer you advice and tips on the best treatment for your hair type. Just give us a call and make an appointment with a member of the team.

Check out our blog on the Top Five Foods for Healthy Hair

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Share:

Related Posts

Tame the Tangles: Expert Tips for Managing Long Hair

Long hair is beautiful, versatile, and always in style—but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to manage. From knots and breakage to split ends and daily styling stress, longer locks need extra care to stay healthy and tangle-free.

At Macadamia Hair Spa in Widnes, we help clients of all hair lengths—especially long-haired beauties—get the most out of their look. Whether you’re naturally long-haired or loving your extensions, these simple tips will help you care for your hair and reduce tangles for good.

Read More

Flat Hair Fixes: What to Do When Your Hair Feels Limp and Lifeless

We’ve all been there—you step out of the shower, dry your hair, and… nothing. No volume, no bounce, no movement. Just flat, lifeless locks that feel impossible to style. Sound familiar?

At Macadamia Hair Spa in Widnes, we help clients revive dull hair every single day. If your hair has suddenly lost its va-va-voom, don’t panic. There are simple tweaks and salon treatments that can bring back volume and body in no time.

Here’s what causes flat hair—and what you can do about it.

Read More

Sarah / Master Stylist

Sarah has really built an impressive career over the years! From starting in 2017 to becoming a master stylist in 2025, that’s a significant achievement. Her passion for colour and her ability to listen to clients and perfect every visit is definitely key to her success. Plus, expanding into beauty treatments like waxing and massage makes her even more versatile. What’s Sarah’s secret to making sure she always gets each visit perfect? Does she have a particular approach she follows or something that sets her apart? You tell us!

Read More