What’s the difference between foilyage and balayage?

Whether you want to add some subtle color to your hair or completely transform your look, highlights are the way to go! Between baby lights, lowlights, ombre, balayage, and foilyage, the highlighted hair ideas are endless…and endlessly confusing.

Great hair shouldn’t be complicated, so we’re going to break down two of our most popular hair highlighting services and help you determine which one will suit you best. When it comes to the differences between foilyage and balayage, here’s what you need to know…

The Difference Between Foilyage and Balayage

How Will It Look?

Overall, the foilyage and balayage techniques produce similar effects! They both create a very natural look with darker roots and lighter ends. However, the balayage highlighting method creates a little more subtlety as the color only touches one side of the hair. With the color hand-painted and air-dried, balayage is great for blondes and light-haired brunettes looking for a sun-kissed effect.

However, balayage highlights don’t always produce the same results on darker hair. That’s where foilyage comes in! Our Fort Collins hair salon creates foilyage highlights by incorporating foils into the balayage technique. This intensifies the lightening process and creates a more dramatic look for our dark brunette clients.

Application Process

When comparing the two, the main difference between foilyage and balayage highlights is the process itself.

The balayage technique creates highlights by sweeping the color or lightener along the hair, keeping the roots virtually untouched and applying more product near the ends. This focuses the majority of color on the surface of the hair, keeping the underside darker to create a dimensional and natural effect.

The entire process can take 45 minutes to an 1.5 hours depending on the length and density of the hair.

To achieve a similar color payoff on darker brunettes, our stylists combine the subtle, painterly technique of balayage with traditional highlighting foils.

While the color or lightener is still hand painted in the foilyage method, it is then wrapped in foils to increase heat, saturate all sides of the hair, and intensify the lifting properties in order to create a more vibrant color transition. Because the foiling process takes a bit longer, foilyage appointments can last as long as 3 hours.

The Cost of Foilyage VS Balayage

Between foilyage and balayage services, you’re going to pay about the same. Here at Facetté The Hair Experience, both services start at $125, but prices will vary depending on your hair’s length and volume in addition to the expert level of your Fort Collins hair stylist.

Choosing Between Foilyage and Balayage

Understanding all the differences between foilyage and balayage highlighting techniques can be tough, so don’t be afraid to ask your Fort Collins hair stylist for help with your custom hair color! Everyone at Facetté The Hair Experience is professionally trained and happy to recommend the best hair highlighting service for you. Contact Facette to schedule your hair consultation today!