Partial Versus Full Balayage: Understand The Difference
Published September 23rd, 2023
A balayage is a hairstyle that has consistently been winning the hearts of everyone. It always looks beautiful, fresh, and in style. It also looks different for everyone. It is as if you’ll stand out if you have it.
If you’re contemplating getting it, one common question you can never seem to answer is whether to go full or partial. There are considerations when comparing a partial vs. full balayage. Both look uniquely gorgeous in their own way. And if you’re looking for a guide to put an end to your misery of what to choose, continue reading. We’ll tackle everything about it. Why you should get one, the difference between full and partial balayage, and how to choose among them. Also, how long does the hairstyle last and its maintenance? Let’s start.
What Is a Balayage?
Balayage was invented in the 1970s. The word has a French origin: “balayer” meaning to sweep. Balayage is a technique where a hairstylist hands pants on a lighter in your hair. It provides a subtle, sun kissed look. It gives more dimension than the old highlights. It is a hand-painted highlight. One that allows for pops of brightness and contrast throughout your crowning glory.
And if you’re wondering whether every hair type is a candidate for it, yes. Any texture and color can have balayage done. Even those with curly hair can try it. They will find the colors given to them accentuating their already beautiful look.
Why Should You Get a Balayage?
Individuality
Balayage is made just for you, literally. Colors are custom blended. The colorist chooses the width of lighter strands and their placements. They do so to contour and frame your features properly. It is also why balayage is sometimes referred to as a non-invasive facelift. So chic!
Low maintenance
Roots are less noticeable when your tresses grow out. You do not need to worry about monthly touch-ups. Some women visit the salon once every three months. They still look phenomenal.
Universality
Balayage works for all ages and hair textures. It performs well on any base colors, and lengths.
Less damage
Balayage offers less hair damage. It is as compared to the all-over color that uses heat.
What Is Partial Balayage?
Partial balayage means lightening only a part of the hair. It focuses on specific sections or layers of hair. It is in those that will best boost your unique features. It is a strategic placement of balayage. It targets only the hair’s surface for greatest visibility.
It offers illumination with less time and effort. Often, partial balayage streaks are on the top layer of your crowning glory. In some, it’s around the face instead of the whole head.
Should You Do Full Balayage?
A full balayage means adding highlights throughout your entire mane. It is an ideal treatment for those who want an all-over lightened hair. But, of course, without the constant maintenance. The one that comes with root growth.
What’s the Difference Between Full and Partial Balayage?
You must strike colors on your entire hair from tip to bottom layers for a full balayage. A partial balayage only focuses on one area. It is such as the top or front layer. Both the technique and finished look vary. Full balayage creates a more noticeable lift. A partial balayage just adds accents of brightness. The latter feels like a spotlight is shining on mid-lengths and ends. And it does so beautifully.
Partial vs. Full Balayage
Partial balayage takes less time.
Partial balayage takes less time. It is more than its full counterpart. It doesn’t involve crafting highlights throughout all of your hair. The treatment may only take 45 minutes. A full balayage procedure can take up to three hours.
Partial balayage is less damaging to your tresses.
A partial balayage would only need highlights in fewer areas of your hair. It causes less damage from bleach. It is rather than a full-on procedure.
Full balayage looks more dramatic.
A full balayage will give you more highlights and lighting areas. It is throughout both the top and bottom layers of your hair. A full balayage might be a better option. It is the case if you’re considering a more dramatic makeover. Balayage highlights are already more subtle. It is than traditional hair color. A partial balayage will create an even more elusive transformation.
Full balayage needs more upkeep.
Balayage is generally a low-maintenance hair procedure. The subtle highlights make growth lines less evident. It is as your natural hair grows.
Yet, balayage hair still needs maintenance. A full balayage may demand touch-ups every 12 to 14 weeks. A partial balayage may give you more than 14 weeks. It due to it being more subtle.
Full balayage is more expensive.
A full balayage involves treating your whole head of tresses. For this reason, it costs more than its partial counterpart. The typical cost for it ranges from $76 to $452. The cost of partial balayage can be anywhere from $101 to $222.
How to Choose Between a Partial Balayage and a Full Balayage
Choose a full balayage if:
- You do not mind more constant salon visits. It is every 12 to 14 weeks.
- You are willing and capable to spend more money in one salon session.
- You want a more lightened color throughout your tresses.
Choose a partial balayage if:
- You want faster salon visitations.
- You want minimal highlights throughout your hair.
- You are concerned about damaging your tresses.
How Long Does a Balayage Last?
Balayage hair can last for three to four months. The benefit of balayage is that you will not be left with visible roots once your hair starts to grow. It is crafted to blend into your hair to look natural seamlessly.
The effect is permanent. It is because a balayage involves lightening certain sections of your hair. The color may only fade slightly after a few months.
Guide to Maintaining Your Balayage
Balayage doesn’t last forever. Yet, there are ways to make the result serve you for a long time. Here are the best hair care tips for extending your balayage.
- Extend the time between washes. Every time you wash, you rid color from your crowning glory. Wash less often to preserve the look longer.
- Dry hair carefully. Ditch the habit of rubbing your hair with a rough towel. Squeeze the excess moisture more delicately. It will do you good to prevent your color from fading.
- Use quality hair products and purple shampoo. Products made for color-treated hair will maintain the health of your hair. A purple shampoo, for one, can act as a toner to reduce yellowing or brassiness.
- Deep condition your hair. The chemicals in hair coloring can dry out your hair. Deep conditioning aids in restoring essential moisture.
- Use hydrating hair masks. Like deep conditioning, hydrating hair masks will rejuvenate color-treated hair. Also, keep it moisturized.
- Avoid excessive time in the sun. Too much sun exposure is not suitable for your hair. It will only damage it and cause your color to face. Avoiding the sun will help your balayage look last.
- Lessen heat applications to your hair. Heat damages hair and can fade your color quickly. Avoid heat to your hair. If you can’t, use heat protectants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partial vs. Full Balayage
How do I choose a balayage color?
The blonde hues favor you best if your base hair color is light. They work beautifully. Opt for brown, caramel, or chocolate if you have darker hair. You can also opt for cinnamon highlights. Still, a lot depends on your skin tone and eye color.
What is the downside of balayage?
Suppose your hair is very dark. The hue of your balayage will not transition to light blonde immediately. It will need careful sessions of treatments. Yet, with a professional hairstylist, you should overcome this concern in no time.
What is the best balayage color for dark brown hair?
Light brown and caramel balayage are the most popular. The two are the best suitable highlights for dark hair. Still, the sky’s the limit for a balayage color.
Is balayage challenging to maintain?
Balayage hair is relatively low maintenance. It is because the technique does not interact with your roots. It produces natural-looking highlights. All that transition into the softer shades as time passes. The results are always so beautiful, elegant, and effortless.
There is a saying that give a woman a shoe, and she will rule the world. The same can be said for balayage. Give yourself one, whether full or partial, and you’ll confidently take on what life throws you. It will make you effortless, chic, elegant, and put together.
For your hair treatment fixes, rely on us, Peter’s Place Hair & Color. Our team of expert colorists will render you a balayage treatment of your dreams. We’ll ensure it fits your features best. We’ll find your perfect color pair, so every day following the treatment is a good hair day. Let’s get you booked.
Meet The Author – Tracy Gorman
I’m Tracy Gorman, an experienced writer. I love writing about topics such as lifestyle, beauty, and health. Get in touch with me on LinkedIn.
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