Hair

What looks more natural, balayage or highlights

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What looks more natural, balayage or highlights

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When it comes to lightening your hair, two of the most popular techniques are balayage and traditional highlights. But which one looks more natural? If you’re aiming for a subtle, sun-kissed effect, the right choice depends on your hair type, maintenance preferences, and the overall look you want to achieve.

At Salon No. 100, we specialise in both balayage and highlights, helping our clients find the perfect colour to complement their features. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between balayage and highlights, explore their pros and cons, and help you decide which technique will give you the most natural-looking results.

What’s the Difference Between Balayage and Highlights?

Before deciding which looks more natural, let’s break down what each technique actually involves.

Balayage: A Soft, Hand-Painted Glow

Balayage is a freehand colouring technique where the stylist paints the lightener onto the hair, creating a soft, natural gradient. The colour is focused on the mid-lengths and ends, blending seamlessly into the natural base colour without any harsh regrowth lines.

✔ Mimics natural sun-lightened hair
✔ No harsh regrowth lines
✔ Works well with a variety of hair colours and textures
✔ Lower maintenance than highlights

Traditional Highlights: Defined and Evenly Distributed

Traditional highlights involve sectioning off small strands of hair and wrapping them in foils to lighten them from the roots to the ends. This technique creates a more uniform, structured look, with lighter pieces throughout the hair.

✔ Brighter overall effect
✔ Can create a bold contrast if desired
✔ Great for those who want consistent, all-over brightness
✔ Needs regular maintenance to avoid visible regrowth

Both techniques are popular in salons, but the question remains—which one looks more natural?

Does Balayage Look More Natural?

If your goal is to achieve a soft, subtle, and effortlessly blended colour, balayage is usually the more natural-looking option. Here’s why:

1. No Harsh Lines or Regrowth

One of the biggest advantages of balayage is that it doesn’t start at the roots. Because the colour is painted on freehand, it blends seamlessly into your natural shade, meaning no obvious regrowth line as your hair grows out.

2. Mimics Natural Sun-Kissed Hair

Balayage is designed to replicate the way the sun naturally lightens hair over time. The lighter tones appear where the sun would naturally hit—around the face and on the mid-lengths and ends—giving your hair a natural glow.

3. Works with Your Natural Colour

Unlike highlights, which lighten the hair from the roots, balayage blends into your existing shade, creating dimension and movement rather than an even, all-over lift.

For those who want low-maintenance, natural-looking colour, balayage is often the better option.

Does That Mean Highlights Look Less Natural?

Not necessarily! Highlights can still look soft and natural, especially when done with fine sections and a skilled blending technique. They’re also ideal for people who want a more structured and even lightening effect.

1. Highlights Can Add More Brightness

If you want an overall lighter hair colour, highlights will provide more lift than balayage. Since they go from root to tip, highlights can create a sunny, bright effect that still looks natural when done correctly.

2. The Right Placement Makes a Difference

While some highlight applications can look stark, when done correctly, fine baby lights or soft weaving techniques can make highlights blend naturally with the base colour.

3. Maintenance is Key

The biggest difference between balayage and highlights is how often you need to maintain them. Since highlights start at the root, they require more frequent touch-ups to keep the colour looking fresh. However, with toners and root shadowing, they can still be softened for a more natural grow-out.

Balayage vs. Highlights: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve discussed how natural each technique looks, let’s compare their pros and cons to help you decide which suits you best.

Balayage Pros:

✔ Soft, natural look
✔ Low maintenance—less frequent touch-ups
✔ Blends seamlessly into natural hair colour
✔ Great for adding depth and dimension

Balayage Cons:

✖ Can take longer to apply in the salon
✖ Not as bright as highlights
✖ Doesn’t provide root-to-tip lift

Highlights Pros:

✔ Creates a brighter, more noticeable effect
✔ Can be applied in different tones for variety
✔ Works well for those who want full coverage
✔ Structured look with precise placement

Highlights Cons:

✖ Needs regular maintenance to avoid harsh regrowth
✖ Can sometimes look less natural if not blended well
✖ More prone to brassiness if not maintained properly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between balayage and highlights depends on:

✔ Your natural hair colour – Balayage blends beautifully on brunettes, while highlights can give blondes a bright, even lift.
✔ Your lifestyle – If you want low-maintenance hair, balayage is the better choice. If you’re happy to visit the salon more often, highlights might be a great option.
✔ The look you’re after – If you want a soft, sun-kissed effect, go for balayage. If you want defined, consistent lightening, highlights are best.

Still unsure? At Solihull Hairdresser, our expert team at Salon No. 100 can help you decide which colour technique suits your hair and lifestyle best.

Final Thoughts – What Looks More Natural?

Balayage generally looks more natural because it mimics sun-lightened hair and blends seamlessly with your natural shade. However, highlights can still look natural when done correctly, especially if you want brighter, more noticeable colour.

At Salon No. 100, we’ll help you find the perfect shade, whether you opt for a soft balayage or classic highlights. Want to discuss your options? Book a consultation today!

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from [cities], we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call [xfield_phone] and book your appointment today!

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Hair

What do peekaboo highlights look like?

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What do peekaboo highlights look like?

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If you love adding a pop of colour to your hair but want something subtle, peekaboo highlights might be your perfect match. These hidden strands of colour are playful, stylish, and versatile, offering a creative way to switch up your look without fully committing to bold, all-over colour.

Whether you’re looking for something vibrant and edgy or soft and sophisticated, peekaboo highlights can be tailored to your personality and lifestyle. At Salon No. 100, we’ve seen this trend take off, with more and more clients choosing hidden flashes of colour for a unique and stylish twist.

What Are Peekaboo Highlights?

A Colour Trend with a Fun Twist

Peekaboo highlights are exactly what they sound like—a hidden layer of colour that ‘peeks’ through when you move your hair. Unlike traditional highlights that are visible on the top layer, these are strategically placed underneath your top sections. This means they can be as bold or subtle as you like.

✔ Versatile & Customisable – You can go as vibrant or understated as you like.
✔ Low Maintenance – Since they’re hidden, root regrowth is less noticeable.
✔ Perfect for Any Hair Type – Works on short, long, straight, or curly hair.
✔ Great for Professionals – Ideal for those who want a fun colour without it being too obvious at work.

Where Did Peekaboo Highlights Come From?

This style emerged from the rise of creative colour trends, blending the best of subtle balayage and bold fashion shades. Originally popular among alternative fashion lovers, peekaboo highlights have since become a mainstream favourite—even making their way onto the red carpet and high-fashion editorials.

Celebrities and influencers have helped bring hidden colour techniques into the spotlight, proving that bold colours aren’t just for teenagers or the ultra-trendy—they’re for anyone who wants a touch of individuality.

What Hairstyles Work Best with Peekaboo Highlights?

Layered Cuts & Long Hair

If you have long layers or a layered haircut, peekaboo highlights can be a great way to add depth and dimension. The layers create movement, allowing the hidden colour to peek through naturally when you style your hair in different ways.

Straight & Sleek Styles

Straight-haired clients love sleek, polished looks where the colour remains mostly hidden—until they tuck their hair behind their ear or flip it to one side. This subtle reveal makes peekaboo highlights even more intriguing.

Wavy & Curly Hair

Curls and waves bring even more playfulness to peekaboo highlights. The curled strands intertwine, creating a dynamic blend of colour that appears and disappears with every bounce.

Updos & Braids

One of the best ways to show off peekaboo highlights is through updos, ponytails, and braids. When hair is pinned up, the hidden colour is revealed, creating a stunning contrast between the natural shade and the vibrant streaks underneath.

✔ Half-up, half-down styles work beautifully to balance visibility and subtlety.
✔ Dutch & fishtail braids create a ribbon-like effect, intertwining the colours seamlessly.
✔ Messy buns give a playful splash of colour with every twist and turn.

How Are Peekaboo Highlights Applied?

Step 1: Choosing the Colour

Your first decision is choosing what colour to go for. Do you want:

  • A bold, vibrant contrast (like neon pink, blue, or purple)?
  • A softer, natural effect (like caramel, honey, or auburn)?
  • A trendy pastel shade (lavender, rose gold, or icy blue)?

Step 2: Sectioning the Hair

Your stylist will section off the bottom layers of your hair, usually near the nape of your neck or just under the top layers. This ensures the colour is hidden when your hair is down but visible when styled differently.

Step 3: Applying the Colour

Depending on the look you’re going for, your stylist might use:

  • Foils for a precise, structured look.
  • Balayage techniques for a softer blend.
  • Vivid dye techniques for fashion-forward colours.

Step 4: Processing & Finishing

After the colour develops, your stylist will rinse, tone (if needed), and style your hair to reveal your perfect peekaboo effect.

At Salon No. 100, we customise each peekaboo highlight session based on your hair length, colour history, and personal preferences.

What Do Peekaboo Highlights Look Like?

Classic Natural Peekaboo Highlights

A subtle caramel or honey highlight hidden beneath brunette hair adds a touch of warmth without being overpowering.

Bold Fashion Colours

For those who love statement looks, electric blues, fiery reds, and emerald greens create an eye-catching effect when the hair moves.

Pastel & Soft Tones

A popular trend for 2025 is pastel peekaboo highlights—think soft lavender, rose pink, or pale baby blue. These add dimension without looking too intense.

Blonde on Blonde

For blondes, adding platinum or icy tones underneath gives a luxurious depth and makes blonde hair look more multi-dimensional.

Whether you prefer soft & sophisticated or bold & eye-catching, peekaboo highlights offer endless possibilities.

Should You Try Peekaboo Highlights?

If you love versatility, low-maintenance colour, and a fun way to change up your style, then peekaboo highlights are for you. They’re perfect for:
✔ First-time colour clients who don’t want full commitment.
✔ Professionals who want hidden colour during work hours.
✔ Anyone who loves surprises—because every flip of your hair reveals something different!

At Salon No. 100, we specialise in tailoring colour techniques to each individual client. Whether you want bold fashion colours or soft natural tones, we’ll help you find the perfect peekaboo shade.

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from [cities], we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call [xfield_phone] and book your appointment today!

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Hair

Can I Wash My Hair the Same Day I Get Highlights?

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Can I Wash My Hair the Same Day I Get Highlights?

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Getting highlights is one of the easiest ways to add depth, brightness, and dimension to your hair. Whether you’re going for sun-kissed balayage, bold blonde streaks, or caramel ribbons, the process of lightening your hair requires care.

So, once you’ve left the salon with your fresh new look, you might be wondering: Can I wash my hair the same day I get highlights? The short answer? No. It’s best to wait.

In this blog, we’ll explain why you should hold off on washing your hair straight after a highlighting session, what could happen if you do, and how long you should wait before giving your hair its first post-colour rinse.

How Do Highlights Affect Your Hair?

What Happens to Your Hair During Highlights?

Unlike traditional hair dye, highlights lift the natural pigment from your hair rather than covering it with a different shade. To achieve this, your hairdresser uses bleach or a high-lift colour to open up the cuticle and remove the melanin inside the strands.

This process can be intense on the hair structure, making it more porous and prone to dryness. Because your cuticles remain lifted for a while after bleaching, the hair becomes extra absorbent—meaning washing it too soon can strip away essential moisture and toner.

Why Highlighted Hair Needs Extra Care

When you lighten your hair, you’re removing natural oils and weakening the hair shaft. This makes it more vulnerable to damage, breakage, and dehydration. That’s why it’s so important to use the right products and follow expert advice when it comes to caring for your highlights.

At Salon No. 100, we always recommend professional aftercare to keep your new colour looking vibrant for as long as possible.

Should You Wash Your Hair Right After Getting Highlights?

The Importance of Letting Colour Set

After you’ve had your highlights done, your hair needs time to settle. The toner and any gloss treatments applied at the end of your session help neutralise unwanted brassy tones and enhance the final colour, but they need time to fully bond to your hair.

If you wash too soon, you risk:

  • Fading the colour prematurely
  • Stripping away toner, leaving brassy tones behind
  • Drying out your hair before it has a chance to recover

How Long Should You Wait?

Experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours before washing your hair after highlights. If you can stretch it to 72 hours, even better! This gives your cuticles enough time to reseal and lock in the colour for longer-lasting results.

If you’re worried about greasy roots in the meantime, a light dusting of dry shampoo can help refresh your style without interfering with the colour.

What Happens If You Wash Your Hair Too Soon?

Fading and Discolouration

One of the most frustrating things that can happen after highlights is watching your fresh colour fade too quickly. If you shampoo too soon, the water and surfactants in your shampoo can strip away the toner, leaving your hair looking dull, uneven, or brassy.

Blonde highlights, in particular, are prone to brassiness if the toner is washed out prematurely. That’s why we always recommend waiting before reaching for the shampoo.

Dryness and Weakness

Because bleached hair is more fragile, washing too soon can make it feel rough, dry, or brittle. Your natural scalp oils play an important role in replenishing lost moisture, so giving your hair a break from washing allows these oils to work their magic.

Overloading with Products

Newly highlighted hair is extra absorbent, which means it soaks up product much faster than usual. If you wash your hair immediately after highlights, you risk overwhelming your strands with shampoos, conditioners, and treatments before they’ve had time to stabilise.

Instead of rushing into a full wash, let your hair rest for a couple of days and then introduce gentle, colour-safe products.

How to Care for Highlighted Hair Properly

First Wash After Highlights

When it’s finally time for your first shampoo after highlights, take extra care by following these steps:

  1. Use a Sulphate-Free Shampoo – Sulphates strip away natural oils and speed up colour fading. A gentle, colour-safe shampoo helps maintain vibrancy.
  2. Rinse with Cool or Lukewarm Water – Hot water opens the cuticle, leading to faster colour loss. Stick to lukewarm or cool rinses to preserve your highlights.
  3. Follow Up with a Deep Conditioner – A moisture-rich conditioner or hair mask helps restore hydration and keep your highlights looking glossy.
  4. Limit Heat Styling – Give your hair a break from straighteners and curling wands for the first few days to prevent further damage.

The Best Products for Maintaining Highlights

Keeping your highlights vibrant, soft, and healthy requires the right aftercare routine. Here are some must-have products recommended by our team at Salon No. 100:

  • A Purple Shampoo (for blondes) to neutralise brassiness and enhance cool tones.
  • A Bond-Repairing Treatment (like Olaplex) to strengthen and protect highlighted hair.
  • A UV-Protectant Spray to shield your colour from sun exposure and fading.
  • A Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner to keep hair smooth and hydrated.

By using high-quality, salon-approved products, you can keep your highlights looking fresher for longer.

Final Thoughts: When Should You Wash Your Hair After Highlights?

If you’ve just had highlights done at Salon No. 100, the best thing you can do is wait before washing. Ideally, hold off for 48 to 72 hours to allow your colour to fully settle and your hair to recover from the bleaching process.

Taking extra precautions—like using sulphate-free products, washing with cool water, and deep conditioning regularly—will help extend the life of your highlights and keep your hair looking its best.

Need personalised haircare advice? Our team at Salon No. 100 is always here to help!

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from [cities], we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call [xfield_phone] and book your appointment today!

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Hair

Can you get highlights after 12 week blowdry?

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Can you get highlights after 12 week blowdry?

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A 12-week blowdry offers sleek, frizz-free hair, but if you’re thinking about highlights, timing is everything. So, can you get highlights after this transformative treatment? At Salon No. 100, your trusted Solihull Hairdresser, we’re diving into the benefits of a 12-week blowdry, how it impacts highlights, and when to book your colouring session for the best results.

The Benefits of a 12-Week Blowdry

Smooth, Frizz-Free Locks

The 12-week blowdry is a game-changer for those battling frizz or dull, lifeless hair. This keratin-based treatment smooths your strands, giving you glossy, manageable hair that’s ready to go every day. Whether it’s humid summer days or frosty winter mornings, your hair stays sleek.

Low-Maintenance Beauty

One of the standout perks is how much easier it makes your styling routine. With the treatment locking in moisture and shine, you can spend less time with heat tools and more time enjoying good hair days. This simplicity makes it a popular choice for busy professionals and parents alike.

Why a 12-Week Blowdry Impacts Highlights

The Keratin Factor

A 12-week blowdry involves applying a keratin-rich formula that seals the hair cuticle. While this process creates that enviable shine, it also creates a protective barrier around your strands. This coating can interfere with how well highlights or any other colour treatments take to your hair.

Risk of Uneven Colour

If you try to add highlights immediately after your blowdry, the keratin can prevent the bleach or dye from penetrating evenly. The result? Patchy or less vibrant highlights that don’t live up to your expectations. It’s why timing your highlights is crucial to achieving the best outcome.

Is It a Good Time for Highlights?

Waiting Is Worth It

While it’s tempting to dive straight into highlights after a blowdry, patience pays off. Waiting at least 3-4 weeks allows the keratin treatment to settle and fade slightly, creating the perfect canvas for your highlights.

Communication with Your Stylist

Before booking, always chat with your stylist. At Salon No. 100, our team of experts will assess your hair’s condition and recommend the best timing to achieve seamless highlights that complement your keratin-treated locks.

When Is the Ideal Time for Highlights?

Post-Treatment Sweet Spot

The ideal time to get highlights is usually 4-6 weeks after your 12-week blowdry. By this point, the keratin’s protective barrier has diminished enough to allow the bleach or dye to work effectively while still benefiting from the blowdry’s smoothing effects.

Maintaining Both Treatments

To keep both your highlights and blowdry looking their best, invest in salon-quality aftercare products. Sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners are a must, as they help preserve your keratin treatment while protecting your colour from fading.

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! Serving clients from [cities], we’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call [xfield_phone] and book your appointment today!

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