Hmmm… what is the difference between Highlights, Ombre’, and Balayage?
Which color process is best for me ?
When it comes to hair color, you basically have 3 main options – highlighting, single-process color or double process. But which one is best for you? Here are a few tips to help you sort out the best color option for your hair and the look you are after. There are so many variations and combinations of the different hair color techniques, with the right stylist, you are sure to get the look you love. In this article we will break down the different techniques and answer the most asked questions and relieve some anxiety over which is right for you. You can also check out our Lookbook at the end of this article to get a better idea of what each color process looks like.
Do you want to cover gray? Add accent highlights to bring out your complexion or accentuate your eye color? Let your cheek bones stand out or slim your face with some beautifully placed babylights? If you are unsure about which color is right for you – check out our article on selecting the right color for your skin tone.
Single Process – All over Color Process
If you have a great natural base color, you’re better off with highlights. You don’t want to mess with nature; what you want to do is enhance it. If you do want to go several shades darker than your natural color or cover gray, then you would opt for a single process color. One thing to consider is single process color needs to be touched up every 3 – 6 weeks, while highlights last 6 – 12 weeks. The bright side is that a single process hair color costs much less.
Single Process Color Cost – $30 – $100
Highlighting
Foil Highlights and Foil Lowlights:
Foil highlights are the most traditional and universal of the highlighting methods. Foil highlights add strands of color to your hair. You can achieve multiple shades to create dimension, and for a more natural look that will be sure to brighten your complexion. The foils separate hair that is to be highlighted from hair that will remain its natural color. I personally love foil highlighting because …..
Lowlights are the opposite of highlights. Instead of lifting the color of the hair a few shades, stylists 
will use the same foil method to take strategically placed strands a few shades darker than the natural base color to achieve a softer, darker color. If you feel your hair has too much of one color, then it’s time for some lowlighting.
Lowlights are a great color technique if you want to add some rich dimension, depth or the appearance of thicker hair while creating a more natural-looking blend.
Highlights or Lowlights Cost –
Full vs. Partial
OK, you know what type of highlights you want, now how much? Partial highlights are generally placed around the face for a brightening or framing effect, while full gets you just that — your full head highlighted. “If your hair — including the back — is dark, you will need full highlights. If it hasn’t been that long since your last highlighting service, or if your hair, especially the back, isn’t that dark, then a partial may be best.
Still not sure where you land? As general recommendation is to do a partial at one visit, and a full on the next. It’s a good rule of thumb and easier and better for the pocketbook to alternate.
Cost:
Balayage
Balayage, or “hand painting,” the stylist will add natural ribbons of color to hair in large or smaller sections of hair. This is best for women with a great base color who want to go just a couple shades lighter. Balayage will give you a natural looking hair color, and you won’t need to get roots touched up as much with balayage as you do foils.
Can you rewrite this …. I am not 100%. I want to briefly discuss the technique look and feel of Balayage. The Balayage pieces should be very close and soft at the root leading to a thicker highlight at the ends of the hair. Balayage should be applied on the surface of the section and not saturated through the section until the very tips, otherwise you would have a streak of colour that isn’t vey soft at all.
Cost:
Ombre & Sombre
“Ombre, in hair color terms, refers to a gradual change in color from dark to light or light to dark with no transition line. Say something about the technique and expected look…
Sombre is the exact same thing as ombré hair color, except using a softer color contrast. The term “sombre” comes from the words “soft ombré” put together.
Cost:
Glossing Treatment
Are you looking to add shine and softness to your hair? Is your hair prone to damage or dryness. Want to get rid of those flyaways? A glossing treatment will boost your color and give you crazy shine. Also referred to as a Glaze or Glazing Treatment is not permanent and cost less than a highlight, balayage or all-over permanent color.
There are 2 types of Gloss Treatments. One is clear, and the other is tinted. Tinted treatments can help maintain your color and enhance it. Tinted options vary from a bright blond to cancel out brassiness or gold to bring out warmth. On darker hair it would be tinted to brown or red hues to bring out the warmth of darker shades. While glossing treatments are not a alternative to color, they refresh and enhance your hair color. This may be perfect for you if you are new to coloring your hair and you want more shine and a touch of color.
Gloss treatments usually last about three to five weeks before washing/fading out.
Cost: $30 – $50
Book a Consultation
We always recommend getting a hair color consultation if you aren’t sure what you want. Bring along pictures of hair color you like or want to achieve. Your Triniti Salon colorist will know what to do and will be able to find the right shades of color to flatter your skin tone.
During your consult, be sure to mention any other hair processing you’ve had done. You don’t want to over process your hair. Store bought or “box” color can have chemical reactions with Salon Professional Hair Color.
Cost: Complimentary at Triniti Salon
If you have any questions call Triniti Salon to schedule your complimentary consultation, send us a current photo and check out our look book to find the color and style you are looking for and we can give you an idea of the type of appointment you are looking for. Highlights? Ombre’? Balayage?