How each technique works
- Balayage: the colorist sweeps lightener onto the surface of the hair by hand, brighter toward the ends and softer at the root.
- Foil highlights: thin sections are woven out, painted and wrapped in foil, which gives more lift and an even pattern from near the root.
- Baby highlights: very fine foil highlights placed close together, so the brightness looks natural and the regrowth is subtle.
How they grow out
Balayage has no hard line at the root, so it grows out softly and stretches longer between appointments. Foil highlights start brighter at the root, so regrowth shows sooner and touch ups come more often. Baby highlights sit in between: the fine placement keeps regrowth gentle.
Not sure what to book?
Start with a hair consultation at 1365 1st Avenue on the Upper East Side.
Which one suits you
- Choose balayage if you want dimension, a soft root and fewer appointments.
- Choose foil highlights if you want to look clearly blonder, or brighten all over.
- Choose baby highlights if you want a natural, even brightness with no visible stripes.
- Not sure? Many clients combine them: fine highlights around the face with balayage through the lengths.
Prices at María Cortes NY
Balayage starts at $250. Half head highlights start at $165 and full head babylights at $250; toner and blowdry are booked separately. The Blonde Special ($275) includes half balayage or half baby highlights, an Olaplex treatment and styling.
