The three most common colour services solve different problems. Balayage is painted freehand for a lived-in, low-maintenance look. Highlights use foils for uniform brightness and lift. Full colour changes your base tone edge to edge. Here's how they compare on time, cost and how often you'll be back in the chair.
Highlight what matters
Compare
Low commitment
Balayage
Hand-painted, sun-kissed, grows out softly
£140 £260
2h 30m, 3h 30m
Low-maintenance clients
Natural, blended lightness
Longer hair
Rebook
Every 12 to 16 weeks
Lasts
3 to 4 months before touch-up
Medium commitment
Foil Highlights
Uniform brightness, sharper lift at the root
£110 £210
1h 45m, 2h 45m
Fine hair
Bright, dimensional colour
Short-to-medium lengths
Rebook
Every 6 to 8 weeks
Lasts
6 to 10 weeks before regrowth shows
High commitment
Full Colour
Edge-to-edge change or full grey coverage
£75 £150
1h 30m, 2h 15m
Grey coverage
Dramatic tone shifts
Consistent all-over colour
Rebook
Every 4 to 6 weeks
Lasts
4 to 8 weeks before roots appear
Side-by-side
Attribute
Balayage
Foil Highlights
Full Colour
Technique
Freehand painting
Sectioned foils
Applied root-to-tip
Time in chair
2h 30m, 3h 30m
1h 45m, 2h 45m
1h 30m, 2h 15m
Price range (UK avg)
£140 £260
£110 £210
£75 £150
Touch-up frequency
12 to 16 weeks
6 to 8 weeks
4 to 6 weeks
Grows out
Softly, no visible line
Visible regrowth line
Sharp regrowth line
Damage profile
Low (mid-lengths only)
Medium (root lift)
Low Medium (base only)
Best for grey coverage
No
Partial
Yes, designed for it
Pick balayage if…
You want a natural, sun-kissed finish and hate the four-hour salon marathons. Balayage lets you go 3 to 4 months between visits, so annual cost often lands close to highlights despite the higher per-visit price.
Pick highlights if…
You want brighter, more uniform lift, especially at the root, and don't mind a check-in every couple of months. Highlights give the most controlled brightness for fine or short hair.
Pick full colour if…
You need grey coverage or a full base change. It's the fastest and cheapest per visit, but the shortest interval before roots show, so budget for regular re-application.
Common questions
Which is least damaging?
Balayage typically causes the least cumulative damage because lightener is only placed on mid-lengths and ends, and re-touched infrequently. Full colour on virgin hair is gentle; repeated full-head bleach is the harshest.
Can I combine them?
Yes. Many clients pair a full-colour root refresh every 6 weeks with a balayage refresh once a year. Your stylist will build a schedule when you book a colour consultation.
How do I book a consultation first?
Every Cover Beauty salon offers a free 15-minute colour consultation. Choose 'Colour Consultation' when booking and pick a stylist trained in the technique you're considering.
Ready to book?
Browse verified hair salons across the UK and book with a specialist who offers the option you picked.
