Partial Balayage vs. Full Balayage: What’s the Difference?

Published August 26, 2024
Partial vs. full balayage? Both hair highlights are easy to love. Balayage is an effortlessly stylish hair trend achieved by hand-painted highlights. Clients appreciate the technique since it creates an authentic sun-kissed look and is much easier to maintain than traditional foils. First, you should better understand balayage before getting into the full vs. partial debate.
Balayage Overview
The French word “Balayer,” which translates as “to sweep,” is where balayage got its name. The term refers to the method of coloring your hair, not to the color itself. Balayage is a procedure in which hairstylists paint highlights onto the hair by hand to achieve a more advanced, natural-looking highlight.
Balayage is a hair coloring procedure created by a French hairstylist to achieve a natural highlight. The process involves hand-painting a thick combination of lightener onto a portion of hair with brushes in one of three different paint designs: “Singles,” “Slants,” and “V’s.” Then, the designers apply lightener in a “sweeping” motion, starting thin at the roots and building up to the ends.
The procedure ensures complete control over the application of color and results in reduced overgrowth and increased contrast in the hair. As a result, you’ll have the finest natural-looking highlights you’ve ever seen. Due to the absence of heat and foils, the hair is left in excellent condition and free of stripes due to the elimination of foil lines.
Partial Balayage vs. Full Balayage
Full balayage involves adding highlights throughout your hair. It is an excellent and popular treatment for anyone who wants lighter hair without the constant care associated with root growth.
Like full balayage, partial balayage uses a freehand hair coloring method in which highlights are placed on a particular area of hair rather than all over. Typically, it is applied around the face or to the upper layer of hair, emphasizing the ends.
Hair Styling and Coverage
If you’re looking for subtle style improvements, partial balayage is the way to go, while full balayage is for more radical alterations to your hair. Partial balayage involves fading or lightening your hair in sections, but the full balayage method thoroughly bleaches your hair, leaving only 5 to 7 cm of the root.
Time and Cost
As mentioned, full balayage means highlighting the entire hair, which takes slightly longer than a partial balayage process. A full balayage will take three, sometimes four, hours in the salon, whereas partial balayage only takes 45 minutes to finish.
In 2024, the cost of full balayage typically ranges from $150 to $500, while partial balayage costs between $70 and $222. The prices can vary based on location and the stylist’s experience, but generally, full balayage is more expensive than partial balayage.
Skin Tones and Hair Colors
Balayage is a versatile hair coloring technique that can be customized to suit various skin tones and hair colors. Here’s a general guide:
Full Balayage
Skin Tones:
- Fair Skin: Ashy or cool tones like platinum or icy blonde can complement fair skin.
- Medium Skin: Warm tones like caramel or honey blonde work well.
- Dark Skin: Rich, warm colors like chocolate or chestnut enhance darker skin tones.
Hair Colors:
- Blonde Hair: Lighter shades or even pastel tones can add dimension.
- Brunette Hair: Caramel or toffee highlights can create a sun-kissed look.
- Red Hair: Copper or golden highlights can enhance the natural red tones.

Partial Balayage
Skin Tones:
- Fair Skin: Subtle, cool highlights can add depth without overwhelming.
- Medium Skin: Soft, warm highlights like honey or amber can add warmth.
- Dark Skin: Golden or bronze highlights can create a beautiful contrast.
Hair Colors:
- Blonde Hair: A few shades lighter can create a natural, sunlit effect.
- Brunette Hair: Lighter browns or soft reds can add subtle dimension.
- Red Hair: Strawberry blonde or light copper highlights can enhance vibrancy.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal style and preference, and consulting with a professional colorist can help tailor the balayage to suit individual features.
If you like this article, you might also want to read about How To Bleach Wash Your Hair Like A Pro: Expert Tips And Tricks.
Perfect for Today’s Busy Women
Regardless of what you choose, partial balayage vs. full balayage, your hairstylist will paint the color straight into your hair using long, sweeping strokes different from the traditional root-to-tip pattern. The balayage method can be applied to any hair color, from brown to blonde to red, and can be used wet or dry.
Typically, balayage requires less hair maintenance than traditional color, as it grows naturally and without noticeable regrowth lines. This allows you to go longer between hair salon appointments, which is perfect for a busy woman!
Lease Salon Space In Royal Palm Beach Florida
Fulfill your dreams and be your own boss when you lease salon space in Palm Beach Florida with us. Our beautiful salon spaces come with complimentary laundry and cleaning services and a flexible lease agreement you can afford. Our salon suites come with many amenities including free cleaning service, televisions, storage space, and more. Contact us now to book a tour or learn more.

Fact Checked By Experts
Our team of internal experts diligently fact-checked this content to ensure accuracy and reliability. Find detailed information about the rigorous editorial standards we uphold for our website.

About The Author
Meet Rei Bayucca: a versatile and seasoned writer who has ventured through diverse fields. With a passion for producing insightful and meticulously-crafted pieces, she aims to promote enlightenment and engagement among her readers.