Red Seal Hairstylist Practice Exam

How do balayage highlights differ from traditional highlights?

1. They require less product than foiling

2. They are created using a painting technique rather than foils

3. They tend to last longer than any other highlight treatment

4. They are cheaper than most highlight techniques

The correct answer is: They are created using a painting technique rather than foils

Balayage highlights are distinguished from traditional highlights primarily through the technique used to apply them. In balayage, the stylist uses a freehand painting method to apply the lightener or color directly onto the hair, allowing for a more natural and blended effect. This technique enables the stylist to create a sun-kissed look with soft transitions between light and dark, which differs significantly from traditional highlights, where the hair is typically sectioned and wrapped in foils before applying the color. This freehand approach allows for greater customization and a more personalized result, often resulting in a less uniform look that mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun. The emphasis on skilled application makes balayage an artistic technique rather than a procedural one like foiling. As a result, balayage not only offers aesthetic advantages, but it can also provide a more dimensional look that complements the hair's natural movement.