What Are Highlights vs Foils?
If you're thinking about adding dimension and brightness to your hair, you've probably heard the terms highlights and foils. They are often used together, but they are not exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you know what to ask for and what kind of results to expect.
At Soultuary Salon, we take the time to explain your options so you feel confident in your hair color choices. Here’s a quick breakdown of what highlights and foils really mean.
What Are Highlights?
Highlights are a coloring technique that involves lightening sections of your hair to add contrast and dimension. The goal is to brighten the hair and create a more dynamic look without changing your overall base color.
Highlights can be done in several ways:
Foil highlights
Balayage (hand-painted highlights)
Chunky or fine weaves
Babylights (very fine, natural-looking highlights)
So, highlights refers to the effect or goal of the coloring process. The method used to achieve it can vary, and that’s where foils come in.
What Are Foils?
Foils are a technique used to apply highlights. In this method, your stylist sections off strands of hair, applies lightener or color, and wraps each section in foil. The foil traps heat and allows for better lift, which means the color becomes lighter and more defined.
Foils are great for:
Adding contrast between light and dark sections
Creating a structured, even look
Targeting specific sections with precision
Achieving brighter blonde tones faster
This technique works well for clients who want bolder, more noticeable highlights or more control over the color placement.
Highlights Without Foils
Some highlights are done without foils. For example:
Balayage: A hand-painted method where color is applied directly to the surface of the hair in sweeping motions.
Open-air highlights: Lightener is applied and left to process without wrapping, which creates a softer, more blended result.
These no-foil methods tend to give a more natural, lived-in finish. They are lower maintenance and grow out more seamlessly, which makes them popular for clients looking for an easy, beachy look.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between foils and other highlighting techniques depends on the result you want, your hair type, and how often you plan to maintain the look.
Choose foils if you want maximum brightness, stronger contrast, or detailed placement.
Choose open-air highlights or balayage if you want a soft, blended finish that grows out gently.
Talk with your stylist to customize the approach. You can even combine techniques for the perfect look.
Want to explore your options?
Book a consultation at Soultuary Salon and let our expert colorists help you choose the right highlighting method for your hair and your lifestyle. Whether you go with foils or hand-painted highlights, we will make sure you leave with a look you love.
