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Traditional foil highlights are woven sections of hair, usually laid over a foil.  A lightener is then applied.  The foil under the lightener allows the stylist to control the lightening process to a higher level of lift.

It is especially necessary when the client has darker hair and wants considerably lighter highlights.  The woven hair is folded into the foil usually to isolate it from the rest of the hair.

Balayage is a French word that means to sweep, also referred to as painting.  It is done in a controlled but freehand sweeping motion onto the hair without any foil underneath.  Balayage is best suited for clients whose natural color is dark blonde to light brown as the lifting will not be as much as when foils are used.  A thicker form of lightener is used so it doesn’t bleed onto the other hair.

Some forms do incorporate the use of saran wrap.  Balayage and it’s many forms results in a blended highlight or lowlight and is not as high-contrast as can be achieved with traditional foiling.

Both techniques require great skill for the optimum results.