A Little Lighter. A Lot More You.

You have a few saved photos and a feeling about what you want. Maybe it’s brightness around your face. Maybe it’s dimension that still feels like you. But when it’s time to request an appointment, the choice between balayage and highlights can feel less obvious.

At Taylor Stevens Salon in Geneva Commons, that choice starts with a conversation. You don’t need to arrive knowing the technique. Tell us what you like, what you want to change, and how you want your hair to fit into your day.

What’s the difference?

Balayage uses hand-painted placement to create a graduated effect, often with lighter mids and ends. Highlights lighten selected strands, typically using foils, to bring brightness and contrast through the hair. Both can create dimension; placement changes the overall look.

Start with the result you want.

If you love a soft transition from your roots into lighter ends, ask about balayage. If you want brighter pieces woven through your hair, highlights may be part of the plan. A combination can also be an option.

Rather than choosing from a service name alone, show us two or three inspiration photos. Point out the parts you like: the face framing, the amount of contrast, or the way the color looks when the hair is pulled back. It’s just as helpful to tell us what you don’t want.

Talk about upkeep before you choose.

A softer root transition can make regrowth less noticeable, but balayage still needs care. Highlights can also be placed to suit a softer look. Your starting color, desired brightness, and hair history all matter.

Ask these questions at your consultation:

• What would this look involve for my hair?
• What maintenance visits should I plan for?
• What can we achieve at this visit, and what might take more time?
• What will the service cost before we begin?

Your hair history belongs in the conversation.

Tell your stylist about previous salon color, at-home color, and any other chemical services—even if they happened a while ago. Share how you usually style your hair, how much time you spend on it, and any concerns about dryness or breakage. That information helps shape the plan.

Keep your care plan simple.

Before you leave, ask which shampoo, conditioner, and styling steps suit your new color. We’ll help you understand what to use and how to use it. You can explore our Aveda hair care guide or shop through our salon’s Aveda store between visits.

Further reading: Aveda’s guide to hair color techniques.