Introduction
Hair painting and highlights are two popular hair coloring techniques that create a subtle, natural looking effect on the hair. Both methods involve applying color to the hair in a sparing way to create variation, dimension, and shine. However, there are some key differences between hair painting and traditional highlighting in terms of the technique, look, maintenance and cost.
What is Hair Painting?
Hair painting, also known as hair stroking or micro-painting, is a new technique in hair color that creates subtle, natural looking results. The process involves using fine tipped tools, like a thin brush or specialized hair painting pens, to paint ultra-fine lines or strokes of hair color onto the hair strands.
Unlike traditional highlights where foil strips are used to separate strands of hair, hair painting involves freehand painting of color directly onto the sections of hair. This gives stylists the freedom to create more customized, organic results. The color is painted on in an irregular, feathered pattern to mimic how hair naturally lightens in the sun.
What are Highlights?
Highlights are a classic hair coloring technique that involves lightening select strands of hair to create dimension. Foils or other separating techniques are used to isolate strands of hair which are then lightened with bleach or hair color. This creates strands of lighter pieces contrasting against the background shade.
Traditional highlights have a structured, defined look since the strands are cleanly separated and coated in color. Variations range from fine, wispy babylights to thicker, bolder looks. Placement is determined according to personal preference and can be done to frame the face or throughout the hair.
Difference in Technique
The technique used for hair painting and highlights varies significantly:
Hair Painting Technique:
- Freehand application using fine brush or pen
- Hair separated into fine subsections
- Color applied in feathery, irregular strokes
- Does not require foils or other separating techniques
Highlighting Technique:
- Foils or other materials used to separate hair strands
- Sections of hair isolated and saturated with lightener
- Full strands coated in color
- Precise placement to create defined results
The hair painting technique requires advanced skill and precision to create soft, natural looking results. Highlighting is a more standardized technique since foils help control application.
Difference in Look
Hair painting and highlights also differ in their finished look:
Hair Painting Look:
- Subtle, soft, natural result
- Mimics how sun naturally lightens hair
- Color blends seamlessly into base
- Minimal regrowth lines
- Provides shine and dimension
Highlighting Look:
- Defined, bright pieces stand out
- Structured, uniform sections
- Obvious regrowth lines
- Dramatic light vs. dark contrast
- Customizable placement
Hair painting produces subtle results since the color is slowly blended and melted into the hair. Highlights have an obvious start and stop that creates more contrast.
Maintenance
Since hair painting creates such a soft, blended effect, it requires less frequent maintenance than highlights.
Hair Painting Maintenance:
- Touch-ups needed every 4-6 months
- Roots blend more seamlessly into color
- Doesn’t require full redo
- Can go longer between appointments
Highlight Maintenance:
- Roots typically visible in 4-6 weeks
- Requires full redo every 2-3 months
- More frequent appointments needed
Hair painting allows you to go longer between salon visits since the regrowth and fade is less noticeable. The defined sections of highlights require more precision to maintain.
Cost
Hair painting is typically more expensive than traditional highlighting:
Hair Painting Cost:
- $150-$300 per session
- Takes 2-3 hours
- Advanced skill required
Highlighting Cost:
- $100-$250 per session
- Takes 1-2 hours
- More affordable technique
Since hair painting is more labor intensive and requires precision, the service is priced higher than standard highlights. However, less frequent maintenance can balance out the overall investment.
Best Candidates
Certain hair types and colors are better suited for each technique:
Good Candidates for Hair Painting:
- Blondes and light brunettes
- Longer hair – at least medium length
- Straight or wavy hair
- Seeking subtle sunkissed effect
Good Candidates for Highlighting:
- All hair colors and types
- Short to long hair
- Seeking defined, striking contrast
- Prefer regular salon maintenance
Hair painting blends best on lighter shades and longer lengths, while highlights can work on virtually any hair. Your personal preference for bold vs. natural results also helps determine which technique is better.
Conclusion
While highlights and hair painting are similar hair coloring techniques, they produce very different looks. Hair painting results in softer, more blended color that mimics natural lightening. Highlights have an obvious, defined look with bright pieces contrasting against the base. Hair painting requires more specialized skill but less frequent maintenance. The best technique depends on your hair type, color, and personal preference. Knowing the differences allows you to select the right method to achieve your desired look and maintenance level.
| Category | Hair Painting | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Freehand painting color directly onto hair strands | Foils used to isolate and apply color to strands |
| Finished Look | Subtle, soft, and natural | Obvious, defined pieces of lightened hair |
| Maintenance | Touch-ups needed every 4-6 months | Requires re-highlight every 2-3 months |
| Cost | $150-$300 per session | $100-$250 per session |
| Best Candidate | Light blonde or brunette hair seeking subtle look | All hair types seeking bold, dramatic contrast |
