As you are looking for a new, trendy hairstyle to bring into summertime, you’re familiar with two of the hottest hair color techniques: Shadow Root and Balayage!
This time of year everyone heads to the salon to get their hair lightened, but they are disappointed when they realize how much time and money goes into maintaining that bleach-blonde hair.
Two gorgeous styles have emerged from the desire to have that “sunkissed” look without all the maintenance and hassle of re-lightening those dark roots as soon as they peep out (which is usually every few weeks). These styles/techniques are Shadow Root and Balayage.
Though most women are familiar with these two terms, very few know the actual differences between shadow root and balayage. We have listed a shadow root vs balayage comparison table below so that it’s easier for you to understand the key points.
Shadow Root Vs. Balayage: Quick Summary
Both shadow root and balayage are gorgeous, low-maintenance styles! However, they do have some differences as well. With the help of this article, you can make an informed decision about which style will suit you best!
Chances are, you have seen the hottest celebrities, or even the cashier at your supermarket rocking these styles! That’s because they look great on practically everyone!
That being said, Shadow Root and Balayage can get easily confused, so before you tell your hairstylist that you want one or the other, make sure you’re certain about which term refers to the style you really want.
After all, there’s nothing worse than sitting in the salon chair expecting to get one thing and then walking out with something completely different just because of a little miscommunication.
In the table below, I have compiled a table that summarizes all the similarities and differences between a shadow root and balayage!
| Characteristic | Shadow Root | Balayage |
|---|---|---|
| Roots are darker than the rest of the hair. | Yes | Yes |
| The required maintenance is relatively low. | Yes | Yes |
| This style is versatile and can be modified to fit your preferences. | Yes | Yes |
| Darker color is applied to roots and slightly blended with the mid-lengths of the hair. | Yes | No |
| Lightener is painted onto the mid-lengths and ends of hair using freehand strokes. | No | Yes |
| Darker roots transition to solid, lighter mid-lengths and ends. | Yes | No |
| Naturally darker hair is present throughout the head, but mostly at the roots. | No | Yes |
| Demi-permanent or permanent color is used. | Yes | No |
| Lightener or bleach is used. | No | Yes |
What is “Shadow Root”?
According to one of the leading brands of professional hair care, Wella Professionals states this:
A shadow root is – quite simply – a darker and gently diffused root area, creating a contrast against the mid-lengths and ends of your client’s hair.
Wella Professionals
To put it in other terms, shadow root is a technique used by hairstylists to keep the roots of the hair darker than the rest of the hair. The darkness of the roots can contrast sharply with the rest of the hair, or it can be similar. Also, the length of the dark section of roots can vary.
But don’t worry, “shadow root” doesn’t mean that you have a harsh line between dark roots and lighter hair. As stated above, the darker section is “gently diffused” to transition into the lighter mid-lengths of the hair.
What is “Balayage”?
Balayage is a technique for highlighting hair in which the colorist paints color onto a person’s hair freehand, using long, sweeping strokes. When done properly, it results in a more natural look”.
Miriam-Webster
In other words, your hairstylist will paint the lightener onto your hair section by section in order to create highlights throughout the hair. Balayage can be done subtly, or with more contrasting colors.
The roots of the hair remain their natural color, while highlights are simply added throughout the mid-lengths and ends of the hair to create a “sunkissed” look.
However, the natural color of the hair, or the color of the roots, will also be seen throughout the hair between the highlights.
Shadow Root Vs. Balayage: A Detailed Comparison
Let’s discuss the similarities and differences between Shadow Root and Balayage so that the next time you’re in the chair, you know exactly what you want and how to get it!
Similarities Between Shadow Root and Balayage
Dark Roots: The biggest similarity between shadow root and balayage is the fact that the roots are darker than the rest of the hair.
In a shadow root, the roots are colored to be darker than the rest of the hair. In a balayage, highlights are painted on throughout the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, leaving the roots naturally darker.
Low Maintenance: Another similarity between a shadow root and balayage is the level of maintenance required for these hairstyles. Because the roots are darker, or your natural color, they don’t have to be colored every few weeks. This can save a lot of time and money!
Versatility: Finally, a third similarity between these two styles is the fact that both of them are very versatile. In either a shadow root or balayage, there are so many options based on your personal preference.
You can go with more contrasting dark and light colors or more subtle variations. Your shadow roots can span farther down the length of the hair, or they can be shorter.
Your balayage can sport thicker, denser highlights throughout your head, or it can be applied subtly and lightly. Either way, there are lots of options!
Here is a table that summarizes the similarities between a shadow root and balayage:
| Characteristics | Shadow Root | Balayage |
|---|---|---|
| Roots are darker than the rest of the hair. | Yes | Yes |
| The required maintenance is relatively low. | Yes | Yes |
| This style is versatile and can be modified to fit your preferences. | Yes | Yes |
Differences Between Shadow Root and Balayage
Now that we have discussed the similarities between shadow root and balayage, it’s important to analyze the differences as well. Being able to differentiate between these styles is critical to communicating exactly what you want to your stylist.
Technique: One difference between a shadow root and balayage is the technique by which they are applied. In a shadow root, a darker color is applied to the roots, and blended or feathered out to the mid-lengths of the hair, either abruptly or gradually.
In a balayage, highlights are added to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, but the roots are left alone.
Appearance: Another difference between these two styles is the overall look. In a shadow root, you are dealing with more solid colors. A darker color transitions to a lighter color to create dark roots and light ends.
In a balayage, the dark and the light are more intertwined. Most of the darkness is of course at the roots, but it can also be present in the ends, between the highlights.
Product: A third difference in these styles is the product needed to achieve them. Of course, the product will differ slightly on a case-by-case basis, but for the most part, a shadow root requires a demi-permanent or permanent color, and a balayage requires a lightener such as bleach.
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between a shadow root and balayage:
| Characteristics | Shadow Root | Balayage |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Lightener is painted onto the mid-lengths and ends of the hair using freehand strokes. | Lightener is painted onto the mid-lengths and ends of hair using freehand strokes. |
| Appearance | Darker roots transition to solid, lighter mid-lengths and ends. | Naturally darker hair is present throughout the head, but mostly at the roots. |
| Product | Demi-permanent or permanent color is used. | Lightener or bleach is used. |