The Blonding Guide: Highlights, Balayage, Foilayage, and Platinum Explained

Written By Elle Westby

Thinking about going blonde but not sure where to start? You’re not alone—“balayage vs highlights” is one of the most searched phrases when it comes to hair color in Brooklyn. At Gem House Salon in Greenpoint, we specialize in creating customized blondes, from sun-kissed ribbons to bold, platinum statements.

Here’s your guide to the most popular blonding techniques—so you can choose the blonde that fits your lifestyle.

✨ Highlights

Blonde highlights at Gem House Salon in Greenpoint, Brooklyn—classic, bright strands woven throughout for a timeless polished look.

Get classic blonde highlights at Gem House Salon in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Our stylists create bright, polished blonde looks for clients from Williamsburg, LIC, and Bushwick.

The Classic Brightener

  • Look: Defined, uniform strands of blonde woven throughout the hair.

  • Maintenance: Every 6–8 weeks to keep brightness consistent.

  • Cost: Mid-range; requires regular upkeep.

  • Vibe: Polished, timeless, and bold.

Highlights are the go-to for clients who love that fresh, bright “just-colored” look.

🌿 Balayage

Balayage blonde hair at Gem House Salon in Brooklyn—hand-painted highlights for soft, sun-kissed, natural dimension.

Get the perfect lived-in blonde with balayage at Gem House Salon in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Low-maintenance, dimensional color for clients from Williamsburg, LIC, and Bushwick.

The Lived-In Favorite

  • Look: Hand-painted blonde applied where the sun would naturally lighten hair.

  • Maintenance: Low—touch-ups every 4-6 months.

  • Cost: Slightly higher upfront but grows out beautifully.

  • Vibe: Effortless, chic, and natural.

Balayage is perfect for busy NYC clients who want dimension without a high-maintenance schedule.

🎨 Foilayage

Medium-length hair with soft waves showing dimensional blonde color. The roots are slightly shadowed, blending into bright blonde mid-lengths and ends with a seamless gradient.

Foilayage hair color at Gem House Salon in Brooklyn—dimensional blonde created with a balayage and foil blend for maximum brightness and softness.

Soft & Bright

  • Look: A hybrid technique using foils to give a balayaged effect with maximum brightness and a seamless blend.

  • Maintenance: Medium—touch-ups every 4 months.

  • Cost: Higher than balayage, as the technique is more detailed and usually requires a root shadow.

  • Vibe: Luxurious, dimensional, and modern.

Foilayage is ideal if you love balayage’s softness but crave extra lift and brightness.

❄️ Platinum Blonde

Close-up of sleek platinum blonde hair, styled straight with a luminous, icy-white tone from roots to ends. The look is bold, modern, and high-shine.

Go bold with platinum blonde at Gem House Salon in Brooklyn. Expert stylists create icy, all-over blonde color for clients from Williamsburg, LIC, and beyond.

The Statement Shade

  • Look: All-over blonde, from roots to ends.

  • Maintenance: High—root touch-ups every 4–6 weeks, plus toning and treatments to keep it icy.

  • Cost: Premium, as it requires more time and care.

  • Vibe: Bold, editorial, and iconic.

Platinum is for clients ready to turn heads and commit to a strong maintenance routine.

🌟 The Bottom Line

Every blonding technique has its own personality, upkeep, and vibe. The key is finding what fits your lifestyle and desired look.

💎 Book Your Blonding Consultation

Ready to find your perfect blonde?
Book a blonding consultation at Gem House Salon in Greenpoint, at the best salon in brooklyn for blondes—serving Williamsburg, LIC, Bushwick, and all of Brooklyn—to choose the blonde that fits your lifestyle.

Elle Westby
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