Guide · VaughanBalayage vs highlights vs babylights: what to ask for
By Ms. Sharla, corrective colourist & blonde specialist (25 years) · Updated November 13, 2026
The short answer
Balayage is hand-painted for a soft, lived-in blonde that grows out gently. Foil highlights give brighter, more even lift from the root. Babylights are very fine highlights for subtle, natural brightness, and face-framing brightens just around your face. At J|C in Vaughan, balayage starts at $350, full highlights at $250, babylights at $200 and face-framing at $120.
Side by side
| Balayage | Foil highlights | Babylights | Face-framing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft, sun-kissed, darker root | Brighter, more uniform blonde | Fine, natural shimmer | Brightness around the face |
| Grow-out | Very soft — 3–4 months | More visible line — 6–10 weeks | Soft — 8–12 weeks | Soft |
| Best for | Low maintenance, lived-in colour | Maximum brightness | Natural blondes, subtle change | A quick refresh |
| J|C price | From $350 | Full head from $250 · half from $200 | From $200 | From $120 |
What to bring to your appointment
- Two or three photos of what you love — and one of what you don't.
- Your colour history for the last two years, including box dye and henna.
- How often you're willing to come back, so we can choose the right technique.
Going lighter from dark or box-dyed hair
If your hair is dark, previously coloured or box-dyed, getting to blonde safely may take more than one visit. That's colour correction — the specialty of Ms. Sharla, our corrective colourist of 25 years. We use bond-building care like Olaplex to protect your hair along the way.