Sun-Kissed vs. Studio Highlights – What’s Best for Your Lifestyle?
When it comes to refreshing your look and adding dimension to your hair, highlights are a go-to solution. But not all highlights are created equal. At Venelle Salon and Spa in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we often get the question:
“Should I go for sun-kissed balayage or bold studio foil highlights?”
The answer? It depends on your lifestyle, your look, and your maintenance preferences.
Let’s break it down so you can make the right choice for you.
🌞 What Are Sun-Kissed Highlights?
Think effortless. Think natural. Think as if you just got back from a summer vacation.
Sun-kissed highlights are soft, subtle, and often created using the balayage technique, where color is painted onto the hair in a freehand style for a gradual, blended lightening effect. This look mimics the way the sun would naturally lighten your hair over time — especially around the face and ends.
Perfect for:
✔ Busy schedules — low-maintenance grow-out
✔ A natural, soft look
✔ Brunettes and blondes who want lightness without a harsh line
✔ Wavy, curly, or beachy-textured hair
Lifestyle Match:
You're a low-fuss beauty lover. You want a fresh, radiant look that lasts for months without constant touch-ups. You love the “effortless chic” vibe and prefer styles that grow out gracefully.
💡 What Are Studio Highlights?
Studio highlights are the traditional foil technique — precise, structured, and high-impact. This method involves sectioning hair and applying lightener from root to tip using foils for a crisp, defined lift.
Studio highlights offer maximum brightness and work great for major contrast, color corrections, or going dramatically lighter.
Perfect for:
✔ Bold blondes, icy tones, or dramatic contrast
✔ People who want lightness from root to end
✔ Straight or fine hair that needs a volume boost
✔ Anyone who wants that pop of platinum or golden blonde
Lifestyle Match:
You don’t mind a little upkeep to stay vibrant. You love a polished, salon-fresh look and are okay with regular root touch-ups. Your hair is your statement — and you want it to shine.
✨ Which Highlight Style is Right for You?
| Feature | Sun-Kissed Highlights | Studio Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low | Medium to High |
| Look | Natural, subtle | Bright, bold |
| Application | Hand-painted | Foil & structured |
| Hair Type | Great for curls, waves | Ideal for straight/fine hair |
| Tone Range | Warm, soft blondes | Cool blondes, high contrast |
| Touch-up Frequency | Every 10–14 weeks | Every 6–8 weeks |
💬 Real Client Favorites at Venelle
🌟 “I love my balayage. It looks like I spent the summer in Italy!”
🌟 “My foil highlights are always bright and never brassy. Worth every visit!”
🌟 “I told them I didn’t want to come back every month and they gave me the perfect low-maintenance sun-kissed look.”
🎨 Can You Combine Both?
Absolutely! Many of our clients choose a hybrid technique — soft balayage around the crown and face, with bright studio foils through the interior. This gives the best of both worlds: natural depth and vivid brightness.
💇♀️ Let’s Create Your Perfect Highlight
At Venelle Salon and Spa, we customize every highlight service to fit your hair, your goals, and your lifestyle. Whether you're ready for a glowing sun-kissed effect or bold, radiant studio blonde — we’ve got you covered.
Located in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn, we're just minutes from Clinton Hill and Downtown Brooklyn. Let our expert colorists help you shine.
📞 Call now to book: 718.989.9800
🌐 Book online: venellespa.com
Sun-kissed or studio — your perfect highlight is waiting at Venelle. Let’s find your glow.