The terms "balayage," "ombre," and highlights" are all various styles and techniques that refer to the same goal: lightening the hair. They can all be combined for your desired look. In short, Ombre and highlights are a bit more of a style while Balayage is a technique. Ombre means shaded from dark to light. Balayage can be used to create ombre. Highlights, on the other hand, are usually placed close to the scalp and they are will delivery more bright, noticeable lines of color woven throughout the hair.