Woman's Hair Color Services
Women's Hair Coloring
Balayage
What is balayage?
Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. It’s a freehand hair coloring technique that gives a really blended natural look with no harsh or obvious regrowth lines.
Balayage allows for a sun-kissed natural looking hair color, with softer, less noticeable re-growth. The principal idea being less is more when creating a natural, multi-tonal finish. The technique uses patches of light and shade to create multiple dimensions to the color.
It’s a great method if you want to refresh your color but don’t want to go for a bold color overhaul.
How is balayage applied?
Balayage is painted on the surface of the hair strand and not saturated through the section until the very tips. This ensures a smooth, blended stroke of color. It can also be called a freehand technique because no foil or meche are used to create the highlights.
How long does it take to do balayage?
The depth of balayage can vary so much from a few small highlights that will only take a matter of minutes to a full on, triple process look that can take up to 3 hours. Though it can take quite a long time to do a multi-tonal, layered balayage compared to regular color the benefit of the application means you will be able to leave longer between your next color appointment. If you want a few balayage babylights this may take as little as 45 minutes.
What sets it apart from traditional hair coloring?
Balayage is quite different to traditional highlights because no foil is used and the color is painted on freehand. The finished result is less uniform than typical highlights. If you’ve ever been worried about having stripey color after a visit to the hairdressers, balayage is a sure way to avoid that harsh contrast between colors – especially if you’re going blonder.
The color created is totally bespoke to you and can even be placed in a way to compliment or distract attention away from certain features on the face.
What’s making it so popular recently?
Ten years ago balayage wasn’t the coloring phenomenon it is today, it’s quite a specific method of coloring that hasn’t been widely taught until recently. Balayage is especially popular with celebrities and is a classic look for the red carpet.
Does it require a lot of maintenance?
Typically balayage requires far less maintenance than traditional color because it grows out beautifully and there are no strong regrowth lines. It also means you can wait for longer between appointments so it’s the perfect technique for a modern, busy woman.
If you want to make your balayage last as long as possible, opt for a babylight – it’s the most subtle type of color you can go for. Investing in some good quality color care styling products is also advisable to keep your color looking fresh for longer.
Is it suitable for all hair types/lengths?
It works on both light and dark hair depending on how much lighter you want to go and all hair textures. Whether it’s straight, wavy or curly the color will still work well and look great.
The technique is particularly popular amongst celebrities with long, textured hair as it creates a beautiful, beachy style.
How long does balayage last?
One of the biggest perks of balayage is that it doesn’t require as much upkeep as traditional color. The blended finish means you can leave longer between your salon appointments, depending on the style of balayage.
What’s the difference between ombre and balayage?
Balayage is a totally blended hair look, there are no lines or blocks of color and the graduation between shades is much more subtle. Some lengths of the hair are kept darker for a seamless color finish.
Ombre hair has a more defined contrast between the roots and tips of the hair with color starting mid-way down the strands. Ombre color is a more noticeable, statement look compared to Balayage.
Does balayage work on grey hair?
Balayage works for all colors but the only thing is it won’t cover grey hair, it will only help blend in the grey to disguise it so if you want full coverage for greys it might not be the right choice for you.
What makes it timeless?
Balayage creates a totally bespoke, personalized color finish. Healthy, natural looking hair will always be ‘in’ which is why the technique has remained popular for so many years. Depending on what you’re looking for the finish can be subtle or quite bold. It’s the ability to completely tailor the color effect that makes this such a popular color choice.
If you have more questions ask me on your next visit.
