Balayage is a form of highlighting. As previously mentioned, the balayage technique focuses the color a couple inches from the roots. But traditional highlights are usually placed directly at the roots, according to Felicia Dosso of Nunzio Saviano.
Although the ends get "painted", balayage is traditionally done without the use of foils. "The foils and backcombing technique doesn't allow you to paint close to the scalp," says Satorn, "where with balayage, you can paint almost all the way up to the scalp if desired."
Finally, since Balayage highlights sit directly on the hair and not the scalp, they can be safely done on pregnant women and those with allergies to hair color. This is truly the safest, most versatile, and lowest-maintenance option for women who want beautiful highlights in their hair.
2. Mix and apply the colour to your roots first – the first 1-2 inches of your hair – and leave to develop for 15 minutes. 3.
Most colourists start their balayage in the middle of the hair section, sweeping upwards towards the root to avoid a noticeable colour line. Knowing the result each balayage placement creates, and when it's best to use them, is key to perfecting your technique.
As with any skill, perfecting your balayage process all comes down to practicing and experimenting with different techniques. Below, we outline three really important balayage application techniques that can help you step up your hair painting game: The C-Motion™, The Glide & Slide™, and The Backflip™.
Balayage. Hair grows fast — about an inch per month. So techniques, like balayage, which involve hand painting the hair and not going all the way to your roots, help you to get a gorgeous look with less maintenance. In general, we recommend scheduling a balayage touch up every 12-14 weeks.
Because a balayage involves lightening certain sections of your hair, the effect is permanent, although the colour might fade slightly after a few months if not looked after properly (see further down for how to get long-lasting bright colour).
Hair Styling – If someone is looking for subtle style changes then choose partial balayage, whereas full balayage is meant for more radical changes to your hair. Visit your hairstylist for a consultation.
Reverse balayage, as the name implies, is the "reverse" of balayage (aka, lightening up your hairstyle with a "painting" or "sweeping" technique) by adding lowlights and darker strands instead, usually to reintroduce depth into a blonde, light style.
Does balayage ruin your hair? Just like any chemical processing treatment, balayage does cause damage to your hair. Comparing balayage to traditional highlights, Matt Rez, celebrity colorist at LA's Mèche Salon believes balayage is slightly more damaging (via The Ouai).
You shouldn't wash your hair beforehand. If you're adding highlights with balayage, you should come with oily hair to protect the scalp. But if you're getting a single process, it's better to come with clean hair to help the color hold, Scrivo says.
Babylights require foil to separate each strand, but much smaller pieces of hair are used in one foil than in standard highlights. This technique is best for people with fine hair who want noticeable color that's not dramatic or thick (like balayage and ombré).
How Long Does A Balayage Last? Probably the most appealing aspect of a balayage is that it allows for a longer time period in between touch-ups, and will still look beautiful! We recommend coming back every 6 weeks for some kind of maintenance to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.
Balayage is how you achieve ombré.” And it gets even simpler than that: The French word balayage translates to "sweeping," which is the gist of the technique. “When you're using a balayage technique, you're literally painting bleach or lightener onto the hair in a sweeping motion,” Capri says.
However, in general balayage does take a bit longer than foil because the stylist goes through piece by piece to customize the color. This highlighting technique is also a bit more expensive. “[It's] more expensive because it takes more thought and creativity from the stylist,” says Jordan Hunt.
Balayage hair can last up to 4 months with proper care.
The aim is to create a natural, sunkissed effect, and it can be produced on any length of hair, from long waves to short pixie haircuts, as well as onto colour.
As you can probably guess, a full balayage color service involves having your colorist hand-paint highlights throughout your entire mane. This is an ideal option for those who want an all-over lightened head of hair without the constant maintenance that comes with root grow out.
“As we embark on 2022, you'll see a move away from balayage and over-bleached two-toned looks that can be damaging to hair. Instead, the trend will focus on keeping hair healthier with blended and customized natural hair colors that complement each person's individual skin undertones.
Balayage highlights are great for just about everyone looking for dimension, a seamless melt, tasteful highlights, and an on-trend color design – an application that offers a truly modern ombre. Although many people refer to it as a style, balyage is not the result, but the technique.
If you are looking to add non-uniform chunks or sweeps of color, balayage is a better option. The method offers your stylist more freedom to add color that fits and flatters your cut, face shape, and, of course, your personal style.
"The best way to grow out your natural color, especially coming from a highlight or balayage look, is to have your colorist gloss down your hair back to the natural level of the roots to allow the natural root to blend as it grows," says IGK Hair Care founder Chase Kusero.
$150 to $200
Balayage lasts longer between retouches than highlights and is popular with many celebrities. Balayage offers a natural, multi-dimensional look by adding a light feathering of color near the roots and blending it artistically into ends saturated in vibrant color.
While purple shampoo is widely used on blonde tresses, it can also be used on lightened brunette hair to tone highlights, balayages and ombres.