The Fashionista’s Guide to Balayage
What Celebrities Know about Balayage That You May Not Have Considered
Balayage, meaning ‘to sweep’ in French, is a technique that the hair colorist uses a brush to hand paint lightener onto select strands of hair, applying the lightener in a sweeping motion going from thin sections at the root to thicker sections toward the ends of hair. This creates a unique look, giving your highlights that look like they were put there naturally by the sun. . . . just like a child’s hair. I love Loreal’s concept of “Less is More,” it applies with the technique of balayage.
I began using the technique on my clients and it made me rethink how I previously thought of hair color. I fell in love with the technique and how it looked on my clients hair. And best of all, my clients fell in love with how their hair looked! It creates a more natural grow out. Balayage application creates highlights softer by the roots and bolder towards the ends, which looks more natural than highlights done with foil applications. The foil highlight application gets lost towards the ends.
Another big plus with going with a balayage trend is that you won’t need to come into the salon every 6 weeks for a touch-up as you would with regrowth from a foil application. You will get used to seeing more depth at your roots and the highlights from balayage pop out more, giving a more beachy effect. You could also learn how to balayage your hair at home if you’re brave enough.
The placement of balayage or ombre hair color is more artistic and more visual than a foil highlight application. You can balayage lowlights on to the hair, which also looks more natural and not as streaky or chunky as some highlights can become.
Most of my clients come in every 3 months for a touch-up. Some clients wait up to 6 months, but most come in-between the 3 month period to get their roots touched up or a toner/gloss, or just face frame highlight. Those of you who are used to the foil application of highlights or lowlights, don’t freak out! Talk to your hair stylist about easing you into the transition. Your hair stylist can also balayage your hair heavier around your face and hairline for an easier transition. That way you won’t feel like you still have regrowth when you leave the salon.
As a hair stylist, I’d much prefer to see natural and subtle highlights for someone rather than the unnatural and chunky pieces in the hair. If you have a one-tone all over hair color to your hair and want to try something new, this is for you. Jennifer Garner recently had balayage highlights put into her dark brown hair and the result is a skin brightening style that is really unique to her..
Don’t be afraid to try something new and break out of the ordinary. If you are always pining for highlights like the Victoria Secret models, then this look is definitely for you. Expect to spend slightly more than you would for foil hair highlighting since this is a newer, more trendy and personalized technique, that isn’t offered everywhere.
Long term savings may be another reason to balayage! The technique may cost a bit more up front, but since your hair will appear more naturally highlighted, you can go longer in between salon visits!!
Balayage highlights are a definite ‘do for the summer. Keep in mind that your hair stylist can also use the balayage technique to put lowlights into hair as well, but the technique is best used for highlighting.
So for new clients looking for that next best hair color trend . . . this is it. Remember the service will most likely cost you more because of the skill and technique level and the time involved. It’s the perfect time now to get your hair sun-kissed ready!
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This post is in: Celebrity Hairstyles, Hair Color, Hair Color Trends, Hair Style Videos, Hairstyle Trends, Highlights, Inspiration
August 2, 2014 By: Barb Quinn Leave your comments (0), Your input matters.