Hair Tips

BALAYAGE 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Posted on by The Colour Bar
balayage
07
Aug

BALAYAGE

WHAT IS BALAYAGE?

Originating from French Colorists in 1970, balayage is a French word and lightening technique that means “to sweep.” Rather than traditional foiling techniques, it is a freehand painting technique. The best part about this technique is that is extremely low-maintenance and doable no matter then length of your hair. Balayage is perfect for those who want a natural, sun-kissed look.

IS BALAYAGE THE CORRECT SERVICE FOR ME? 

If you’re new to color and you’re looking to take things slowly, then balayage is perfect for you! Because It is such a subtle highlighting technique, it will not feel like a very dramatic change. Balayage also works on any hair color, so no matter your current hair color, you are already a candidate for balayage! 

Another bonus with balayage is that it is a very low-maintenance highlighting service. With these highlights, you won’t have to run to the salon for touch-ups every couple of weeks since you’re not starting from the root of the hair. As the highlights grow out, it’ll look totally intentional. Less touch-ups? Now we’re speaking your language! 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN GETTING A BALAYAGE 

Although it is a low-maintenance technique, depending on your desired end-result you may still need several lightening sessions. The darker your starting color is as well as the lighter you want to go with your balayage highlights,, the more work it’ll take to achieve your desired end result. 

When you have darker hair, the underlying pigment is warm so your first lightening session will almost always deliver a warmer tone, but if you want it to be more ashy, the end color will appear darker.

HOW DOES BALAYAGE DIFFER FROM OTHER TYPES OF HIGHLIGHTS?

balayage
Foiled Highlights by Sierra
BALAYAGE
Balayage by Cassie

Balayage differs from other types of highlights because it is hand painted on the surface of the hair rather than other techniques which are done in foils. Your end result will not be as uniform as foiled highlights because your colorist will be able to hand paint the lightener into places that will brighten your features. Overall, your end result will look more natural than a very uniform full highlight. 

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO MAINTAIN BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS?

The best part about balayage highlights is that they grow out very naturally. There is no harsh regrowth line, so you don’t have to worry about visiting the salon regularly for touch-ups. 

But, there are definitely still some at-home steps you can take to maintain the overall color of your hair by purchasing certain products such as:

balayage

    • MINU SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: formulated for colored hair, with caper blossoms to gently cleanse, protect and extend the lifespan of colored hair.
    • ALCHEMIC SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: The Alchemic System was created exclusively for colored hair (enhanced or natural). Not only does this system retain color, but it transforms hair with a magnificent hue, while still protecting it.
    • NATURAL TECH NOURISHING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER:  For severely dry or damaged hair. Creamy with a thick foam, Nourishing Shampoo uses ultra-gentle surfactants and naturally nourishing extracts to cleanse and condition hair, leaving it soothed and soft.
    • ALTER EGO SHAMPOO: The Anti-Yellow Nourishing Shampoo for decolored or grey hair tones down unwanted yellow hues on sun-kissed effects, streaks, and decolored hair. It restores shine to grey hair.

You can find all of these products in salon or on our website: The Colour Bar Shop 

The Colour Bar