The world of hair coloring can be complicated to navigate, even for true enthusiasts. There are highlights and lowlights to consider, splashlights, babylights, and so much more. Plus, new hair trends are emerging all the time – it’s easy to get lost.
That’s why our stylists created this guide, to help you understand the wonderful world of balayage hair, and why it has become one of the most popular treatment options at PERFECT X HAIR.
What is a Balayage?
Contrary to popular belief, a balayage isn’t an actual “look”, rather it’s a technique used to highlight and color hair. The word Balayage comes from the French term for “sweeping”, and the traditional method involves using a free-hand painting technique to apply highlights and colors to hair. The result is a soft, natural look, that gives more subtle dimension and depth to your hair than traditional highlighting techniques.
Also, just as there are different types of highlights, there are different ways to apply a balayage. Another method involves strategically placing highlights and “tip outs” to create more dimension and pops of colour.
A full balayage involves lightening and coloring sections of hair all around your head, while a partial balayage is an express service that usually includes a few foils around the hairline to brighten up the face. Some salons also offer “reverse balayage” services, which involves using darker colors to add “lowlights” around your roots, and throughout the strands of your hair for more dimension.
What’s the Difference Between Balayage and Highlights?
A balayage might sound the same as getting highlights, but there are some major differences. Traditional highlighting is the most conventional way to add lighter colors and depth to your look. Highlights are typically added to hair using aluminium foil, to help saturate precise sections of hair.
Balayages tend to be more dimensional at the top of the hair and blends into lighter and brighter strands near the mid to bottom of the hair, whereas highlights are more consistent in color from the root to the ends.
Of course, there are different types of highlights that can create different looks, but balayage usually leads to a more subtle, natural finish.
What’s the Difference Between Balayage and Ombre?
Since balayage highlights are often applied from the midshaft of your hair and down, they’re sometimes confused with “ombre” hairstyles. However, balayage gives you a more blended look, while ombre hair creates a more significant contrast between the roots, and ends of your locks.
With ombre hair, you’ll see a more significant difference in the tone of your hair, the further down you go. This allows for a somewhat more dramatic appearance.
Who is Suitable for Balayage Hair?
Anyone, whether they have straight hair, curly hair, or even coily locks can benefit from a balayage – particularly if they don’t want their hairdo to look “stripy”. You don’t even need to wait for your hair to grow out if you had a previous foil color before you consider this technique.
Notably, while balayage hair is usually associated with blonde hair, it’s great for hair of any color. You don’t need to stick with blonde tones to add highlights either. You can experiment with pinks, reds, purples, brunette shades and more.
Experienced stylists can even create an incredible look if you have grey hair. Although balayage won’t cover grey hair fully, it can give it an excellent level of dimension.
The Pros and Cons of Balayage Hair
There are a few reasons why balayage colors are some of the most popular options on our service menu at PERFECT X HAIR. Not only is this coloring technique extremely versatile, but it can be less damaging than other color options too.
Pros
- Minimal maintenance: Since the balayage process can help to make grown-out roots look more natural and appealing, it’s often less work to maintain your hair. That means less time and money spent at the salon in the long-term.
- Customization: Every balayage is different. Your stylist will work with you to select the perfect colors, gradation, and placement, based on your goals. For instance, if you have pale skin, they might suggest red, light brown and blonde colors.
- Trendy appearance: A lot of celebrities, from the Kardashians, to K-Pop idols have balayage hair. If you work with the right stylist, you’re pretty much guaranteed to end up with a fantastic, on-trend appearance.
- Hair health: Since balayage doesn’t involve saturating your hair in bleach, or exposing it to extra heat from foils, you should end up with less potential damage to your hair. Plus, fewer treatments required to maintain the look means less exposure to chemicals.
Cons
- Treatment time: Depending on what you want to achieve with your balayage, and the process your stylist follows, your appointment can take a while. You may need to spend a few hours of your afternoon or morning at the salon.
- Compatibility: Generally, most coloring treatments aren’t compatible with other long-term hair treatments like perms. It’s worth deciding if you want to get a perm before you consider coloring your hair.
- Requires expertise: Because balayages are such a complex hair procedure, you need to make sure you choose an expert stylist who knows how to tailor your treatment to your specific goals and needs.
What to Expect from a Balayage Appointment
The balayage technique is a very artistic process, and every stylist approaches it differently. Plus, as we mentioned above, no two balayages should ever be the same, as your stylist should work with you to tailor the treatment to your individual hair goals.
However, here’s a basic idea of what you can expect from a balayage appointment with a PERFECT X HAIR stylist.
1. Consultation and Planning
We believe that a good consultation is the key to a good hairstyle, so we take these initial discussions pretty seriously. When you arrange an appointment, your stylist will ask you some questions for insights into what you’re actually looking for.
Your stylist will also review any inspiration pictures you have, and give you their opinion on which colors will best match your current hair and skin tone, if you’re looking for something natural. For instance, for dark skin tones, shades of caramel, and warm blondes often work best.
During this consultation, you might also plan the cut for your hair, as this can affect the final look of your balayage.
2. Balayage and Styling Stage
Once you’ve planned everything out with your stylist, you’ll arrive at your appointment and your stylist will section your hair and mix the proper lightener. Once they’re ready, they’ll begin painting lightener (bleach-based products) and other dyes onto your hair. A good balayage is all about blending and proper placement, so you can expect this process to take a while.
After the colors are applied, you’ll be left to process and your colorist will regularly check-in to see how the treatment is progressing. When your hair has lifted to the desired level, your stylist will rinse your hair and apply the customized color.
Finally, if you’ve chosen a balayage and cut package, they’ll trim your hair into your chosen style, dry it, and then add the finishing touches, such as straightening or curling segments of your hair.
3. Aftercare
Since balayage colors grow out naturally, you can usually get away with a lot less maintenance than you’d need to invest in for a full head of color or even traditional highlights. Still, your stylist should be able to give you some tips on how to make the most of your look.
For instance, you might need to book a couple of appointments for occasional toner and touch-ups, depending on the style you want to achieve. Outside of the salon, using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners will be important, to prevent your hair from feeling dry and brittle.
Using protection sprays, particularly before applying heat to your hair with hairdryers or irons, will also be helpful. If you choose blonde highlights, your stylist may recommend a purple shampoo to keep the tone consistent.
Discover a New Look with Balayage Hair
A balayage color treatment can be an excellent way to revitalize your hair, adding depth and dimension to your natural hair. It’s an extremely versatile treatment option, that can often be better for your hair health than other coloring services, and gives you a lot of control over your finished appearance.
You won’t even need to spend as much time or effort on maintaining your hair as you would if you were to apply a full-head dye or highlights.
The key to success is working with the right stylist, who can customize your look to suit your skin and hair tone perfectly. If you’re ready to try a new look with balayage, contact the team at PERFECT X HAIR today to book your consultation, and your coloring appointment.
FAQs
How much does a professional balayage cost?
The price of a balayage service can depend on the stylist you choose, the length of your hair, and the number of colors you want to apply. Our balayage services start at $199 for a one-process balayage (without bleach) and can go upwards of $499 for a multi-process treatment.
How long does a balayage appointment take?
The length of time that it takes for a balayage can range from 3 to 6 hours, depending on whether bleach is used, if it’s a partial or full balayage, and how much hair you have.
How long does a balayage last?
Balayage hair can last between three and four months, depending on how quickly your hair grows, the color of your roots, and how you maintain your hair between salon visits. Our stylists will share tips on how to maintain your new hair following your treatment.
