Are you ready to switch up your hair colour for a look that is fresh, contemporary and low maintenance? Enter the world of balayage, the French hair dye technique that has taken the beauty industry by storm. Replacing dated blocky highlights with the delicate finish of hand-painted strands, balayage is the go-to choice for those seeking natural-looking hair colour. It’s no wonder that it has gained so much popularity among hair stylists and hair enthusiasts alike.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about balayage hair colour, from understanding the technique, to different styles that you can choose from. We’ll also answer some common questions you may have, so you can make an informed decision about whether balayage hair colour is right for you.
What is Balayage Hair Colour?
Balayage is a French word which means ‘to sweep’. This hair colouring technique is designed to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed appearance in the hair. Balayage is a freehand painting technique where colour is applied using a hand-held brush or paddle and combed through the hair. Unlike traditional highlighting methods, balayage doesn’t require foils, caps or other colour application guides.
The reason why balayage looks so natural is that it mimics the way the sun naturally lightens hair in summer. It targets the areas of the hair that would be naturally lighter due to sun exposure, such as around the face or the ends of hair. Balayage offers a less obvious transition between the coloured and the natural hair, resulting in a low-maintenance look that never screams ‘fake.’
How is Balayage Hair Colour Done?
The balayage technique is a process that involves dividing the hair into sections and applying the colour, from the mid-lengths to the ends, using a freehand painting method. The colour gets blended naturally into the rest of the hair through a technique called ‘smudging’. This is where the brush is used to gently diffuse the colour line upwards into the hair, creating a seamless transition for a natural-looking finish.
Can I Get Balayage on Short Hair?
Yes, you can! However, the technique will be slightly different from Balayage for longer hair. In this case, the colour is applied to create a more defined look that concentrates on the ends and the surface area of the hair. Hair stylists use the technique to create more texture and dimension to short hair, providing the illusion of volume and thickness. Unlike highlights, balayage aims to create a natural-looking effect, and shorter hair can benefit from some of the texture and movement that balayage can offer.
Benefits of Balayage Hair Colour
1. Low Maintenance
One of the most significant benefits of balayage hair colour is the low maintenance it requires. Unlike traditional highlights that require frequent touch-ups to avoid roots, balayage hair colour’s natural-looking effect means the regrowth is more subtle, so you can go longer between appointments.
2. Natural-Looking
Balayage hair colour is designed to create a natural-looking, sun-kissed look that’s unique to you. The hand-painted technique ensures that no two hairstyles are the same, resulting in a bespoke hair colour that looks like it could have been achieved with natural lightening.
3. Versatile
Balayage hair colour is versatile and can be adapted to suit any kind of hair or style. From subtle highlights to bold colour contrasts, there is a balayage style for everyone, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to switch up their hair colour.
Which colour is best for Balayage hair?
The colour that is best for balayage hair will depend on your natural hair colour, skin tone, and personal preference. If you have blonde hair, a balayage technique can add dimension and depth to your hair. If you have dark brown hair, balayage can create a rich and warmer look. If you have black hair, balayage can create a subtle and natural look. If you have brown hair, a balayage technique can create a sun-kissed and natural look.
Is balayage better than highlights?
Balayage and highlights are two different hair colouring techniques that achieve different results. Balayage creates a more natural and subtle look, while highlights are more defined and create a bolder look. Balayage is also more low maintenance than highlights because it grows out more naturally without noticeable roots.
What is the difference between balayage and ombre hair color?
Balayage and ombre hair colour are two different techniques that achieve different results. Balayage creates a more natural and sun-kissed look, with the hair getting gradually lighter towards the ends. Ombre creates a more distinct graduation from one colour to another, typically with a contrast in colour between the roots and the ends. Ombre also typically covers a larger portion of the hair than Balayage does.
Balayage vs. Highlights: What’s the Difference?
Balayage and highlights are two different hair colouring techniques that can create different results. Balayage creates a more natural and subtle look, while highlights create a bolder and more defined look. Balayage is also more low maintenance than highlights because it grows out more naturally without noticeable roots.
Balayage on black hair
Balayage on black hair can create a subtle and natural look. The aim is to create a more natural and sun-kissed look. The Balayage technique can be used to add subtle highlights to black hair, which can add dimension and depth to your hair. It’s important to choose the right shade for Balayage on black hair to create a natural and subtle look.
Balayage blonde hair
Balayage on blonde hair can create a multidimensional and natural look. The aim is to add depth and dimension to your hair, making it look fuller and more voluminous. The Balayage technique can be used to add subtle or bold highlights to blonde hair, depending on the desired result. Blonde hair is particularly suited to the Balayage technique because it creates a natural and sun-kissed look.
Balayage on dark brown hair
Balayage on dark brown hair can create a rich and warm look. The aim is to create a subtle and natural change in hair colour, making it look more vibrant and healthy. The Balayage technique can be used to add lighter or warmer tones to dark brown hair, creating a multidimensional look that complements your skin tone.
Balayage on brown hair
Balayage on brown hair can create a more natural and sun-kissed look. The aim is to create a subtle change in hair colour that complements your skin tone. The Balayage technique can be used to add warmer or cooler tones to brown hair, creating a multidimensional look that makes your hair look fuller and more voluminous.
Balayage on straight hair
Balayage on straight hair can create a natural and subtle look that complements your hair texture. The aim is to add dimension and depth to your hair, making it look fuller and less flat. The Balayage technique can be used to add subtle or bold highlights to straight hair, depending on the desired result. Straight hair is particularly suited to the Balayage technique because it creates a natural and sun-kissed look that complements all skin tones.