By now you have probably heard about balayage or seen photos of the “sun-kissed” effect that is all over social media.
Women are switching over to balayage in droves, wanting a lower maintenance, more lived-in look. You might think it’s the best way to give you those natural looking highlights of your youth (and you’d be right) but balayage can do so much more.
What is balayage?
The word is French, meaning “to sweep.” I know what you’re thinking, “what does this have to do with hair?” Balayage is a technique in which highlights are applied with a sweeping motion, or hand-painted, onto the hair without the use of foils. Balayage does not necessarily refer to a specific “look” or “style” but rather the way lightener is applied to the hair.
Using a balayage technique, you can get natural looking highlights or a heavier look with a lot of dimension.
Why balayage?
A lot of people opt for balayage because it is less maintenance than highlights. Because the technique allows for a lived in look, clients can expect to come to the salon every 12-18 weeks.
Tess de la Riva, a L’Oreal Professionnel Houston Balayage Certified stylist, says, “If you want lower maintenance or a more transitional color effect from roots to ends, then balayage could be right for you.”
Balayage is also more customizable than highlights. Things such as color placement, hair density, and hair texture are all taken into account allowing for easy personalization.
Balayage is not just for blondes!
That might be your first thought, but balayage can be used to put dimension in any hair color, from red to brown to blonde. Balayage is a great way to add low maintenance dimension, deepen color at your root, and, according to Tess, “give a more modern look.”
Overall, if low maintenance is a priority to you and you want to add some dimension, balayage could be right for you! Talk to your Hue Salon stylist about adding a balayage service onto your next appointment.
Hue Salon is located in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Our stylists are trained in traditional French balayage. Click here to see which stylists specialize in balayage.