Hair Balayage: Learn about its features, application steps, and important FAQs
In recent times, many hair coloring techniques have emerged, with designers innovating various ways to give women beautiful and natural-looking appearances through hair coloring and highlighting. They meticulously blend colors to make them harmonize with the rest of the hair. One of these popular techniques, embraced by both celebrities and everyday women, is called "hair balayage." It involves selectively coloring the hair, giving it an elegant, shiny, and well-coordinated appearance that complements your natural hair color.
You might have heard of this technique but may not know much about it, so in this article, we'll help you understand what balayage is, how it differs from other hair coloring techniques, highlight its key advantages, and whether it has any side effects on your hair.
What is Hair Balayage?
The term "balayage" is French and translates to "sweeping." It's a fitting word to describe the effect this coloring technique has on hair. Balayage gives your hair a color that's close to your natural shade while adding a shimmering quality that makes it look more vibrant. It's an ideal choice if you want a subtle change to your hair or to enhance its radiance and shine. This technique first appeared in France in 1970 and was an attractive alternative to traditional coloring methods. Hairstylists would manually apply the color to create a smooth transition between darker and lighter areas.
Why has Hair Balayage become popular worldwide?
Balayage quickly spread beyond France and became popular in other parts of the Western world, thanks to celebrities like Jessica Alba, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez. It became the preferred hair coloring technique for people looking to make a subtle change to their hair's appearance while adding a touch of shine. Many liken the effects of balayage to the way the sun naturally lightens hair, creating a slightly lighter and shinier look. The ease of applying balayage, coupled with its stunning results, played a significant role in its widespread adoption.
Steps to Apply Hair Balayage at Home:
We strongly recommend going to a hair salon and having a professional hair expert perform the balayage process because they know how to do it with precision, ensuring that the color is applied in a way that achieves the desired look.
However, if you choose to do it at home, here are the steps:
- Start by thoroughly combing your hair to remove tangles and knots, especially if your hair is curly. Use a wide-toothed comb to ensure smooth combing.
- Take a small amount of hair lightening powder and mix it with the chosen hair dye. Blend the mixture thoroughly until you have a suitable consistency.
- Put on rubber gloves, making sure the room you're working in is well-ventilated.
- Divide your hair into equal sections using a comb and hair clips. This division helps ensure an even and smooth application of the balayage.
- Use a coloring brush to apply the mixture to your hair. Start from the middle of each section and paint the hair, leaving about 1 cm from the roots. Continue applying the color to the ends, making sure it's applied evenly for a perfect and stunning result.
- Once you finish the first section, repeat the same steps with the remaining sections of your hair.
- Leave the dye on your hair for approximately half an hour to allow the hair to absorb the color properly. Then, wash your hair thoroughly with water and shampoo, preferably using a shampoo specifically designed for colored hair.
- After washing your hair, dry it thoroughly, and then you can enjoy your new hair look.
What's the Difference Between Balayage and Meche?
Balayage involves coloring the hair from the roots to the ends, mimicking the hair's natural color and adding extra shine. It's a quick way to refresh your look and suits all hair colors, whether it's black, brown, red, or blonde.
On the other hand, Meche is a powder used to lighten the hair's color or remove traces of old dye, making it more receptive to the subsequent hair dye. Meche first appeared in Paris and has now become popular in the field of hair care and coloring. It's typically used in combination with an oxygen solution and is applied to the areas you want to lighten. It's left on the hair until the desired color appears, then rinsed off with water before applying your chosen hair dye.
Hair Balayage According to Skin Tone:
Hair balayage comes in various colors and is considered suitable for people of all ages, hair colors, and skin tones.
Platinum Ice Balayage: Ideal for fair and wheatish skin tones.
Caramel Blonde Balayage: This color complements those with bronzed and darker skin tones.
Dark Brown Balayage: Suitable for all skin types.
Ashy Blonde Balayage: A great match for individuals with fair skin.
Features of Hair Balayage:
- Hair balayage works well for both short and long hair.
- It doesn't require special maintenance, allowing your hair to grow without worrying about color fading.
- It provides a distinct shine by simulating the sun's effect on the hair, blending seamlessly with the rest of your hair.
- While it's more suitable for brunettes looking to lighten their hair color, it's also suitable for redheads and blondes. Whether your hair is short or long, curly or straight, you can enjoy the benefits of hair balayage.
Does Balayage Damage Hair? Are There Any Side Effects?
Balayage, like other hair dyes, has some side effects on the hair, but they are relatively minor compared to full dyes that touch the roots and scalp. What you need to be cautious about is the hair lightening powder used to lighten your hair color or remove traces of old dye, so it's advisable to minimize its use. Using a quality hair conditioner after applying hair balayage can help protect your hair strands and preserve the new hair color for a longer period.
In summary:
What sets hair balayage apart from other hair dyes is its versatility. It's suitable for nearly all hair types, colors, and skin tones. Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, you can achieve a beautiful and stunning look with balayage. Experts also recommend having it applied in a specialized hair salon for the most ideal results.