The Balayage Technique: Painting Your Way To More Natural Highlights
1. What is balayage?
The balayage technique is a process for highlighting the hair using a freehand technique. The balayage technique uses bleach selectively to only lighten certain sections of hair. This highlighting process has a different end result.
2. How is the balayage technique different?
The balayage technique is very different from getting regular highlights because of how and where the bleach or color is applied. Highlights are usually evenly spaced throughout the hair and are typically lightened from root to tip. For a true balayage hair look, instead of evenly coating the section of hair with a layer of bleach, it is hand painted on for a staggered effect that doesn’t just apply to the individual section of hair, but on all of the hair. Usually, with the balayage hair technique, more hair is lightened in the front near the face. Less of the hair is lightened near the back of the head. This gives balayage its signature natural look.
3. Why do some people prefer balayage?
Balayage has become so popular in the last year because of it’s gorgeous natural effect. The bleach is painted on, so it can look like the hair was naturally lightened by the sun. Also, balayage tends to look more natural because the hair isn’t lifted as much as regular highlights. People tend to go for the balayage hair technique for a more laid-back look. It also has the added benefit of needing fewer touch-ups, because the bleach doesn’t go all the way to the root. Balayage grows out looking very natural.
4. Caring for balayage-treated hair
You need to care for balayage treated hair with a lot of love. Even though the color change may not be significant, bleach is still going to be drying on hair. Also, because the hair is bleached, it can tend to go a bit orange without toning. We recommend washing your hair once a week to once every other week with a purple shampoo to balance out any brassiness. We like Bed Head By TIGI Dumb Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo. You may also feel that your hair is a bit drier after getting the bleach applied. This is due to the outer layer of the hair sustaining damage from bleach. The bit of damage leaves the hair more porous, making it harder to retain moisture. To make sure your hair stays nice and healthy-feeling, we suggest using a hair mask once a week. Suave Professionals Coconut Milk Infusion Intense Moisture Mask is a good option, as it’s super hydrating but not too heavy on hair.
