What is a balayage?

A lot of our clients come into the salon and ask “what is a balayage?”
We are here to help you understand this well known hair trend.

The word balayage (bah-lee-ahge) is a french word with the meaning “to sweep”. This is a technique where the colour/lightener is hand painted onto the hair creating a natural, blended look.

There are many types of balayage, ranging from a subtle sun kissed caramel colour, or it can be amped up to a bold, vivid, colourful creation. This effortless look is low maintenance compared to the traditional highlights as it leaves the roots deep while painted with lighter pieces from the mid lengths to the ends.

Balayage FAQ:

What is the difference between balayage and ombre?

While ombre and balayage may seem like they have the same look, they do not. An Ombre is a gradient going from dark to light but is not as soft and a bit more obvious, while a balayage has a gradual and natural look to it. Technically you could call a non blended grown out balayage an ombre.

How can we make our balayage last as long as possible?

Even though a balayage is low maintenance we still need to make it look as fresh as possible! To achieve a long lasting look a toner is the way to go. Getting a toner done every 4-6 weeks just gives the colour an extra boost of vibrance. Toner is not just to add cool or warm tones, it can even deepen it to create a totally different look depending on your mood and the season.

Does a balayage have to be blonde?

Easy answer, no. A balayage can range in depth and intensity, the more common shades are more on the caramel or chocolate tones, depending on how dark the natural hair is.

Can you have bright, vibrant colours?

Heck yeah! If you are interested in shades that stand out more but don’t want to commit to the full head bleach, balayage is the next best thing! It is an awesome look and not too in your face as your natural colour that comes through dulls it down ever so slightly. We love putting funky, out there colours through to create some brightness, especially for a cold winters day.

What types of balayage techniques are there?

We have multiple techniques that we use in the salon but they are not all for everyone.

–Freehand: Very subtle and does not get too light. This techniques gives more of a sun-kissed natural effect that works better on pre-lightened hair or people that have naturally lighter hair.

–Foilage: This techniques lightens up the hair a lot more that the normal freehand. It is ideal for either darker natural hair, previously coloured hair, or clients that want to go a lot lighter (creamy white blonde). It also creates more texture by having some pieces of light and some of dark.

–Money Piece balayage: This creates a lot of lightness around the face but darker at the roots round the back. This kind of balayage mimics where the sun hits (mainly when it is tied up)

There are plenty more techniques but they are the most common ones.

Is there a specific type of shampoo or conditioner that should be used after having a balayage?

This totally depends on the colour that has been put through your hair or if a treatment like wellaplex was applied during the process. If you like having more of an ashy/cooler tone through your hair, it is recommended to use a purple shampoo. Using a purple shampoo is scary when you first get it as it is literally purple but it does not actually make it go that lovely lavender colour, unless you use it every day.

If your hair is more on the golden/caramel/chocolate side we recommend to use a colour save range like the Systems Professional Colour Save range. Using a colour protect shampoo and conditioner will help with the longevity of the toner and encourage shine.

What is wellaplex? Why should I have it in my colour?

Wellaplex is Wellas version of the Olaplex treatment. This treatment is to reduce damage by about 98%, making your hair as healthy as it can be in the process of applying lightener. This is a treatment that is recommended be used each time your hair is lightened. After the service you are given a take home (step 3) treatment to use in the shower every second wash as a conditioner.

The Wellaplex is added into the colour then after it is processed it is rinsed out. Step 2 is then applied at the basin and left for around 10mins.

If you are interested in looking at getting a balayage, click the link below for a consultation to see if it is the right thing for you!