Balayage Hair: How to Create More Natural Highlights
If you are tired of your current hairstyle and color, you might consider balayage to spice things up. It can give you a natural look while making your hair feel fresh and new. Before you make your next hair salon appointment, learn everything you need to know about balayage hair and what to expect at your appointment.
What is Balayage Hair?
Balayage is a popular hair coloring technique that allows you to spice up your hair color without altering your base hair color. French colorists created the balayage technique. The hair color is hand-painted onto sectioned pieces of hair with a brush, thus giving definition and brightness, along with a natural-looking blended color.
Most balayage hair is achieved with light blonde, brunette, or auburn color being painted onto your hair. Since it is free-handed, there is no cap or guide, so your professional stylist can place the highlights strategically, focusing on where they would look the best. In many cases, they seek to mimic how the sun would naturally lighten your hair. The result is a custom color with the effect of sun-kissed highlights.
Is It Low Maintenance?
Unlike highlights that frequently need to be redone as your hair grows out and your roots begin to show, balayage hair is applied inches down from the roots, making it appear more lived in. The result is a more natural effect as your hair grows out, without harsh root lines, thus making it a low-maintenance option for those who don’t have the time or budget for frequent hair coloring applications.
Some professional stylists might also offer you foilayage, which combines foils with balayage. This combines both techniques in the highlighting process. However, if you want to tap into the low-maintenance natural look, balayage is the best option.
What to Expect at Your Hair Salon Appointment?
If you have decided that balayage is the best option for your hair and lifestyle, it is time to make your appointment. Typically, it will last approximately the same amount of time that a regular highlight appointment will, but it will depend on your stylist and what they determine is best for your hair. Follow your stylist’s instructions regarding preparing your hair for color, such as not washing it on the day of your appointment.
Once you have completed the balayage hair process, you should follow these steps to maintain your color for as long as possible.
- Use color-friendly shampoo and conditioner – It goes without saying that quality hair care products can help to maintain your color longer while also keeping your hair healthy. Ask your professional stylist about hair care products for your hair type and balayage hair coloring.
- Avoid excessive heat styling – When you avoid heat styling on your hair, it keeps your hair healthier and lets your color last longer. If you do prefer heat styling, be sure to use a heat protectant before you start styling.
- Use At-Home Hair Gloss – Investing in at-home hair gloss can help keep your color looking great while neutralizing brassy tones. Ask your professional stylist to help you find the best option for your hair type.
Clearly, your hair salon is the place to go for professional hair color that gives you a look you love. Our team at Station Salon can help you get the best balayage look while recommending the right products to keep your hair healthy and beautiful between visits. Call us to schedule your appointment today.