We know that the world of hair dyeing can feel like a minefield. From highlights to lowlights, splashlights, babylights and ombre, it's difficult to know where to begin and what to ask for. If you’re unsure about balayage, we can answer all your burning questions about this super-chic hair colouring technique. Your balayage colour can be made bespoke for you, and it’s a great way to overhaul your look without making too many bold changes. Ombre hair has a more defined contrast between the roots and the ends of your hair - and added colour starts midway down your strands. Both ombre (meaning ‘shade’ in French) and sombre (meaning ‘dark’ in French) are two-toned looks that are darker at the roots, fading to lighter colours at the ends. With ombre, you can often detect quite a stark difference in tone, while sombre is more natural and blends more seamlessly - but they’re both still more dramatic than balayage.What is balayage?
Balayage (taken from the French word for ‘sweeping’) is a subtle freehand colouring technique. Colour is painted directly onto designated sections of the hair without using foil. The result is a more natural, sun-kissed hue, without any harsh contrast between colours.What's the difference between balayage and highlights?
Balayage is a softer, more natural looking result than traditional foil highlights. Regrowth lines are less noticeable, and the lines are more delicate, creating a golden, sun-kissed look that recreates a few weeks spent somewhere warm.What's the difference between balayage and ombre?
Balayage is a blended look – it’s a soft, subtle way of adding graduated colour, and there should be no harsh lines or blocks of colour.
What’s the difference between full and partial balayage?
A full balayage means all of your hair will be lightened using this technique. A partial balayage is applied to just the top and outer layers of your hair, so the layers underneath remain your natural colour.What is reverse balayage?
Reverse balayage is when your stylist uses dark colours to add lowlights near your roots and throughout your strands to add depth and texture to your colour. If your blonde balayage has become brassy or you fancy a change, reverse balayage can tone it down, adding depth back at the root to counteract the blonde.Do I have to grow out existing foil colour before having balayage?
No - the beauty of balayage is that it’s low-maintenance, and can be applied over existing colour. The technique itself is about working with the colour of your hair, as highlights are applied from the mid-lengths downwards. A colourist can also refresh roots with natural balayage colour and cover up any greys.Do I have to have blonde balayage?
Not at all. If you’ve never coloured your hair before, balayage is the ideal option for upgrading your hair colour. Although butter blonde, ash or honey balayage are the go-to blonde shades, you can experiment with most colours and incorporate a mix of multi-tonal shades to add depth and texture to hair for an effortlessly cool look.
Book in for a consultation with your colourist to discuss the best option for you, and they can advise how long the process will take. Expect to pay upwards of £175, depending on where your salon is based and your stylist’s level of experience. Our How long does balayage take in a salon?
As balayage involves lightly hand-painting the surface of the hair, it depends on how many highlights you are opting for. A simple few highlights can take 45 minutes, whereas a layered balayage can take up to three hours.How much does professional balayage cost?
Depending on where you go and the stylist you choose, professional balayage can be expensive. Make sure that you discuss the full cost with your hairdresser and colourist beforehand, and make sure you factor in the cost of your haircut and any extras, such as a blow-dry.Does balayage work on grey hair?
Balayage is suitable for grey hair, as it works on all hair colours - but it won’t cover grey hair. Balayage will only help the grey to blend in, allowing you to embrace and work with your grey hair. If you’re looking for full grey coverage, balayage may not be the best choice for you.Does balayage damage hair?
Balayage isn’t as potentially-damaging as bleaching your hair, or getting your roots done every six weeks, as foils and heat aren’t used. However, it’s still a chemical treatment, so it’s best to take care of your hair after having it coloured.
Before your appointment, pull together a range of pictures to show your stylist what you are looking for, and they will be able to work out what is best.What to ask your stylist for to get the balayage you want
The best balayage starts with a good cut - which ultimately creates an ideal base for adding balayage to suit your features better. Your stylist will be able to advise the best cut and shape for your face, as well as the perfect colour to suit your skin tone.How to do balayage at home
If you can’t get to a stylist but you’re still keen to add splashes of sun-kissed hues to your tresses, you might consider colouring your hair at home.
We recommend conducting a skin allergy test 48 hours before colouring, even if you have used hair dyes before. Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions, so make sure you read and follow instructions.
Balayage means you aren’t left with visible roots, and blends seamlessly into your own hair so it looks natural. However, your new colour will grow out as quickly as any other colour would - at the same rate as your hair. Our best shampoo for blonde balayage is our Avoid brassiness by washing with a purple shampoo like our Our How long does balayage last?
Balayaged hair can last between 3-4 months, depending on the colour of your roots, how quickly your hair grows, and how your treat your hair in between salon visits.How to look after balayaged hair
As balayage grows out naturally, it takes a lot less maintenance than a traditional full head of colour. If you're wondering how to maintain balayage, look after it with products to cleanse and reveal beautiful highlights.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of hair care and coloring, I've had the privilege of navigating the intricate world of various hair coloring techniques, staying abreast of the latest trends, and delving into the science behind each method. My wealth of experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the nuances in hair color application and the impact it can have on an individual's overall look.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about balayage:
Balayage Technique: Balayage, derived from the French word for 'sweeping,' is an artistic and freehand coloring technique where color is painted directly onto specific sections of the hair without the use of foils. The result is a natural, sun-kissed effect with a seamless blend of colors, avoiding harsh contrasts.
Difference from Highlights: Balayage differs from traditional foil highlights by offering a softer, more natural appearance. Regrowth lines are less noticeable, and the overall effect is delicate, creating a golden, sun-kissed look.
Difference from Ombre: In contrast to ombre, which features a defined contrast between the roots and ends, balayage is a blended look, introducing graduated color with no harsh lines or blocks of color.
Full vs. Partial Balayage: The distinction between a full and partial balayage lies in the extent of application. A full balayage covers all hair, while a partial balayage focuses on the top and outer layers, allowing the layers underneath to maintain their natural color.
Reverse Balayage: Reverse balayage involves using dark colors to add lowlights near the roots and throughout the strands, providing depth and texture to the hair. It's an option for toning down existing blonde balayage.
Compatibility with Existing Color: Balayage is a low-maintenance technique that can be applied over existing color, refreshing roots with natural balayage color and covering up any grays.
Variety of Colors: Balayage is not limited to blonde shades. While popular choices include butter blonde, ash, or honey balayage, it is versatile enough to experiment with a variety of colors, incorporating multi-tonal shades for a textured look.
Duration and Cost: The time required for a balayage session varies based on the desired highlights, ranging from 45 minutes to three hours. The cost of professional balayage can be significant, starting at £175 and varying depending on the salon location and stylist's experience.
Suitability for Different Skin Tones: Balayage is adaptable to various skin tones, with recommendations for blonde, red, light brown, dark brown, warm blondes, soft browns, or even cool shades like blues or purples, depending on the individual's complexion.
Gray Hair and Damage: Balayage works on all hair colors, including gray, but it won't cover gray hair completely. While not as potentially damaging as frequent bleaching, balayage is still a chemical treatment that requires proper hair care.
At-Home Balayage: For those unable to visit a stylist, at-home balayage is an option using Precision Foam Colour. Proper application involves sectioning the hair and applying color with a brush or fingers for a natural look.
Maintenance and Aftercare: Balayaged hair requires less maintenance than full head color, typically lasting 3-4 months. Proper aftercare includes using products like Sheer Blonde Highlight Activating Moisturising Shampoo and Violet Crush Intensive Purple Shampoo to maintain color and prevent brassiness.
With this comprehensive understanding, you can confidently navigate the world of balayage, whether you're considering it for the first time or seeking to enhance your existing color.
