Balayage is one of the most popular hair coloring techniques. Here’s how to do it, who it suits, and lots of images of wonderful looks to inspire you!

Balayage is one of the most popular and requested hair coloring techniques in recent years.

This dyeing method has revolutionized the world of hairstyling, allowing you to obtain natural and luminous results, with shades that seem to be the result of lightening under the sun.

But what exactly is balayage, how is it done and who does it suit? This guide has everything you need to know! We also explain the difference with other coloring techniques, we give lots of tips for creating it and taking care of it over time.

In addition, we show photos of beautiful look ideas with balayage that are useful for getting inspiration and choosing the ideal color!

WHAT IS BALAYAGE

The term “balayage” comes from the French “balayer”, which means “to sweep”. This name perfectly describes the technique, born in Paris in the 70s, as the color is applied to the hair with a freehand movement, which simulates the gesture of sweeping away the color, to obtain a natural and gradual shade. It was very successful in the United States in the 90s with the name “balliage”, while in Italy it became one of the most popular trends starting from 2010.

Balayage stands out from other coloring techniques because it does not involve the use of paper or films, but is applied directly to the hair, creating a sun-kissed effect, which makes the hair brighter and more natural. The roots remain dark, while the ends are lighter, giving a delicate and sophisticated look. Discover everything about French Balayage too.

WHO IS BALAYAGE GOOD FOR

Balayage is a versatile technique that is suitable for all hair types and complexions, thanks to the possibility of customizing the color based on individual needs. The different shades can be chosen based on the undertone of the complexion, if we want also following the principles of color harmony.

For example, for those with a warm complexion (with yellow or olive undertones), you can choose golden or caramel shades, while for those with natural colors and cold complexions (with pink or blue undertones), ash or platinum blonde tones are indicated. Furthermore, balayage is also easily adapted to all hair textures, from straight to wavy and curly, creating a natural effect that enhances the face in a discreet and refined way. Also take a look at the ombré hair technique.

HOW TO MAKE BALAYAGE

The process of creating balayage requires specific technical skill on the part of the hairdresser, who must be able to distribute the color evenly and in a shaded way. Here is how it generally happens:

• Selection of color: the hairdresser chooses the tone that best suits the customer’s needs, taking into account the complexion and the desired style.
• Preparation of the hair: balayage can be done on both dry and wet hair, and in this case it is called wet balayage. Usually the hair is washed with a delicate shampoo, to eliminate any trace of residue.
• Application of color: the color is applied freehand, on thin locks, from the middle of the hair towards the ends. The application occurs without the use of films or papers, thus giving a more natural and shaded effect.
• Shading: the technique involves the use of multiple shades to create a delicate and shaded contrast, which varies from the darkest to the lightest. A lightening mixture is applied to the outside of the locks while the central part is left a darker tone. The color of the roots remains the natural one.
• Dwelling time: the color is left on for a period that varies from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the desired result.
• Rinse and final treatment: once the desired color is obtained, the hair is rinsed and treated with a hydrating mask to preserve the health of the hair.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BALAYAGE, SHATUSH AND HIGHLIGHTS OR MECHES

Coloring techniques such as balayage, shatush and highlights may seem similar, but they have substantial differences:

• Balayage: Balayage involves a freehand application of color, creating natural shades that start from the ends and fade towards the roots. No paper is used and the result is bright and soft. It is also a bleaching and color technique.
• Shatush: this technique also creates shades on the hair, but the color is obtained with the help of paper, and creates more evident contrasts as it is pure bleaching. The roots remain darker than balayage, but with a less soft transition and shades concentrated on the lengths and ends.
• Highlights / meches: Highlights involve the use of foils to isolate the locks of hair that will be lightened by bleaching the selected locks of hair, creating a more evident and contrasting effect of light and shadow. It is a more marked technique than balayage and the shades can be very close to the roots.

CAN BALAYAGE BE DONE AT HOME?

Although there are balayage kits available in stores and online, it is important to note that this technique, being done freehand, requires a certain amount of experience and expertise. The main difficulty lies in dosing the right amount of color on each strand to obtain a natural shade and not a contrast that is too sharp. In addition, professional hairdressers have the ability to observe the undertone and texture of the hair to choose the perfect shade of color, a difficult look to replicate at home without the right experience.

Do-it-yourself balayage kits usually contain a lightening powder, oxidant and a brush to apply the color. However, the application technique requires precision: the use of a brush allows you to apply the product on the lengths, but the effect you obtain may not be as natural as one created by a professional, who knows how to mix the shades. Furthermore, creating a uniform balayage on the entire head without obtaining a “striped” result can be complicated, especially if you do not have a precise vision of how the color should blend.

Another important aspect is managing the processing time. If you are not expert in balancing the application time, you risk obtaining a lightening that is too intense or a color that does not blend well with the natural color of the hair.

Therefore, even if the temptation to save is strong, the best option is to turn to a professional hairdresser to obtain a flawless result, avoiding the risk of damaging the hair or an overly artificial effect. Also take a look at the hair color technique of Sculptoning.

HOW TO MAINTAIN BALAYAGE OVER TIME

Balayage is a technique that tends to maintain its natural appearance longer than other colorings, thanks to the delicate shade that is created on the lengths. However, for the result to remain optimal over time, it is necessary to adopt some daily care practices:

• Shampoos and conditioners for colored hair: daily care is essential. Using a shampoo and conditioner specifically for hair treated with coloring helps to preserve the brightness of the color. These products are formulated to protect the hair from damage and prevent premature fading of the balayage.
• Hydrating and nourishing masks: since balayage can dry the hair, it is important to do hydrating masks every week to keep the hair soft and shiny. Masks containing natural oils, such as argan oil or coconut oil, are excellent for nourishing the hair and protecting it from external aggressions, such as the sun and pollution.
• Heat Serum: After washing, applying a serum or light oil helps protect your hair from heat and keeps your color vibrant. These products create a protective barrier that prevents damage from blow-drying, straightening, or direct sunlight.
• Limit sun exposure: Another thing to consider is UV protection, which can speed up the process of color fading. Using sunscreen sprays or hats to avoid direct sun exposure is recommended.
• Professional touch-ups: While balayage tends to last longer than other techniques, you’ll need to get professional touch-ups every 3-6 months, depending on how quickly your hair grows and the result you want. In some cases, you can add a color “refresh” to the lengths to revive the shine.

HOW LONG DOES BALAYAGE LAST

The duration of balayage depends on several factors, including the structure of the hair, the type of color used and the care you take of it. On average, balayage can last from 3 to 6 months, if the treatment is done correctly and the hair is carefully maintained. This length of time is the reason why many consider balayage a technique with little maintenance.

One of the main characteristics of balayage is that the root is never completely treated, so the regrowth is not visible as in traditional coloring. This allows you to enjoy a natural look even when the hair grows. However, if you want to keep the color uniform and bright, it is recommended to do periodic touch-ups to the lengths and ends, especially if you choose lighter shades.

In any case, the duration of balayage also depends on the use of treatments and products that help protect and maintain the color. If the hair is treated poorly, the duration may be reduced, with a loss of shine after a few weeks.

IS BALAYAGE SUITABLE FOR COVERING GRAY HAIR?

Balayage is not the ideal technique for covering gray hair, but it can be used to blend in harmoniously with the regrowth of gray or white hair. While a traditional color will cover gray hair evenly, balayage is designed to create a natural transition between your natural color and the treated color. If you have a lot of gray hair, this technique may be more suitable for softening the appearance of the regrowth without creating too much of a contrasting effect.

Another option is to use balayage on a base of lighter hair, to blend and blend the gray hair with the rest of the hair. If you want to cover gray hair more evenly, you may need to use other techniques in combination with balayage, such as a light dye at the roots, to achieve a more satisfying result.

If you are undecided about what to do, discover the beautiful ideas of white hair cuts, you will be surprised at how much the white color can enhance your beauty at any age!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE BALAYAGE

The cost of balayage can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the city, the reputation of the hairdresser and the length of the hair. In Italy, prices for a balayage treatment generally range from 100 to 300 euros, with high-end hairdressers who may ask even more for a more elaborate job. Larger cities and luxury areas tend to have higher prices.

The cost also increases if you want a customized balayage, with more complex or particular shades. Touch-ups, if necessary, are less expensive than the full treatment, but can still vary depending on the length of the hair and the complexity of the job.

What do you think of the balayage color technique? Have you tried it or will you try it? Let us know in the comments!