Balayage Hair Colour Technique And Everything You Need To Know About It

Balayage is a hair coloring technique. This technique has become famous tremendously in the past few years. Every other celebrity is seen rocking this hair. This is one of the most ancient techniques of hair coloring established in the 1970s but was unknown to people for many years. It reappeared with full force conquering the world of hair coloring.

So, if you are interested in knowing about this very technique then keep on reading. This blog will clear all your doubts related to this technique. 

WHAT IS BALAYAGE?

Balayage is a highlighting technique that was originally started by the French people. In French balayage means 'to sweep' or 'to paint'. This is very different from traditional highlighting. In the traditional highlighting technique, hair stylist use foiling methods but here they follow hand swept and a freehand technique to get the ultimate result. Balayage focuses on achieving a natural sun-kissed look giving the hair some depth.

HOW BALAYAGE IS DIFFERENT FROM HIGHLIGHTS?

               Highlighted Hair                                                                              Balayage Hair

• Highlights is a completely different kind of hair coloring technique. Highlighting is done by selecting small sections of the hair and coloring them lighter than the base color of the hair( or the natural hair color ). The dye is applied to small sections of the hair from root to tip of the hair leaving the rest of the hair as it is. It will look just like your natural hair with few pieces of light-colored hair. While in the balayage technique, the color is not applied only to a few stands but the entire hair in sections. First, the dye is applied at the ends of the hair, then to the middle section and at the last, the top section. 

• Highlighting is a very structured technique where the hairdresser needs to be very careful while selecting the section of hair and dyeing them. But balayage, on the other hand, is a freehand technique so it's much easier to correct mistakes if done any. 

• If the client wants to get a more intense light color then it can be achieved by highlight technique whereas balayage method is just making the hair one or two shades lighter than the normal hair color giving it a more natural look.

• Highlights focus on framing the face while balayage gives more dimension and depth to the hair. 

HOW BALAYAGE IS DIFFERENT FROM OMBRE?

                   

                            Ombre Hair                                                                         Balayage Hair

• Ombre is a technique to get lighter shade from a darker shade( or the natural hair color ). Ombre is great for the more daring girl. In Ombre, usually, no dark pieces of hair are left on the bottom. The hair looks like a transition of colors from dark to light. Balayage is very similar to ombre, but there are very obvious distinctions between the two! While applying the color for a balayage, the color is swept through small triangle sections of the hair onto a board or foil, giving it the natural transition down into the lighter color. In Balayage, there are dark pieces left on the bottom.
• Ombre is more daring and striking look while balayage gives a very natural look.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING FOR THIS PROCESS?

• Just like any other coloring process, this process also involves chemicals. So if your hair is extremely dry and damaged, then I would say to avoid this technique or any other coloring techniques as such.  But if you really want to achieve a new look, then try consulting with your trusted hairdresser before opting for this.

• Also, this technique works on prelighting natural hair before applying the color. So if your hair is naturally very dark, then there is a chance that your hair needs to be lightened ( or bleached ) before putting the actual color. If your hair is almost dark brown or black in color then it might take multiple sittings to get the desired light color.

•  Before going for this, do a little research about the kind of colors and what you like the most. Take tons of screenshots of what color you like and what you want your hair to look like at the end of the process. Show those pictures to your hairdresser who could tell you what look will go best with your face.

• Select the right salon and do your research about the salon and if you can contact with the customers who have done similar service from the salon. Know about the hairdresser and his experience before trusting them with your hair. 

CAN BALAYAGE BE DONE IN ANY HAIR LENGTH?

Yes, balayage looks absolutely gorgeous in any length hair be it short, medium or long hair. It gives a very natural look to everyone and works for everyone.

COST OF THIS PROCEDURE?

The cost is not fixed. It depends on a few things such as the salon where you are going for this service, the hairdresser doing your hair(the more experienced the hairdresser is, the costlier the price becomes) and lastly the length of your hair.

PROS OF BALAYAGE      

• Easy to maintain as there is no hustle of root touchup every month.
• Gives a natural and sunkissed look.
• Suitable for every hair length.
• Looks stunning with dark hair as well as blonde hair.
• No need of touchups unless you cut down your hair.
• Looks good on straight, wavy and curly hair.
• Gives the hair some definition and depth resulting in a younger looking face.                         

MY EXPERIENCE

I have colored my hair from Head Turners salon in axis mall Kolkata. This salon is one of the best salons in Kolkata. 

The process started by checking my hair from roots to the tip. My hairstylist discussed with me what color I want. I showed her some inspiration images from my phone. She discussed with me the color which will suit my skin tone and how to maintain my hair after the procedure.
She started by shampooing my hair followed by blow drying. After that, she applied the bleach and let it stay in my hair for 20 to 30 mins. And in between, she kept on seeing the color. After about 25 mins, she washed my hair and blow dried it one more time. Then she applied the actual color and kept the color for 15 mins. After 15 mins she showed me the color and I wanted a bit lighter color so she kept it for another 5 mins. After 20 mins she shampooed my hair one last time and blow dried it. She then applied some serum to my hair to give it some shine, though this step is optional. At the end of the procedure, she styled my hair with a hair curler to achieve the desired look.

                This is the end result