Balayage is a freehand coloring technique that creates the coveted natural sun-kissed look. Not exclusive to blonde hair, Balayage can work wonders on brunettes and redheads alike!
Balayage offers numerous advantages over other hair coloring techniques, with less need for touchups. However, to maintain its health, use products with no sulfates or dyes such as color protectant serum.
Sun-bleached hair without all the time in the sun
if you love the look of sun-kissed hair without spending all day out in the sun, balayage may be for you. Balayage is a method of highlighting that involves painting on highlights that gradually lighten towards the ends and darken at the roots for an authentic sun-kissed effect.
Brunettes looking to add a hint of gold or mahogany into their dark base should consider this style as well. According to Fleming, this “is ideal for anyone wanting to add depth while keeping the length light.”
Balayage offers several other advantages over bleach damage: It looks stunning on brunettes and redheads alike! Additionally, its low maintenance requirements mean less touch-ups over time compared to bleach damage! Besides all this, the process also creates beautiful patterns on natural locks rather than chemical dyes like bleach – another benefit!
It’s not limited to blondes
Perkins notes that while most associate balayage with blondes, it can also work effectively on brunettes. “Balayage works best on medium to dark brown hair, and looks gorgeous with golden caramel highlights,” adding that since it doesn’t act as an overall lightener, its hue will naturally blend in over time.
An effective balayage requires choosing a shade just a couple of shades lighter than your current hue, to ensure roots don’t appear stark and fade faster.
An alternative approach is combining balayage with babylights, or freehand highlights, for an eye-catching transition of color from dark to light or even to create the surfer-girl effect. Just be sure to use color-protecting products such as Amici style’s to keep their vibrant highlights looking their best!
It’s low maintenance
Contrasting traditional highlights that become apparent over time, balayage offers more subtle results when they start growing out. Still, regular touch up visits (at least every four to six weeks) should still be scheduled with your salon and use of high quality, sulfate-free hair products like Olaplex Bond Multiplier can help preserve color while protecting from heat or chemical treatments that might damage it further.
The classic beachy balayage look is timeless and works for both light and dark hair colors, depending on how lightened you want your highlights to become. Gisele Bundchen’s hair serves as an example; her highlights feature warm tones mixed with lighter blonde pieces for an eye-catching finish that frames her face perfectly.
Olivia Wilde’s blonde balayage features similar bright and sunny tones with face-framing pieces that highlight her skin and eye colors. It can easily be adjusted to work for most hair colors; therefore it makes an excellent option for brunettes who wish to explore blonde as well as those wanting a quick refresh of color without dealing with root regrowth issues.
It’s easy to maintain
As previously discussed, unlike foil highlights that apply lightener all at once, balayage offers more gradual fade that gives off a beachier vibe. Regrowth also doesn’t appear quite so noticeable which saves time at your salon for touch ups!
However, you will still require regular hair care with products specifically formulated for color treated hair. Heidenwith recommends selecting sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners which help preserve vibrant blonde tones as well as restore lost moisture to ends of hair. He also suggests opting for purple shampoo once every week in order to neutralize brassy or yellow tones in your locks.
No matter if you want a bold or natural beachy style, balayage is your go-to technique for sun-kissed summer looks that last all year long. So if you’re in need of new color this summer, book an appointment with your favorite balayage specialist now to start creating beautiful summer hair!
