Balayage – What You Need To Know In 2020
Go through any celeb magazine and you’re sure to spot a celebrity with dreamy balayage hair. Balayage is the latest sensation that’s taking the entire fashion industry by storm.
It’s been around for quite a while but it sneaked its way into modern salons only recently thanks to A-list celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba who made it the talk of the town.
You’ve probably heard about it but don’t quite know what it is.
WHAT IS BALAYAGE?
Balayage is a coloring technique that was developed in France in the 1970s. It’s actually a French term meaning “to paint” or “to sweep.”
It is a freehand method where the dye is applied manually onto hair rather than using cap highlighting techniques or traditional foiling. Once applied, it gives hair a natural, slow transition with no harsh lines.
Though it can be used on almost any hairstyle, it works best in hair below the shoulders. Some of its greatest perks are it’s low maintenance and is highly customizable.
TYPES OF BAYALAGE
There are five main types of bayalage: The California, The New Yorker, The Londoner, The Rio, and The LA.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
As long as you have a head of hair, yeap. Thanks to the endless creative possibilities that balayage has to offer, you’ll only need to decide what kind of change you’re looking for.
Since balayage is a more gentle foray in the dye world, please consider how you normally style your locks. It’s also a great idea to consult your hairstylist before getting it done to be extra sure you’re making the right decision.
ARE BALAYAGE AND OMBRE SIMILAR?
They may appear same, but there is a key difference you can use to tell them apart. mbre’ is a French word that means shadow. Here, hair is dyed in gradation from dark to light.
The final result is usually darker hair from the roots to the mid-shaft and a change to a lighter hue from the mid-shaft all the way to the ends.
For balayage, color is painted across small triangular parts of hair onto a foil, resulting in a smooth blend of the highlights and your natural hair color.
HOW TO MAINTAIN BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
For that all-natural, kissed-by-the-sun effect, here are some simple pointers on keeping your bayalage highlights looking good as new:
First off, don’t wash your hair on a daily basis. Though this really depends on the type of hair you have and your scalp. If you also have an oily scalp that can leave your hair looking messy if you skip even a single day, you’re free to keep washing.
If, however, your hair looks great after a no-wash day, please wash it 2-3 times a week to keep that bayalage color looking bright and to leave your hair’s natural oils in place.
Next, feed your bayalage highlights with some great hair products to keep it colorful. If it’s more on the blonde or caramel side, a color depositing hair product in the shade nearest to yours will do.
Please do some weekly treatments on it as well. The great thing with this is you can do it from the comfort of your crib. Perform a weekly deep moisturizing treatment for your hair color to remain glistening and vibrant. For best results, use a natural oil, preferably almond oil.
And, visit your salon to get your bayalage highlights freshened up. Don’t fret. You need to go for a touch up after at least every four months.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR BAYALAGE IS A FLOP
Applying bayalage on hair is an art that only pro hair stylists can pull off. If your hair appears orange and doesn’t lift properly, that’s the first sign.
Also, if it looks patchy, it’s likely due to a poor job from the stylist. They should know when to take off bleach upon usage and use the right products on your delicate hair. Rinsing off the hair product too soon may also result in a complete follicle disaster.
HOW CAN YOU FIX A BLUNDER BAYALAGE JOB?
Luckily, a poorly-done bayalage can be fixed with color correction depending on the amount of damage. It may also involve starting the whole process from scratch, toning down, or even a root melt. Please seek a professional for an opinion and consultation like Nicole Hudson Celebrity Hairdresser who specializes in bayalage treatments.