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What is balayage?
Balayage is a French colouring technique that was developed in the 1970s. It’s a freehand technique where the colour is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques. Balayage can be used in even the shortest pixie crop however the best results are in hair below the shoulders.
The appeal
You can achieve so many different effects from soft, natural highlights to something strong and punky. The fact it’s so low maintenance is such a drawcard for women too. People want to look fashionable and feel good about their appearance but in this day and age, we don’t all have the time to be in the salon every few weeks for a touch-up.
It’s also a very economical way to colour your hair as you never have a solid demarcation line or regrowth, so if you can’t afford to get it done for another month it won’t look atrocious. However, if your balayage isn’t done correctly you can end up with excessive overlapping that can cause damage.
Top maintenance tips
Balayage will dry your hair out no more than classic foiling as long as you have a trained professional applying your colour. As with foils you should always use salon professional shampoos and conditioners as well as have regular treatments. No matter what the technique, your colour will always look its best if your hair is in good condition.
Does balayage have an expiry date?
The technique has been around for so long and will remain an integral part of the way we colour in the salon for as long as I can foresee. However, the trend at the moment with the heavy graduation from dark to light is constantly changing. It started out about five years ago being very subtle with people like Gisele Bundchen being a favourite. A more natural, sun-kissed effect was desired then. In the last few years, we have seen much stronger effects being worn, for example [stylist] Pip Edwards, who has really taken it to the next level. This winter we have seen the same techniques used but with a warmer, deeper feel. Lots of celebrities have their balayage finished with copper or red glosses and this is now being called the new ombre look.
How is it applied?
Balayage is applied on the surface and not saturated through the section until the very tips, otherwise, you would have a streak of colour that isn’t very soft at all. It can also be called a freehand technique because no foil or meche are used to create the highlights.
What sets it apart from traditional hair colouring?
It’s totally bespoke to you! A good balayage expert will be able to place the colour to suit your skin tone so it’ll look amazing and really light up your features. But don’t get it confused with layage – a similar but more precise technique.
What’s making it so popular recently?
It’s a skilled technique that hasn’t been widely taught in the UK until recently. Now it’s becoming better known because all the models and A-listers are wearing it. Clients are seeing it on the catwalks and red carpets and want to get that finish rather than the uniform highlights that foils give.
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