Balayage has become one of the biggest requests at Freestyle Hair Salon. With its popularity increasing, balayage is here to stay.
While balayage may have exploded in popularity in the last few years, the dyeing technique has been around for quite some time. You may be asking, what is balayage hair? Is it easy to look after and maintain? Read on, to learn everything you need to know about balayage.
What is balayage?
The word ‘balayage’ is a French word meaning ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’. Which is precisely what we do, hand-painting the dye onto the hair to give it a natural, gradual transition without any harsh lines. Multiple dimensions of colour, using various tones of light and dark leaves the hair with a blended, natural, sunkissed glow.
Where did balayage originate?
It is believed that it began in the 1970s, at the uber-exclusive Carita Salon in Paris. At the time, frosting caps and foils were the standard way to dye hair. It emigrated to the USA in the 90s. Its popularity has grown in the last few years thanks to A-list celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Chrissy Teigen.
What is the difference between ombre and balayage?
Ombre is the French word for ‘shadow’, so its process is graduation from dark to light or vice versa. With balayage, there is no clear fade line between the darker and lighter colours. Balayage hair also requires less maintenance due to this natural transition.
Is balayage right for you?
The creative possibilities are endless with balayage, you just need to decide how daring you are. As well as blondes, golden browns and chocolate tones, you can also use fashion colours. Balayage looks beautiful when finished with beachy, flowing waves, while straight hair or a bob will show off more colour blocking. Regardless, our team will be able to give you no-nonsense advise to ensure that you are making a decision that feels right for you.
How much maintenance does balayage hair require?
The biggest draw to balayage hair is how fabulous you can look with little maintenance after the initial visit. As there are no harsh lines, it grows out easily and beautifully. This means you can visit the salon the usual 12-16 weeks (depending on how quickly your hair grows), to freshen up the colour.
What kind of hair is balayage best suited for?
Balayage works on hair with some length - pixie cuts, this colouring technique isn't for you! Balayage is especially popular on long, textured hair types. Whether your hair colour is dark or light, or your hair type is wavy, straight, curly, short or long, balayage will most likely suit your hair.
It can make fine hair look thicker and fuller. The strategically placed highlights in a variety of colours, balayage can give thin or fine hair the illusion of thickness and fullness. Not only that, since hair colour actually causes the hair shaft to expand, it physically does cause hair strands to thicken up, resulting in fuller hair overall.
How to make balayage hair last
Like any colour treated hair, it is essential to protect your hair and use the right hair care products. Salon quality products are always going to maintain your colour and improve the quality of your hair. We can recommend the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair.
You can also add on a bond enhancer. Chemically dyeing your hair alters its structure, to keep your hair extra healthy, strong and keep the colour for longer we recommend an Olaplex treatment. This will ensure that hair strands are protected and prevent additional damage from occurring.
Book your Balayage Hair at Freestyle
Our award-winning salon is in Treforest, Pontypridd – just a 10-minute drive from Whitchurch in Cardiff. The Freestyle Hair Team offer professional recommendations to get your perfect balayage shade. As well as which hair products to use to get salon-quality hair at home. All of our services can be found here. Feel free to get in touch to book your appointment.
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