In an era when low-maintenance hairstyles have become the norm, balayage hair continues to reign supreme for those seeking soft, seamlessly blended, and naturally radiant color. Originating from the French word “balayer,” meaning “to sweep,” balayage is a hair coloring technique that captures the essence of graceful color transitions. Illeisha Lussiano, owner of The Way salon in New York, explains, “Usually, a clay-based lightener or bleach is applied in a sweeping motion to create a diffused highlight that lays on top of the hair to achieve a soft, natural ribbon of color.”
Modern balayage has evolved far beyond its roots and ends-centric beginnings. It is now a highly customizable technique that can be used to illuminate facial features or delicately intermingle with one’s natural hair color for a subtle, transformative effect. What sets balayage apart is its ability to endure gracefully between salon appointments, making it a preferred choice compared to traditional foil highlights.
Natalie Rotger, a colorist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio, attests to the technique’s contemporary allure, stating, “It can be done in such a natural way that you can pretend you’ve just been sitting in the sun, or in a very dramatic way but without the harsh line of grow out. It has such a beautiful growout that you can literally come in once to a few times a year.”
If you’re contemplating the adoption or return to balayage for your next salon visit, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.
The Advantages and Considerations of Balayage Hair
Natalie Rotger emphasizes the numerous benefits of balayage. “It’s a lot more ‘expensive’ looking than a foil, in my opinion, especially in the grow-out and dimension,” she says. “It’s not as damaging on the hair because you’re usually only lifting a couple of levels, so it’s not compromising the integrity of your hair. What I really love is that you can nerd out and customize painting to the shape of a haircut, texture, and the way your hair grows and lays.”
While the initial cost of full balayage may be higher on average compared to foil highlights, the extended duration between touch-up appointments often balances the investment. The key consideration with balayage is the expertise of the stylist. Illeisha Lussiano advises, “Make sure they are familiar with your hair texture, styles you like, and feel aligned with the way you want to present to the world.”
Understanding the Cost of Balayage
The cost of a balayage treatment varies significantly based on factors such as your location, hair length, and the extent of color desired. Partial highlights, which can range from minimal sections to an all-over touch-up, generally come at a lower cost. It’s crucial to research and select a salon and stylist that align with your preferences and budget.
What to Expect During Your Appointment?
1. Consultation, Evaluation, and Color Mixing:
A thorough consultation is essential, during which you should bring visual references to facilitate communication. Balayage is a personalized experience, and your colorist will create a custom color tailored to your desires.
2. Hand-Painting Hair:
Your stylist will carefully section your hair and apply color directly to achieve those soft, natural ribbons. The duration can vary from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your desired outcome. Saran wrap may be used to prevent color bleeding.
3. Under the Dryer:
The lightening process may take 20-50 minutes, and you may be placed under a dryer to expedite the process.
Balayage Hair Care Tips
To maintain the beauty of your balayage hair, a consistent haircare routine is essential. Nathan, an expert, recommends, “A solid color-safe shampoo and a weekly hair mask are key to keeping your hair feeling and looking good.” Regular glossings between treatments with your colorist can help maintain the color’s vibrancy.
Planning ahead is crucial. Illeisha Lussiano advises, “I always recommend rebooking your follow-up appointment before leaving the salon to help avoid waiting too long for your re-touch. This also helps avoid any unnecessary damage or unnecessary costs.”
While balayage hair may be a low-maintenance style, proper color care remains paramount. Invest in the color-safe shampoo and conditioner recommended by your stylist to preserve your salon-fresh look and avoid premature color fading.
