Balayage Isn’t Just for Blondes!

I was the guest author and wrote this post for the Hair Style Blog. Enjoy! -Lisa

Balayage: brunettes are jumping on the sun-kissed look too!

Balayage is the French word meaning “to sweep” or paint. To balayage the hair is to use a brush and hand paint highlights on to the hair. This technique allows the hair to look more natural and sun-kissed . . . just like a child’s hair. I love Loreal’s concept of “Less is More,” it applies with the technique of balayage.

I began using the balayage technique on my clients in 2007 and it made me rethink how I previously thought of hair color. I fell in love with the technique and how it looked on my clients hair. And best of all, my clients fell in love with how their hair looked! It creates a more natural grow out. Balayage application creates highlights softer by the roots and bolder towards the ends, which looks more natural than highlights done with foil applications.The foil highlight application gets lost towards the ends.

Another big plus with going with a balayage technique is that you won’t need to come into the salon every 6 weeks for a touch-up as you would with regrowth from a foil application. You will get use to seeing more depth at your roots and the highlights from balayage pop out more, giving a more beachy effect.

The placement of balayage or ombre color is more artistic and more visual than a foil highlight application. You can balayage lowlights on to the hair, which also looks more natural and not as streaky or chunky as some highlights can become.

Most of my balayage clients come in every 3 months for a touch-up. Some clients wait up to 6 months, but most come in-between the 3 month period to get their roots touched up or a toner/gloss, or just face frame highlight. Those of you who are use to the foil application of highlights or lowlights, don’t freak out! Talk to your hair stylist about easing you into the transition. Your hair stylist can also balayage your hair heavier around your face and hairline for an easier transition. That way you won’t feel like you still have regrowth when you leave the salon.

So for new clients looking for that next best hair color trend . . . this is it. Remember the service will most likely cost you more because of the skill and technique level and the time involved. But in the long run, it won’t be as many trips to the salon. It’s the perfect time now to get your hair sun-kissed ready!

Guest author Lisa Amato has been a hair stylist for 21 years. Specializing in natural looking balayage hair color. She is certified in Loreal Professional hair color and INOA no-ammonia hair color. Lisa trained under Jack Howard and the “Queen of Balayage,” Nancy Braun at the Loreal Academy in New York. Lisa has worked under Kris Sorbie, Chris Baron and Sam Villa, along with Kaz Amor. Lisa is certified in Great Lengths Hair Extensions.