Created in the 1970s by French colorists, balayage is the hair dyeing technique that changed everything. No more sitting for hours in foil. No more stripiness. Natural sun-kissed glow for any hair. This natural, low-maintenance technique remains hugely popular and is constantly being updated and reinterpreted. Let’s take a close look at how it works, how to achieve/DIY balayage at home and how to make yours last longer.
In French, “balayage” means “to sweep”. Highlights are hand-painted or “swept” on the surface of random sections of hair. The dye or lightener is painted on with a brush, starting midshaft and getting denser towards the end of the hair. As there is no cap or guide, the effect is natural sun-kissed glow that is much less strictly patterned than regular highlights.
Rather than traditional foil or caps, balayage is a freehand technique. With foils, you get a uniform finish, while balayage offers more natural results. The colorist (or you) can apply the color in specific areas to brighten your features. Apply inches down from the roots, so they seem more lived-in.
Ombre hair color gradually transitions from a dark color at the roots to a lighter color at the ends with a gradient effect. On the other hand, balayage highlights are placed throughout your hair in specific areas. You get a piecy, dimensional result rather more uniform color.
With a DIY home kit, achieve sun-kissed locks without all the hassle and expense of heading to the salon. For example, our Preference Balayage Kit creates luminous highlights and comes with professionally inspired tools and a new root blending mask for a natural-looking smokey root effect.
The darker your starting color and the lighter you want your balayage highlights, the more work it takes to achieve the desired result. Blonde balayage is most common, but you could also opt for a darker shade like caramel or auburn. This will do less damage to your hair and give you a more natural look. If you’re looking for platinum blonde balayage, you’ll probably need to bleach first – even if you already have light hair.
The great thing about balayage highlights is that they’re low maintenance. They grow out naturally and you won’t get a harsh regrowth line or need very regular touch-ups. Exactly how long your hair color stays fresh depends on how you care for it – as well your hair color and length. Not sure which color to choose? Use semi-permanent color that washes out.
3D or 4D Balayage: this is all about adding multi-tonal dimension, a little like contouring for your hair. Rather than dyeing your hair with a single lighter color, use two or three shades (one is always darker).
Smoky Gold Balayage: this is one of the most luxurious takes on balayage hair. It picks up on ash and espresso tones with a subtle gold lift at the face frame and ends. The result is soft and blended.
Reverse balayage: rather lightening hair, this technique involves adding lowlights and darker strands to reintroduce depth to blond hair.
