Balayage: The Hand Painted Hair Trend
Balayage - one of the biggest hair trends.
Are you looking for a more natural highlight? Balayage is the most subtle way to have perfectly highlighted hair without it looking like you’ve actually colored your hair. It’s very trendy, cost-effective and lasts a pretty long time! In this blog, I will explain what balayage is, the benefits, what to expect and some examples. Here at Oliver’s Salon & Spa, balayage services are done nearly every day along with other popular creative color services like ombre!
What is Balayage?
The term “balayage” is trending. Balayage is a technique, not an actual hair style. Essentially, it is the painting of hair. In French, the word “balayage” means to sweep or paint. Let’s be honest, anything said in French is so chic.
Balayage can be deceiving, as it is just painting the base of the hair. Most stylists end up incorporating a technique called “foilayage”. Foilayage covers not only the base of the hair, but all throughout the hair and accented pieces, based on where they fall around a client’s face. Both foilayage and balayage are used for most clients who want a balayage and ombre hair color.
It's all in the technique.
Most think balayage is done freehand. It is, but there are actually several techniques to make it look so effortless and natural. For example, if someone has smooth, straight hair, stylists will use a V or W technique, creating a flow throughout the hair where the color gradually changes. The hand painted gradation creates a soft transition from base color to highlight, making your hair blend perfectly. This technique will give you the sun kissed highlighted ends you’re looking for with much less noticeable growth lines as time passes.
Is balayage a good fit for you?
Balayage is not just for blonde highlights. You can have a balayage with any color! The most popular ones are blonde balayage and brown balayage, but any color could be used! Some balayage services may be more dramatic than others, involving foiled highlights due to the color lifting process. For example, balayage, when painted on without foil, only lifts a hair color 4 levels. This is ideal for a more natural, blended look. If your hair is super dark and looking to add bright blonde, you would need to add foiled highlights due to the drastic color change. Foil helps heat the color and lift beyond 4 levels.
Really, each stylist has their own technique, which sets them all apart. Some stylists will do a blend of both balayage and foilayage, one or the other or add several other techniques they have made up. That’s the beauty of the creative process of each individual stylist.
Benefits of Balayage
The biggest benefit to balayage is the low maintenance, which is more cost effective. Less upkeep will leave your bank account thanking you. We can all get behind a trend that doesn’t cost that much, right?
Balayage allows your roots to grow in with a more natural look that you do not have to constantly keep up with. Most other color services, you’re making an appointment every 4-6 weeks. Depending on preference and how your hair grows, you can let a balayage sit for months! The only touch ups you might need would be adding some painted strands here and there or maybe a toner if you’re looking for a less brassy blonde.
What to expect...
Your first appointment might be costly, due to the amount of time and technique. Most balayage services start at $200 depending on your hair. If your hair is thick and longer, there may be more color and time required to use, making your visit a little more in price. If your hair is short and fine, your visit might not cost as much as you think. The best way to know exactly how much a balayage service will cost you is to schedule a consultation with one of our stylists.
What happens when I need a touch up?
After that initial appointment, your hair might just need some minor touch ups along the way, depending on the person and how often your hair grows. Do the math. If scheduling appointments every 4-6 weeks that cost $150 and up is breaking the bank, opt out for a one time splurge that will last you months and overall be more cost effective!
Oliver's Balayage
Full disclosure, if you book a balayage service, you will be here for a couple of hours. Timing also depends on the length and thickness of your hair. To make your appointment run smoothly, we require/recommend you coming in for a consultation for your balayage appointment. This allows the stylist to get to know you, assess what direction they will take with your hair and let you know what will be happening during your appointment. Consultations at Oliver’s are only 15 minutes and complementary! See our blog on consultations here!
Hello! My name is Hollie Citerone. I booked an appointment for a balayage with Carmen. She mentioned coming in for a consult. My appointment is 3/18. Can I come in for a consult before that? Also, are you going to be closing due to the virus?
Hi Hollie!
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We do require a consult before a balayage, however, due to the current circumstances, we will be closing for two weeks effective 3/17. We will be reaching out to reschedule appointments as soon as we can. Stay safe!