An Expert Guide to Balayage
Your hairstylist is the artist. Your hair—the perfect canvas.
There's something about the changing seasons that can inspire you to make some personal changes too. Whether it's letting go of a toxic ex, trying your hand at pickleball, or simply refreshing your look with balayage hair, the possibilities are endless. Within the realm of hair treatments, balayage exudes an effortless sophistication that foil highlights might not always achieve. Think: model off duty.
So, what exactly is balayage? According to the expert colorist, Bobby Michael, “Balayage is a hand painting technique that allows for a natural, customizable way to lighten the hair.” This method enables the gradual placement of highlights or touches of lightness, providing a seamless and blended effect. The key distinction between highlights and balayage, as explained by Michael, lies in the contrast: “Highlights are isolated groups of hair all lightened to the same color, creating distinct, bold sections in the hair, whereas balayage offers a smooth gradient or more organic appearance.”
“The placement of balayage highlights typically follows an ombre or gradient style, with a gradual transition of color fading from darker at the roots to lighter towards the ends. This technique recreates the effect of how the sun naturally lightens hair, as the longer hairs that have seen the most summers are naturally brighter,” explains Ashlee Norman, hair stylist. In addition to the lighter ends and shadowed roots, balayage is also characterized by brighter pieces at the hairline, especially around the face, which is often referred to as the “money piece.”
If it's your first time getting balayage, follow this simple piece of advice from Tiffanie Richards, master colorist at Louise O’Conner Salon in New York City: “If you typically wear your hair natural, come into your appointment with your natural hair texture; if you usually wear it blown out, schedule a blowout the day before your appointment.” Balayage is completely freehand, so seeing how you usually wear your hair will give your colorist the best palette to place highlights exactly where they need to be.
In the market for a beautiful lived-in look? Keep scrolling to discover 17 of our favorite balayage styles.
Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly five years. She has written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper's BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *nearly* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small New York apartment.
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