Introduction
Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep” or “to paint.” It’s a hair coloring technique where color is “painted” on the hair to create a more natural look. The result is a gorgeous sun-kissed, natural-looking hair color.
There are two types of balayage – lighter balayage and darker balayage. Lighter balayage is achieved by using a lightener to lift the hair’s natural color and then adding highlights. Darker balayage is achieved by using a darker shade of hair color and adding lowlights.
Both types of balayage can be done at Vanity Salon in The Woodlands, Texas, with a variety of techniques from our different stylists. However, it’s important to know how to maintain your balayage so that it doesn’t turn into a brassy mess before your next appointment. Keep reading to learn about the different types of balayage and how to maintain them!
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a hair coloring technique that adds dimension and texture to the hair. The technique involves “painting” the color onto the hair in a sweeping motion. The result is a sun-kissed, natural-looking color. It’s a great way to add minimal highlights without going through the hassle of traditional highlighting techniques. Another perk of balayage is that it’s low-maintenance. The color is painted throughout your hair in places that don't need to be touched up as often as traditional highlights. This means that it won’t need to be redone as often, making it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the salon, and can be as simple as walking in for an appointment at Vanity.
Types of Balayage
Lighter balayage is achieved by using a lightener to lift the hair’s natural color and then adding highlights. The goal is to create a subtle look with minimal contrast between the highlighted pieces and the natural hair color. To achieve this look, the lightener should never be left on for too long and the highlights should never be too uniform. This leaves your hair with natural definition to bring out all these beautiful natural colors in your hair adding depth.
Darker balayage is the opposite of lighter balayage. Instead of using a lightener, dark balayage is achieved by using a darker shade of hair color and adding lowlights. This look is great for those who are looking to add depth to their hair color without making a dramatic change. Darker balayage helps to add depth to the hair color but is still subtle enough to look natural. Adding darkness provides an emphasis on the natural light in your hair creating more of a depth in your hair and different types of dimension.
How to Maintain Your Balayage
To maintain your balayage, it’s important to keep your hair healthy. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep the hair hydrated and healthy. Additionally, use a color-safe mask or conditioner to help keep the color vibrant. For those with naturally oily hair, it’s best to use a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep the scalp clear. It’s also important to use heat protectant when styling to help reduce damage to the hair and maintain the color. Additionally, use UV protection spray when out in the sun to keep the color from fading.
To find the exact products that will work best for you, ask your stylist during your session for tips on which products are best for your hair! We recommend Jack Winn Pro because of the variety of products that best fit our clients needs without breaking the bank.
Tips for Choosing A Balayage
When choosing a balayage, it’s important to make sure that the stylist you choose has experience towards the exact look you’re trying to achieve. It’s also important to make sure that the stylist understands your desired look as well as deciding what works best for you, your schedule, and your budget. Before getting the balayage, it’s best to find a photo of the look you want to the salon prior to your appointment so the stylist can better understand what you’re looking for. The best place to look is through our social media platforms such as our Instagram and our Facebook. It’s also important to consider how much maintenance the balayage will require. If you’re looking for low-maintenance, then darker balayage will suit your needs. If you’re looking for more dramatic changes, then lighter balayage will be a better fit. Balayages are customized to fit you and your needs whether you want a subtle touch of light, or a huge transition leaving everyone else saying WOW. The more highlights you add, the more maintenance you will need, so remember to consult with your stylist to get the exact look you are trying to achieve.
To Wrap Things Up:
Balayage is a great way to add dimension and texture to the hair without having to commit to a dramatic change. There are two types of balayage – lighter balayage and darker balayage. To maintain the balayage, it’s important to use shampoos and conditioners recommended from your stylist that will best suit your hair type, and use heat protectant and UV protection when styling the hair. Additionally, it’s important to consider how much maintenance the balayage will require before making a decision. Ultimately, balayage is a great way to give the hair a natural-looking color without having to spend hours in the salon. With a little bit of care and maintenance, you can maintain your balayage for years to come! Our team at Vanity Salon is here to help you find the perfect balayage customized to your hair on your time and budget. Come by for a consultation or even get your balayage journey started!