From salon chairs to Instagram feeds, experts at Becky B say that balayage has become the “it” hair color trend. But what exactly makes this highlighting technique so popular compared to traditional foils?
Let’s explore the artistry, versatility and low-maintenance perks that set natural-looking balayage apart.
It Produces Soft, Diffused Results
Balayage is applied by hand using a sweeping motion, not strips of foil. This creates soft, diffused sections of highlights across the hair for a subtle, natural look. The graduation from light to dark is elegant. No harsh grow-out lines.
Lower Maintenance
With traditional foils, new growth appearing at the roots is obvious within weeks, requiring frequent touch-ups. Balayage blends the highlights throughout the hair for a grow-out that stays low-maintenance for months. Less root urgency means fewer salon trips.
Color Can Be Very Natural
Balayage highlights need not be dramatic. For a sun-kissed look, stylists use your natural hair color just a few shades lighter. This subtle enhancement lights up your face without an obvious dye job. Warm caramel and beige tones on brunettes are popular.
Freehand Artistry
Balayage is all about the technician’s artistry. Each client’s highlights get custom painted freehand to achieve natural dimensions based on their hair color, texture, growth patterns and style. This artisanal approach makes each balayage unique.
Works Great With Straight or Curly Hair
Curls and waves give balayage beautiful texture as the highlights dance across the strands. The seamless color blending also avoids creating stripe-like contrasts in very straight hair. Balayage works across hair types.
Fewer Chemicals
With handpainting, only small sections require bleach Touch-ups use fewer chemicals too. This reduces hair damage from overprocessing. Gentler chemistry leaves hair healthy and shiny.
Costs Less Initially
Initially transforming your hair color via balayage may cost less than traditional foils since it usually involves fewer foils and coloring steps. Enhancing it later is cost-effective too. The grow-out lasts longer between appointments.
Complements All Skin Tones
Whether fair, olive or dark complexioned, balayage can be tailored to complement skin tones. Stylists assess undertones to select the most flattering shades. This versatility works for all women.
Fun Ombre Looks Possible
While subtle looks are popular, balayage can create striking ombre effects too, with ends dramatically lighter than roots. This modern style makes a bold fashion statement for women who want drama. The fade is seamless.
Can Be Applied Wet or Dry
Foiling requires fully dried hair but balayage allows color application on damp hair for efficiency. Most stylists prefer damp hair as the shades saturate well and last longer. This saves blow drying time.
Minimizes Regrowth Banding
With traditional highlights, regrowth along the part or hairline creates obvious bands of contrasting color. Balayage makes the transition gradual, avoiding a linear demarcation between new growth and highlights.
Can Be Done Close to Roots
If desired, balayage can lighten hair very close to the scalp. And because it isn’t done via foil strips, color at the crown blends attractively. This permits versatility.
Fewer Trips for Touch-Ups
Rather than book appointments every 6-8 weeks for new foils, balayage clients can wait 4 months or more before needing a color refresh. The blended regrowth is far less conspicuous.
Conclusion
For these reasons, balayage has revolutionized highlighting. Women are embracing the artistic dimension and depth it brings to their hair color in a low-maintenance style. Have you tried it yet?