Today’s post is all about my hair! I get a lot of questions about my hair, whether it’s real (it is!), what hair products I use, how I style my hair, what curling wand I use and what exactly “balayage hair” is. Balayage is a (relatively) new hair trend, so I thought I would break it down for y’all. Today I’ll be answering my most asked questions regarding balayage hair and a few of my own before I got mine done. Enjoy!
All About Balayage Hair:
What is balayage hair?
Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep”. Essentially, balayage is a highlighting technique intended to mimic “natural” highlights from the sun. A good balayage will create a soft, smooth transition between your natural color and the highlighted, balayage pieces. A hairdresser will either freehand the highlights, or section pieces and use foil.
What is the difference between ombre hair and balayage hair?
While balayage is a highlighting technique, ombre (meaning “shadow) is the transition from dark to light. A balayage will consist of highlights throughout the hair. On the other hand, ombre hair is when the bottom half of your hair is bleached. As opposed to balayage where dark pieces fall throughout your hair, ombre hair leaves the entire bottom half of your hair light. Balayage is a more subtle look, whereas ombre hair is more harsh. You can see my ombre hair in this post (also pictured below!).
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
Traditional highlights typically begin at the root of the hair, whereas balayage begins further down the shaft of hair. when your hair grows, roots will form with traditional highlights. This creates harsh, unnatural regrowth lines. On the other hand, balayage begins further down the shaft of hair and therefore has a subtle regrowth that doesn’t need to be touched up.
What is the difference between particle balayage and full balayage?
About $50-$75. Hehe. In all seriousness, a traditional balayage consists of highlights applied to your entire head of hair. A partial balayage only included highlights on the top layer of your hair. Read more about my experience with partial balayage here (also pictured below!).
Who can get balayage hair?
Anyone can get balayage performed on their hair. All textures, styles and lengths are welcome! However, if your hair is already damaged from bleach, you may want to lighten or “balayage” your hair over several sessions.
How long does balayage last?
The limit doesnt exist. Any Mean Girls fans out there?! In all seriousness, one of the perks of having balayage hair is there is zero root touchup needed. However, similar to all bleached hair, you may need to go back to your hairdresser to get it toned if it turns yellow/orange. I typically go in once every 6 months to tone my hair because I prefer my balayage more ashy.
Will balayage damage my hair?
To create balayage hair, your hairdresser will apply bleach to your hair. Any time bleach is involved, it is stripping your hair of color and damaging it. Your balayage ends will be dry (and sometimes brittle) over time, so you need to baby your hair! In addition to using conditioner in the shower, you’ll need to apply leave-in-conditioner on your balayage ends after every shower. No excuses.
Who should balayage my hair?
THIS IS IMPORTANT. Before you allow someone to balayage your hair, look at their portfolio. Specifically, look for photos of balayage hair. Just because someone knows how to color/bleach hair does not mean they can balayage hair. I’ve had a few scary experiences and I’ve learned my lesson. You don’t want to risk someone messing up your hair and having to re-apply bleach. Look for several great balayage photos in their portfolio. One crucial tidbit of information I learned – share your hair history with your hairdresser. All hair is different. Virgin hair (never dyed/bleached) will always arrive at the color you want quickest as it doesn’t have to fight through layers of color. If your hair has been dyed in the past, it’s very possible it will make multiple sessions to arrive at the color you want. As long as you and your hairdresser are on the same page, you’ll be able to manage your expectations and get the color you want!
What if my hair turns orange?
There is a very real possibility your hair will turn orange. If it does, stay calm. Toner corrects this the majority of the time. Don’t panic. If you have red in your hair (like me!) this will most likely happen. Worst comes to worst, if toner doesn’t work you can always dye it back to your original color.
How do I care for my balayage?
Once again, baby your hair. The poor thing has been through the ringer. Use a leave in conditioner after every shower. Use minimal heat on your hair. When you do, use products that are meant for damaged hair. I’d highly recommend in investing in a great curling wand and hairdryer. It will honestly save your hair. I swear by this hairdryer and this curling wand. They’re expensive, but they’ve kept my hair in amazing conditioner. And it’s almost to my bum! Also, use a brush that is gentle on your hair. I swear by this brush (it’s under $9 and comes in several colors) for wet and dry hair. Complete game changer. My hair is always tangled and it never tugs!
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