What is Balayage?

Welcome back to the TouchUps Beauty Blog! (#JoinTheBeautyRevolution!)

Today, we will discuss one of the most popular hair coloring techniques in history; balayage! In this installment of your favorite blog from your favorite local salon in Chandler, Arizona, we’ll be talking about what “balayage” is, how it works, where it comes from, and how this technique compares to your normal “foil highlights”.

The term “balayage” is French for sweeping, which refers to the motion the stylist is using when applying color with this technique. This technique was first used in France, at the gorgeous Carita Salon in Paris in the early 70’s. Balayage truly made a name for itself with it’s effortless sun-kissed results.

While this look may seem like it is easy to achieve, it really takes a trained eye to observe the natural texture and movement of the hair, and the “random” color placement necessary to create this look for a client! This technique was originally referred to as “balayage a coton” for its use of cotton in separating colored hair from untouched hair. Balayage was introduced during a time when frosting caps and use of solid colors were the industry’s norms; which makes the balayage an extremely unique technique for its time!

In the 1980’s, many varieties of foil highlighting techniques were introduced to the hair industry in the US, but the balayage did not make its appearance in America until the 90’s. American celebrities were extremely fascinated with this new look, and so the balayage became one of the most popular color trends in America to date! The balayage is a great option for clients that are low maintenance with their hair, but might want to try something fun and different!

When hair is weaved or sliced into foil using typical highlighting techniques, the hair is saturated with color, which gives the hair a dense, uniform affect. The consequence of that uniformity is that when your hair grows out, it becomes painfully obvious that you’re in need of a retouch as a straight line will form between your natural roots and the beginning for your highlights.

Using the balayage technique, color is carefully hand-painted onto the hair (typically the ends) to create flowing swipes of color which range from thick to very thin in order to play off your hair’s natural movement. This creates a very free-flowing, untouched look that does not require regular retouches!

The balayage allows the client to go months without having to bleach their hair, and can be done with a wide variety of colors to put some “fun” in your hair! A balayage could be much more flexible for your style than traditional highlights; why not give it a shot?

Call us at (480)-840-5542 to book a consultation for your balayage today!

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