What Makes Balayage Hair and Hair Extensions So Popular

More and more, balayage hair is becoming a popular request in salons everywhere. Over the years, hair stylists have perfected this hair colour technique to give people lovely and natural-looking highlights. Stylists blend the colour smoothly into the rest of the hair, for a soft and sun-kissed look. Although the technique has been around for a long time, it has recently had a surge in popularity. Many women are joining the trend to attain this gentle and beachy look for themselves. The soft transition between hair colours allows you to extend the time between hair appointments, making it both a stylish and convenient hair colour option.

What does “balayage” mean?

The word “balayage” refers to the technique used to apply colour to the hair, not the colour itself. Balayage is a French word meaning “sweeping.” It is so named to evoke the sweeping effect created by this hair colour application technique. You pronounce the word: “baa – lee – ahge.”

The method originated in the 1970s in France and offered an appealing alternative to more traditional colour application methods. It was designed to give women a hair colour option that looks soft and natural. This means hair stylists freehand colour strokes onto the hair to give a light and beachy appearance. By colouring hair in this way, they are able to create a smooth transition between the dark and light areas.

Why is the hair colour so popular?

Balayage hair expanded beyond France into other parts of the western world in the 90s. This was thanks to celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Rhianna, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez. It soon became known as the go-to hair colour technique for people who want a natural sweeping effect that mimics the effects of beautiful sun-kissed hair. Thus began a worldwide trend, sought after by people who want a simple, classy look that is not overbearing. The popularity has since remained constant, reminding us that no matter the trends of the time, healthy and natural hair will never go out of style.

 

The timeless technique results in a naturally blended look, without harsh regrowth lines. The effect is subtle, which means balayage hair is a great option if you want a change that isn’t stark. Due to this, the technique has been labelled the “lipgloss of hair,” evoking the subtle shine created by the soft highlights. It is also customisable, meaning that the gradation, placement, and colour tone is based on your individual hair type and colour. Good stylists will take your hair type, colour, and skin tone into consideration when deciding which tones will work best.

 

 

The many benefits of balayage hair

There are many benefits to this hair highlighting technique. Due to the freehand approach of your stylist, the lighter colour will shine softly through the dark. As a result, your hair colour will fade gently through both the tops and bottom ends of your hair. But this doesn’t mean that only long-haired people can achieve this look. Balayage hair can be great for both long- and short-haired people, as well as a variety of hair types and textures. The many benefits of balayage hair include:

● Less maintenance – One of the greatest perks of balayage is that it does not require constant upkeep. Due to the absence of harsh lines, you can let your hair grow out without worrying about regular touch-ups.
● Natural “sweeping” look – By mimicking the effects of nature, this technique gives people highlights that seamlessly blend into the rest of the hair.
● Great for many hair colours and types – Although it is most common for brunettes who want to lighten their hair, the method is also suited to redheads and blondes. Whether your hair is short, long, curly, or straight, you can enjoy the benefits of this gentle and versatile look.
● Ideal for a subtle change – When seeking a change in colour, you might not want a drastic change. If you want a change in colour that is subtle yet effective, balayage hair is a great way to go.
● It’s easy on the scalp – Since the method does not usually dye the roots, it does not require putting bleach on the scalp like a total dye.

Balayage hair options

There is a multitude of different balayage hair styles. When deciding on the exact application technique, gradation, and tone, you should take a number of things into consideration. Of course, personal preference plays a very large role in which style you choose. But it’s also a good idea to consider your hair type, skin tone, and natural hair colour. This will help you choose a style that works best for you. There are countless options for balayage application methods and colours, but below are a few common options:

Face framing balayage

Brown or blonde face-framing layers are a lovely highlight option for emphasising your natural features. Colour is centralised and layered at the front of the hair to create the desired framing effect on any face shape.

 

Brown to blonde balayage

Brown hair with platinum blonde highlights is a popular choice for people who want to brighten dark hair. The natural base with layers of bright highlights creates a visually appealing contrast that draws the eye.

Light and dark brown balayage

A natural brown balayage is a great option for natural-looking subtle highlights that are easy to maintain. The touches of lighter brown help create the illusion of more volume and dimension, enhancing the overall appearance.

Golden brown balayage

Golden brown balayage creates warm tones that are well suited to both straight and curly hair styles. The highlights add a vibrant glow to the hair that especially flatters olive skin complexions. This can be a great option for people who want to add a layer of natural but noticeable brightness to their hair. Other tones such as auburn and caramel can have a similar effect.

Root blur balayage

As the name suggests, balayage techniques can be applied to blur regrowth lines that result from previous colour applications. By layering the hair colour at the root, your stylist smooths the transition from natural to dyed hair.

How balayage hair extensions work

Although many people apply balayage to their natural hair, balayage hair extensions are becoming a more popular application option. Balayage hair extensions are a great way to achieve the benefits of layered colour, added length, and thicker volume all at once. Generally, you should choose extensions that match your natural hair colour at the root. The colour then gradually transitions to your chosen lighter colour at the ends. Hair extensions can be colour matched to your hair to make sure the balayage hair extensions you choose are right for you. You can also choose your preferred length.

Due to the gradation of colour from the top to the bottom of your extensions, balayage extensions blend smoothly into the rest of your hair. You can wash, curl, and style it like regular hair, all while enjoying fuller, longer, and more dimensional hair. Change up your hair colour with balayage hair extensions from Emilly Hadrill Hair and Extensions at one of our Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney locations.

How to maintain your balayage

Balayage hair typically requires less maintenance than other hair application methods. When your hair grows out naturally, there are no harsh regrow lines, and this means you don’t have to have regular touch-ups. However, there are ways you can make your hair colour last longer and retain its shine. It is a good idea to invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner to make your hair highlights last for as long as possible.

If your hair colour fades over time, you can always refresh it without needing to have a full top-up. Be sure to speak to your hair stylist to find out how you can effectively maintain your balayage hair or hair extensions.

Balayage FAQ

How is balayage different from highlights or ombre?

“Ombre” is a French word that means “shadow.” This refers to the gradation of hair colour from dark to light. Unlike ombre, balayage hair does not have a clear fade line from one shade or colour to the next. Lighter pieces are distributed through the top parts of the hair, and darker sections are left at the bottom, creating a natural highlight.

Will it suit my hair type?

Balayage hair is suitable for virtually all hair types, lengths, and colours. Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, you can achieve a beautiful look with this colour style.

How do you achieve balayage hair?

Stylists achieve the smooth transition from one colour tone to the next with a specific application method. They first establish the best colour, gradation, and colour density for the specific person. The next step is strategically painting the hair with light strokes, saturating more at the ends. This creates the lovely layered appearance unique to balayage.

Is balayage good for short hair?

Balayage hair suits many different hair types and lengths. The highlights can be great for pixie cuts, fringes, and bobs, as well as longer hair. However, if your hair is very short, you may not be able to achieve as much of a smooth gradation between colours.