Balayage Salon in Lebanon NJ
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a hair coloring technique where color is hand painted or “swept” onto the random sections of hair to create a natural succession from dark to light. Normally, balayage will begin away from the roots starting near the midshaft and gradually becoming more intense as it reaches the tips.
The effect of balayage is a sunkissed look you might get after a summer at the beach.
Balayage highlights are typically only a few shades lighter than your base color providing an effect of natural dimension and depth.
Partial Balayage
A partial or mini balayage treatment would apply the same technique but only to a portion of the hair such as around the face or the top of your hair.
Balayage vs Highlights – what’s the difference?
Traditional foil highlights are generally placed close to the scalp, lightening the hair from the roots to the ends for an all-over highlighted look that is the same color from top to bottom. As your hair grows out, the original root color begins to show and you will need a touch up every 6-8 weeks.
The use of balayage is a much more gradual color highlighting process that typically begins away from the root so hair appears naturally lighter at the ends. This hair technique requires less frequent maintenance.
What is the difference between Balayage and Ombre?
In a nutshell, balayage is a technique where color is painted onto hair to create a blended sunkissed look, while ombre is a style where the whole bottom section of hair is one color and is blended upward so there is no noticeable line. Balayage is much more vertical using smaller sections of hair for a natural look. Ombre is more horizontal, having two contrasting sections for a bolder look. Many times balayage and ombre are used together.
How is Balayage different based on the color of hair?
A balayage treatment is usually only a few shades lighter than your base color, giving your hair natural depth and dimension.
Depending on the base color of your locks, you might consider different variations.
Blonde – lighter blonde, golden, ash, blended
Brown – light brown, caramel, honey, blonde
Brunette – subtle contrast, shades of brown, copper, lavender
The texture and style of hair may also make a difference in which color you select. Curly and wavy hair may be more naturally blended where straight hair may reveal more distinct color. Depending on the look you are seeking, the number of shades from your base color can have a subtle or distinct look.
How about the style of hair?
Using the balayage technique to color hair is perfect for just about all hair styles and textures. Whether you have thick, fine, straight, wavy hair, long or short, using this process will give a relaxed, low-maintenance, yet refined look that is sure to get complements.
Straight hair – color tends to stand out more so 1-2 shades will have amazing effect. Use of color such as reds and blues will make a statement but in a reserved way. You can use superfine strands or go bold.
Straight hair will show off the blending and gradient of colors used in creating a style with balayage.
Curly hair – color tends to blend more so lighter curls can appear as if the sun changed the color. Your colorist can customize the look to emphasize certain areas. As your hair moves, it catches light at different angles giving you a unique look with every glance.
Depending on the density of the curl, you can go from two shades to four shades lighter to add real volume and depth.
Every hairstyle done using balayage is unique. The placement of color, gradation, and actual color(s) used is based on your base hair color, texture, length and style. Each client gets a personalized look to accent facial features, skin tone and natural base color. No two hairstyles done with balayage should look the same.
How long does balayage last in your hair?
Balayage hair requires less maintenance than most hair color styles and techniques.
The average hair color using balayage should last about 4 months. Some clients may prefer an update every 7-10 weeks while others will wait 6-8 months before getting their hair recolored with balayage.
If your hair is graying, you will likely need a touch-up every 4-6 weeks.
Since balayage is intended to produce a natural gradient of color from the original base color to highlighted areas, the time it lasts in your hair can depend on how fast your hair grows, home maintenance or the desire for a new look.
How much does Balayage cost?
The cost of a balayage hair color treatment can vary widely from about $150 to $300 depending on where you go and the experience of the stylist. The process is fairly similar between salons but each colorist is an artist with different skill and style.
Other things that may impact the price are the length of your hair, the number of colors involved in the balayage highlighting, and location of the salon.
Ready to give balayage a try?
Contact LaBella Salon & Spa at (908) 236-0866 for an appointment to have balayage highlights on your hair. We’ll help you explore the possibilities for a cohesive look that make you shine.
