What is Balayage? – Balayage Hair Colour vs Highlights vs Ombre
When considering a new look, you may see hairstyles featuring balayage, highlights, and ombre treatments. Each style uses different colouring techniques that give you a unique look, depending on your haircut and preferred colour.
Explore these modern hair colouring methods so you can make an informed choice between balayage vs highlights next time you’re at the hairdresser to achieve your desired look.
Balayage?
Balayage, from the French word meaning “to sweep”, is a freehand hair colouring technique that differs from traditional highlights. Using a modern hair painting approach, your stylist can create natural-looking highlights without traditional foils.
Balayage can give hair of any base colour, including dark hair (even black hair), more dimension and depth. However, balayage may be unsuitable if your goal is to cover up grey hairs since the procedure does not touch the root area.
The balayage technique works on all hair textures, including straight, curly, and textured hair types. An experienced colourist at Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing can adjust the technique to work with the natural movement of your hair.
The balayage effect is most apparent in medium to long hair. However, the hand-painted technique can add fullness and drama to shorter hair.
Stylists use a specialised brush and hand-painted colour streaks to create this effortless look while lightening the hair. If you are interested in balayage, always work with a professional who has experience with the specific treatment and tools for best results.
What Are Highlights?
While balayage painting offers a swept and luxurious flow of colour, traditional highlights use foil to produce a more structured, segment look. Highlights are ideal for those looking to lighten the base colour of their hair by a shade or two and those looking to blend in grey hairs.
When getting foil highlights, your stylist applies colour from the roots down to the ends, providing more coverage than balayage. Some clients prefer to add lowlights that create dimension without lightening the colour.
The overall look of highlights can be subtle or quite dramatic, depending on the shade you choose and how many highlights you decide to get. Highlights can also result in brassy tones, which your stylist can mute with an appropriate toner. Adding a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner to your hair care routine can help prolong the colour and health of your highlights.
What Is Ombre Hair Colour?
Ombre colour, another popular hair trend, gradually transitions from a darker shade near your roots to a lighter hue at the ends. Clients looking for a soft, subtle colour transition from root to tip will love the cool nuance of the ombre look.
Like the balayage procedure, ombre treatment does not require foils. Your stylist will paint the ombre colour directly onto a section of hair, typically the tips of your hair or the entire bottom half. Ombre generally doesn’t touch the roots, so clients can enjoy their hair’s natural growth without worrying about touch-ups.
How Is Balayage Applied: The Procedure
The balayage procedure varies based on each client’s specific needs and wants. Before you go to the salon, you’ll want to have a few inspiration pictures to show your stylist. If your goal hair is very unlike your natural hair, know that you may require multiple hair treatments before achieving your desired look.
You do not have to shampoo and condition your hair before a balayage appointment because your stylist can apply the treatment on wet or dry hair. However, excess oil and product buildup can yield less bright balayage colouring, so it’s best to come to your appointment with clean, unstyled hair.
The goal of balayage is to achieve a colour gradient. Your stylist will hand-select which strands to apply the lightener to, concentrating on the hairs that frame your face, your tips, and the top layer of hair, adding subtle dimensionality.
The lighter you decide to go with your look, the more strands of hair from each section your stylist will paint. You may ask your stylist to create lowlights and highlights using different tones for a fuller, brighter look.
To expedite the process, your stylist will invite you to sit under the hair dryer while the colour processes naturally. Once your hair has lightened to your desired shade, your stylist will rinse your hair. Your stylist may also give your hair restorative protein treatment depending on your hair’s condition.
Finally, your stylist will apply a moisture-restoring gloss evenly throughout your hair and may style it to your preferred look. The entire process can take between three and five hours.
Balayage vs Highlights: Which is Better for Your Hair?
Both balayage and highlighting are safe and popular ways to change your hair colour. However, any technique that lightens your hair generally requires bleach. Since incorrect use of bleach can damage your hair, it’s critical to work with a stylist who has experience with bleaching hair.
Will Balayage or Highlights Work for Your Hair?
Anyone can get balayage or highlights in their hair. However, those who are allergic to chemicals involved in these processes should take caution before receiving these treatments. Speak with your stylist before the procedure to discuss the ingredients in the lightener they will use.
Can You Get a Balayage with Highlights?
Yes, you can get a balayage if you already have highlights. Many clients with highlights are transitioning to balayage because it takes less upkeep.
Can You Do Balayage on Black Hair?
Yes, though it may take more work and possibly multiple sessions before you see your desired result. While blonde balayage is one of the most popular shades, a caramel or auburn balayage may look more natural for those with darker hair.
Is Balayage Cheaper Than Highlights?
Balayage tends to be slightly more expensive than highlighting, though it will depend on what you want to get done and the current state of your hair. Since balayage tends to require fewer treatments and less upkeep, highlighting may cost you more in the long run.
How Long Do Balayage and Highlights Last?
One balayage treatment can last up to four months, while highlights typically last six to eight weeks. To keep your hair looking its best after balayage, you may want to visit the salon for a gloss or hairline touch-up and use a moisture shampoo and conditioner. Your stylist may recommend specific products for your hair.
Balayage, Highlights, and Ombre: What’s the Difference?
Balayage treatment is the way to go if you’re looking for a natural, sun-kissed look with subtle highlights that adds dimensionality and depth to your hair. Traditional highlights might be a better option if you’re aiming to lighten your hair by a shade or two or cover up some greys.
Highlights offer a more dramatic, striking look, while balayage provides a more natural appearance. An ombre approach gives you darker hair on the top of your head, with lighter tips at the bottom. The difference between the three looks is subtle, and what you choose comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic you want to showcase.
Change Your Look With Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing
If you want to change up your look with a balayage, highlight, or ombre hair treatment, schedule an appointment with Cutters His & Hers Hairdressing. We offer styling services and hair treatments for men and women who want to spice up their appearance and look their best.
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