What is Balayage….

July 14th, 2010

Balayage, a French word meaning ‘to sweep’ is a method of highlighting which lightens the hair gradually from root to tip. This technique has shaken the salons from coast to coast because it achieves an ultra-natural effect by mimicing nature’s way of lightening hair. Hair should always be darker on the base of the hair shaft or the root area, rather then having light roots and dark ends. To balayage the hair, a lightening agent is painted on using a brush and paddle in a sweeping motion giving the hair colourist a bit more room to play and less methodical streaks. Foils aren’t used and the precision of the fine-tooth comb weaving in tiny streaks is no longer necessary. The thick mixture of lightener is applied onto a section of hair using one of three paint designs: singles, slants and V’s. The stylist uses a “sweeping” motion to apply lightener from thin at the roots to thicker towards the ends. This provides ultimate control over colour application, allows for less re-growth, much more colour contrast within the hair and since the process requires no heat or foils, the hair experiences minimal damage (which is key for those of us with long hair).

The result is a gorgeous sun-kissed color of various shades of blond and honey-toned hues that look as if you just spent the summer frolicking on the beach. And thus far has proven to be the most natural looking highlights ever. Balayage is more carefree than highlights because the streaks aren’t defined and a pattern isn’t developed. But because the method is less regimented, it gives the stylist much more creative freedom. The stylist works on instinct so very similar to an artist on a canvas.

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