Balayage, which literally means “to sweep”, is a hair coloring technique made by applying gradual highlights that give the hair a natural touch, as if it were bleached by the sun. It is often confused with shatush, but it is more delicate and the highlights begin approximately from half length towards the tips, instead of from the roots. Most hairdressers recommend going to a salon to get the perfect look, but you can also do it yourself by following a few simple tips.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Color
Step 1. Choose a light blonde if your hair color is dark brown or cool
If your natural hair color is cool, a dark shade (like chocolate or dark ash brown), choose a light blonde color for balayage. A light ash or khaki shade will result in beautiful, shiny highlights.
- If your hair is very dark it may be best to bleach it before dyeing it blonde, otherwise it may not turn out as light as you want. The final result will depend on your natural color and the developer you will use.
- Observing your skin color will help you figure out if your hair tone is hot or cold. An easy way to figure this out is to check if you look better with silver or gold jewelry. Gold jewelry will likely look better if your skin tone is warm and silver jewelry if your skin tone is cool.
Step 2. Go for a caramel shade if your hair is natural or warm brown
If your hair is a warmer shade or features walnut or mahogany undertones, opt for blonde highlights that contain more yellow. Look for a caramel or honey blonde shade for a warmer, more natural look.
Golden shades are particularly suitable for hair of a natural color. Try red, gold, or copper highlights
Step 3. Try a blonde or beige balayage if you have cool blonde hair
If you want to try this look on light or ice blonde hair, try a shade without warm tones, such as beige or cool blonde. These metallic shades can enhance the gray-green hue of your hair.
The balayage will only stand out on a color tending to dirty blond, rather than platinum. If your hair color is blonde-white, try moonlighting instead
Step 4. Use a light golden tint if your hair is a yellowish blonde
With a warmer, sunnier color hair type (honey or sandy shade) try a light golden, sandy or burnished blonde dye. The highlights of these shades will add depth and movement to natural blonde locks.
Step 5. Combine red hair with a balayage of the same shade
This is an excellent technique that can bring out different shades even on red hair. Stay the same color as your hair for a delicate, sun-kissed look.
- If you have red-blue hair (for example scarlet or burgundy), opt for a cooler color balayage such as strawberry red.
- For red-orange hair try copper or bright red highlights.
Step 6. Purchase a balayage or highlight kit at a beauty salon
It is best to use one of these kits, which are available at any hair product store or online. It should be pretty easy to find one that is good quality and relatively inexpensive.
- The kit also includes a comb for application, the lightening mixture, a pair of plastic gloves, the conditioner to use after application and the instructions.
- If you can't find a balayage kit, you might want to try one for traditional highlights.
- If you have very dark hair you may also need a bleaching kit if you want a radical change.
- Balayage will work on any hair type.
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Tint
Step 1. Prepare the dye and place a towel over your shoulders to avoid getting dirty
To prepare the dye, follow the instructions in the kit and use an old towel on your shoulders to absorb any excess dye. Also wear an old T-shirt and put on a pair of plastic gloves to avoid staining your hands.
- For a better application of the dye it is best to have dry and clean hair.
- Unlike other hair coloring techniques, balayage doesn't necessarily require bleaching. The mixture present in the kit includes all the ingredients necessary to lighten the hair without having to bleach it separately. However, if you want to achieve a radical change from a dark to a light shade, they may need to be bleached.
Step 2. Test on a lock of hair before starting the application
Choose one from the bottom layer of your hair and apply a small amount of dye. Leave it on for the required amount of time, then rinse it off and check the result.
This will allow you to check the final color and make sure you don't have any allergic reactions
Step 3. Separate the hair into 3 sections
Slide the tail of the comb from one ear to the other, forming a sort of halo that separates the hair into an upper, a central and a lower section. Using two rubber bands, tie the hair of the top and middle portions together and move them to the side, or make small buns so that you can work on the bottom part first.
Step 4. Separate a thin section of hair from the lower section
Starting on one side of the head, separate a small section. The exact width of the highlights will depend on your personal taste, although balayage has a better effect on thin locks, no wider than 2-3 cm.
Step 5. Apply the tint with your fingers or using the brush included in the kit
With one hand, hold the lock of hair while dipping your fingers or brush in the dye, then spread it gently with the other hand, applying it abundantly on the final part and attenuating it as you reach half length.
- If you want a natural look, dipping your fingers in the dye is the best way to achieve it. However, try not to apply it too broadly, not to spread it horizontally and to incorporate it into the hair as much as possible.
- Unlike traditional highlights, you'll only apply the dye to part of the hair, so don't go all the way to the roots. Most balayage styles tend to fade about half of the strand, especially on long hair.
- This application method will give your hair that natural and faded look that balayage is known for.
- You can dye your hair starting as close to the roots as you want, but remember that balayage usually tends to fade from around half length.
Step 6. Continue applying the tint by moving from side to side
Take a section on the opposite side of the garment and repeat the application process, going back and forth and moving from front to back. For a more natural, sun-kissed look, apply the color to strands that are 2-3 cm apart, or follow your personal taste.
- Once you've completed the bottom layer, tie your hair with a rubber band, even if it's not essential. You can also coat your hair with a sheet of aluminum foil before continuing, then repeat the process on the middle and top of the garment.
- The hair of the lower layer is usually darker and difficult to lighten, so it is better to start from there to apply the highlights, so that they stay in place longer.
Step 7. Leave the color on, then rinse it off with the shampoo included in the package
Once you have finished applying the dye, check the package to see how long you have to wait for the color to set; it usually takes 20-30 minutes. Finally, rinse it off using the shampoo from the kit, followed by a generous layer of toning mask, if it is included in the package.
- Leave the mask on for the time indicated on the package, then rinse your hair in the shower.
- Remember that the longer you leave the dye on, the lighter the highlights will be.
Part 3 of 3: Maintaining the Balayage Effect
Step 1. Repeat the balayage procedure when you feel your hair needs more color
One of the reasons why this technique is very popular is that it does not require retouching by the hairdresser, as the regrowth is very natural. Keep an eye on your color and repeat the process when it seems necessary, usually every 2-3 months.
You can also leave the regrowth and move on to shatush
Step 2. Wash your hair with a combination of color correcting shampoo and conditioner so the dye doesn't fade too soon
Using specific products for dyed hair will also prevent highlights from darkening or yellowing.
- If your hair is natural blonde, avoid yellow highlights by using a purple shampoo or spray 1-2 times a week. Be careful not to use it too often, otherwise it will give your hair a purple color.
- Avoid washing your hair every day, otherwise it may dry out. Instead, try washing them every 2-3 days and use dry shampoo to get to the roots between washes.
Step 3. Apply a hair mask once a week to moisturize the strands
Even the modest amount of dye in balayage can dry out your hair, leaving it stiff and difficult to style. To keep them healthy, apply a moisturizing mask once a week.
- You can buy one at a beauty shop or online.
- If you have bleached your hair, apply a restorative treatment once or twice a week. You can also use a protein treatment once a month to strengthen them, but avoid using it more often or it will make them brittle.
Step 4. Shower every other day with lukewarm water
To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, rinse and wash it with cold or lukewarm water instead of hot, so as not to risk removing moisture. It is also preferable to wash them every other day or once every 2-3 days: a higher frequency can leave them dry and brittle.
Advice
- Try making soft curls or waves to bring out the highlights of balayage.
- This look is perfect for short, long hair, any natural color type, and for anyone who doesn't want to commit to a total tint or shatush.
