The Balayage Trend: Why It’s Hot and Not Going Away
Hairstyles come and go. Still, some just stick around because they offer a great style no matter what era. Though balayage was popular in the early 2000s, it never went out of style. Effortless style and low maintenance make this trend a hot look any season, any year, and it provides a natural look that stays great even as it grows. Check out why the balayage trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and how to style your tresses with this chic look.
What is Balayage?
Balayage means ‘to paint’ or sweep, coming from the fact a brush is used to ‘paint’ on the color.
Other styles might use foils, but balayage is foil free. From different colors to a more natural look, balayage can make hair look great from root to tip. Freehand highlights give tresses a natural look that is easy to maintain at home between visits. Whether you are pixie short or have long waves, the balayage trend looks good on all lengths and types of hair for a highlighted look everyone will be raving about.
Why Balayage?
Walk into any salon, and people try out new trends in cuts, styles, and colors all day long. It helps to know the difference before heading into a salon so the stylist knows how to give hair the best look and one the client will love. Here are some critical differences between balayage and similar hair trends: highlights focus on using foils to get a natural look. A colorist will apply color to specific areas to ‘highlight’ the hair. Main difference? No foils are used in balayage.
Ombre: ombre gives the hair a distinct, contrasting look, blending sections from one hue to another. Ombre means ‘to shade,’ meaning the darker shade starts at the roots and the lighter ends at the tips. Reverse ombre does the opposite, going darker at the tips and lighter at the roots. The transition is stronger than in balayage but can look just as good as in regular balayage.
Does Balayage Damage Hair?
Balayage is less damaging than other coloring techniques that can risk over-processing the hair. Bleach can dry out ends, so it helps to consult with a stylist about what has already been done to the hair, what the client wants and how the client wants it to look in the future. For darker, unprocessed hair, it may take a few sessions to get to the desired look, but overall, salons use products that keep hair healthy while processing it to get the desired color.
Why Balayage is Popular
Hair trends are not just about doing what is most popular now. Many people want to get in on a trend and realize they love it and want to stick with it for the long haul. Here are just some of the reasons people are sticking with, or returning to, balayage for their tresses:
- Soft waves: color tends to be less noticeable when it regrows and keeps hair looking soft, light, and beautiful
- Diversity of color: keep people guessing with light hues and blondes for spring and summer, then switch it up for deep, richer tones in autumn and winter
- Great for any skin tone: everyone can try balayage regardless of skin tone or hair color. Everyone can benefit from a little texture and a bit often their style that makes their face pop with just the right hues.
- All hair types work: wavy, short, thick, or thin – all hair types can use the color balayage offers and add new depth and dimension to their hair.
Is Balayage Right for You?
Even if someone just stepped into a salon, never having had their hair colored, they will benefit from the balayage trend. Whether it’s just shaping up the color or doing a complete change, balayage works on any hair color and style. No need to spend more money going every few weeks when the color will last (even grow out) and look great for a long time to come. Why not get your hands on this trend that is here to stay? Try balayage for yourself today.
Consider touring the Mason Anthony School of Cosmetology to see if training for a career in beauty is right for you. We have the largest, best-in-class facility in Ohio and a large student body ready to help you hone your skills and practice your craft.
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