What is Balayage?
If you're looking for an effortless, natural and low maintenance hair colour this winter then Balayage might be the PERFECT solution for you!
Pronounced "bah-lee-ahge", our clients LOVE this technique because it gives the hair a natural 'sun-kissed' (or 'just back from Bali') glow and looks and feels as close to a natural hair colour as possible.
It's a great low-maintenance way to go lighter as it preserves your base colour and blends your natural roots for softer grow out; the perfect technique for a modern, busy woman.
So what exactly is Balayage?
Balayage is unique because it is one of the only colour techniques that require your colourist to hand paint highlights into your hair. Your colourist should be confident in his/her application, be willing to flex their creativity and apply colour in a natural way.
If done correctly, balayage creates a 'lived-in' glow that is difficult to achieve with other structured techniques such as foiling and highlights which typically follow rigid steps in the application process.
Originally made famous in the '90s by household names such as Jennifer Aniston (AKA Rachel), Jessica Alba and Lauren Conrad, it has recently resurfaced thanks to a #balayage Instagram trend by celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and the QUEEN herself, Beyonce!
Whilst traditionally considered a 'trend', we LOVE Balayage because it really never goes out of style and is a versatile colouring technique that looks incredible year-round. Because who doesn't love the 'SUN KISSED' look!
How do you create the perfect balayage colour?
We're going to let you in on a little secret: not all balayage colours are created equal!
Because of the fluid application of hair colour, you'll want to make sure your colourist is EXTREMELY confident in this technique with plenty of experience creating the exact look you're trying to achieve.
We suggest providing images to your colourist prior to your appointment so that you have a mutual understanding of the desired outcome. Don't be afraid to ask important questions along the way - a good colourist will answer all of your questions (and more!).
How long does balayage take?
The two main factors when determining how long your balayage appointment will take are:
The length of your hair
The amount of highlights required.
Whilst a few 'babylights' will take less than 45 minutes, a full head of balayage highlights could take anywhere up to 3 hours including a shampoo and blowdry.
Often, the best course of action is to build your balayage colour over a number of appointments, as this allows your colourist to create a multi-tonal, layered balayage that looks natural and compliments your unique face shape.
How much does balayage cost?
Your perfect balayage colour may initially need to be built over a series of appointments however balayage becomes extremely low maintenance once you've reached the ideal colour and tone.
Whilst normal hair colour typically requires 6 weekly upkeep, a balayage colour can be stretched to up to 12 months between appointments - amazing right!
How do you prepare for your balayage appointment?
Bring photos! You can never have too many!
Come with clean hair; we usually recommend washing your hair 24/48 hours before your appointment.
You can prep your hair by using either Olaplex No. 3 ($28) or Uberbliss Bond Sustainer ($15) at home a few weeks leading up to your appointment.
Wear your go-to hairstyle - our colourist will apply colour depending on how you regularly wear your hair. Arrive with your hair styled how you would normally wear it to help our colourist better place highlights.
Balayage is a beautiful hair colouring technique that is low maintenance, preserves your hair health and gives you the 'lived-in' GLOW you've been looking for.
Synergy Hair Melbourne are the experts in balayage application and look forward to welcoming you into our salon!