Balayage goes way beyond a simple coloring service. It’s an art form that offers a low-maintenance solution for any hair type, length, or color. Whether you’re seeking a subtle enhancement or a bold transformation, it’s the perfect choice for an effortless style with little commitment.
Balayage: A Hair Salon Favorite
Let’s start with pronunciation! The word rolls off the tongue as elegantly as the technique itself: “bah-ley-ahzh.” Originating from France in the ’70s, it means to sweep or paint, a process where skilled hair stylists hand-paint your hair in a freestyle motion. This method creates stunning, natural-looking highlights without the need for foils or caps.
What You Can Expect from Your Salon Visit
This technique provides beautiful, sun-kissed highlights that mimic the gentle kiss of the sun after a beach vacation. It’s a favorite among Hollywood A-listers , largely for its ability to blend seamlessly into your natural hair.
Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage grows out without leaving harsh demarcation lines, keeping your hair looking natural, with no clear roots. This is just one of the reasons that it’s a great option for those new to coloring. Your colorist will paint only specific sections of your hair, not every strand from top to bottom. So not only can you experiment with color with little commitment, you also keep costs down because you don’t have to return to salon every few weeks to get a touch up.
What If I’ve Recently Had A Hair Color or Highlight Service?
If you’ve just had your hair colored or highlighted but are interested in trying balayage, it could actually be a great option to blend your roots and make them less obvious as your hair grows out.
However, be sure to consider the condition of your hair and how much processing it has already gone through. Hair that’s been heavily treated might need a little break to avoid damage, so it’s always best to have a chat with your stylist before that color and cut. They can assess the health of your locks and figure out if it’s safe to proceed or if it’s better to wait a bit.
If you and your stylist agree that your hair is in good shape, here are a couple of fabulous options for already-colored hair:
Reverse Balayage: This stylish twist on the traditional technique involves darkening the ends of your hair instead of lightening them. It’s perfect if you want to add some depth back into overly lightened hair or if you’re aiming for a more natural grow-out phase.
Shadow Root: This technique is all about creating a soft, shadowy effect at the roots, which can be a lifesaver if you’re trying to transition from an existing contrasting hair color. It blends your natural hair color with your highlights, giving a seamless and low-maintenance result.
Toner: Post-balayage, your stylist may suggest applying a toner, which is an excellent way to enhance the new color’s appearance and blend. Toner adjusts the shade of your highlights or the overall hair color, making it cooler, warmer, or more neutral depending on the look you’re going for. Many clients opt for a shadow root/toner combo for low maintenance, longer lasting results.
Maintaining Your Color Treatment
To keep your tresses looking salon-fresh, consider our Aveda Color Control Set, which includes Shampoo, Conditioner, Strengthening Treatment, and Daily Color Protect leave-in treatment. These salon products are designed to extend the life of your color, ensuring your hair remains vibrant and healthy.
Book Your Appointment with One of Our Specialists Today
Ready to transform your hair? Book an appointment with our specialists at Craig McQueen Hair Salon in Atlanta. Our upscale salon welcomes first-time guests with a consultation to discuss your vision and hair care needs. From color services to keratin and smoothing treatments to haircuts and hair extensions and much more, we offer a full range of salon services to meet your needs. Our friendly team and relaxing atmosphere, complete with a complimentary neck massage, ensure a luxurious experience that will leave you looking and feeling fantastic.
