Balayage is a colour technique that’s dominated hair trends over the past few years, and has become the ideal way to add dimension to your hair without hiding your natural shade. The great thing is that it’s also versatile enough to suit a wide palette of hair shades and textures. We understand it can be difficult deciding what’s right for you, so read our guide on the most popular balayage colours to choose from plus our go-to aftercare products to keep it bright and healthy. We guarantee you’ll be confident in your choice before your next salon appointment.
Everything you need to know about balayage
What is a balayage?
Derived from the French term balayer (‘to sweep’), balayage is a freehand colour technique that doesn’t require foils. Instead, lightener is painted directly onto the hair to create a sun kissed effect. Perfect on all hair types and textures, the results are less harsh than highlights, and instead add a natural dimension and contrast.
What should I consider when choosing my balayage?
Your natural shade
Your natural hair colour will be the first thing to consider when picking your balayage shade and, while you can choose any colour you want for your balayage, the main point to remember is that it adds natural dimension to your hair. If you don’t want to spend your time making multiple salon visits, a balayage that is a few shades darker or lighter than your natural colour will be perfect.
Your face shape
The balayage is renowned for framing and contouring your face shape. Just like make-up, the placement of your balayage makes all the difference as it can enhance or minimise certain facial features. As your hairdresser will consider placement during your appointment, make sure you refer to photos featuring models with the same face shape as you to avoid being surprised at the results being different than expected.
Your personal style
It’s worth remembering that your balayage can make a massive impact on how you style yourself, and it all comes down to the colour you choose. You need to consider whether you want to be daring or subtle, so pick a balayage colour that you feel comfortable with and let it enhance your personality.
What colour balayage can I get?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to picking the colour for your balayage. Whether you want to add lift or create a reverse effect, your hairdresser will help you find the ideal shade that suits your natural colour and your personality. If you need an extra nudge in the right direction, these three colours are the most popular with hairdressers.
Blonde
The true go-to for balayage, blonde suits all hair colours because of a versatile palette that ranges from honey to platinum. Remember, if you have dark hair and want to go blonde then expect it to take a few visits to the salon before your desired results are achieved.
Caramel
A caramel balayage is perfect for dark or brunette hair shades that are looking for a natural and sun-kissed look. When you’re in natural or bright lighting then you’ll really be able to see the amount of dimension it creates to your overall hair texture.
Brunette
If you have dark hair and are new to balayage, brunette is perfect if you want a delicate multi-tonal look that adds dimension to your natural base. From chocolate to chestnut, this is perfect if you’re not looking for a radical change.
Be inspired by these balayage looks
What is the difference between ombré and balayage?
You may have heard ombré and balayage brought up in the same conversation, due to them both being two-toned in appearance, but there are noticeable differences when you look closer. Ombré (French for ‘to shade’ or ‘to shadow’) involves lightener being painted horizontally from the mid-shafts to ends, creating a gradient-like appearance. This shows a distinct difference between your natural and lightened colour. On the other hand, balayage is a technique painted vertically in small sections all over the hair from roots to ends. This is then blended upwards, creating a natural sweeping appearance. Whichever you choose, both are effortless to maintain following your salon appointment and they can be easily matched to your personal style.
Do I need to look after my balayage?
Compared to other colour techniques such as highlights, a balayage is easy to maintain as it’s designed
to last long after your hair grows out. This means it’s important to keep up a consistent
hair care routine so it stays bright and healthy before your next appointment.
There
are so many products to choose from
that claim to keep your balayage looking fantastic that we thought you’d like a little help. So we’ve
put together our top choices so that you can create your very own balayage care kit.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Keeping your balayage toned after your appointment is vital to avoid brassiness. Our perfect pair to fight those unwanted yellows and oranges is the Maria Nila Sheer Silver Shampoo and Maria Nila Perfect Sheer Silver Conditioner. Perfect on blonde and brunette hair, its vegan formula features violet pigments and blueberry extract to tone your colour while adding shine and strength. The results are bold and bright hair that keeps its dimension long after your appointment.
Hair Mask
To maintain your balayage’s vibrancy from roots to ends, add a hair mask to your routine once a week. We recommend the Redken Color Extend Magnetics Deep Attraction Hair Mask, which promises intense replenishment on colour treated hair. Perfect for a deep conditioning treatment, the results are a soft and shiny balayage filled with moisture.
Heat Styling
Balayage involves bleach stripping your hair of its natural colour. This means you need to take extra care when heat styling as your colour can dull out when exposed to high temperatures. If you’re looking for a new heat styler then our pick would be the Barnum Magnesium Straighteners. These feature digital temperature settings between 100-230⁰C and floating plates that are infused with advanced magnesium technology to preserve your hair’s natural moisture. The results? A strong and shiny balayage.
Heat Protection
Shielding your balayage against heat with a thermal protection spray will do wonders to maintain your colour. You’re in luck as we supply plenty of lightweight sprays including the Osmo Thermal Defence Heat Protector Spray. Locking in moisture and eliminating frizz, it creates a strong and shiny canvas for your blow-dry or heat styling.
Shop your balayage care kit now
Exclusive
€ 28,00
<ul><li>Sheer Silver Shampoo from Maria Nila</li><li>For blonde hair with warm, yellow and brassy tones</li><li>With violet pigments and blackberry extract</li><li>For added shine and strength</li><li>Bottle size 350ml</li></ul>
Exclusive
€ 28,00
<ul><li>Sheer Silver Conditioner from Maria Nila</li><li>For blonde hair with warm, yellow and brassy tones</li><li>With violet pigments and blackberry extract</li><li>For added shine and strength</li><li>Bottle size 300ml</li></ul>
Offer
Exclusive
€ 148,67
€ 247,79
offers available
<ul><li>Digital temperature setting from 100 C up to 230 C</li><li>New 'Advanced Magnesium' technology</li><li>Fast heat-up and quick cooling down</li><li>Suitable also for creating curls</li><li> Auto-off function after 45min </li><li>Professional, extra durable 2,8m power cable </li><li>Luxurious, heat-resistant 'Soft Touch' finish </li><li> Available in 2 sizes: 1” & 1,5” </li></ul>
€ 13,00
<ul><li>Defends hair against damaging effects caused by heat stylers</li><li>Eliminates frizz whilst locking in moisture and nourishment</li><li>Leaving hair looking healthy, strong and shiny</li></ul>
