Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. It allows for “sun-kissed”, natural looking hair—color that is akin to what we are given by nature as children: softer, beautifully blended, less noticeable regrowth lines – lovely hair.

Less is more

The principle idea behind Balayage is that less is more. It provides soft, lovely color. Balayage is a freehand technique where the color is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques. Balayage can be used in even the shortest pixie crop, however the best results are in hair below the shoulders. It’s so important to consult with and hire and the right stylist for Balayage technique because it is precisely the way in which color is applied that makes the difference between a natural look or one that appears streaky, artificial or “woven”.

Balayage technique

You see, Balayage is a technique that is much like an artist uses techniques and methods in creating one-of-a-kind work. When Balayage is done correctly it creates a unique look that is unique for each client. I love Balayage because it allows me the opportunity to create beautiful hair for my clients that is unlike any other person’s hair.

One of the techniques I use is identifying the exact place in the hair that catches the light and assessing how to best create the appearance of movement. I swipe the hair with a very small brush, concentrating on adding pieces as I go to ensure that just the right amount of color is being applied onto precisely the right strands of hair. The trick is not to saturate with too much color as Balayage is not “dense” in textural appearance, rather, a soft feathering-out of color. I don’t use foil for Balayage. Done correctly, the technique we use optimizes “swing” and shine. It has dimension and looks beautifully natural.

Another technique (and one that is missed by other stylists) is that I only paint the top layer of the hair and only the tip of the hair on both sides as the sun will do after several days on the beach.

I use only the best brands in the industry: special lightening cream, cotton and a rich palette of beautiful colors and plastic wrap. Balayage can also be combined with Ombré however this is dependent upon the desired look. One of the best things about Balayage is how long it lasts – up to six months! That means less time
“touching up” regrowth, less color, less time and money at the salon, better conditioning, healthy, beautiful hair. I’ve spent many years learning this technique and am so honored to have learned from and continue my education from the talented Nancy Braun in NY and CA.

Free comprehensive consultation before any Balayage

All clients receive a free comprehensive consultation before any Balayage, color or even a haircut is done. A consultation is required for all Balayage clients and for the best assessment, I will always ask clients to send a current picture of their hair. Also sending a picture of your desired look is helpful as it’s my desire to become acquainted with each client, understand what makes them feel beautiful and then deliver the results that please them. From time-to-time a client will come to me with badly damaged hair and honestly, I will always recommend what’s best for my client – if the hair is of rough texture, dull, has a lot of split ends with breakage, lacks moisture or is damaged, I must be true to the client and to myself as a professional stylist – you will not be a candidate for Balayage. The good news however is, I can help you get your hair in shape. With patience, proper steps can be taken to prepare you for Balayage. It’ll take some time, but it’ll be worth it. Remember, healthy hair is beautiful hair – no matter what color it is.

I have a lot of clients who rock their gray beautifully. I always recommend a base color to cover the gray as Balayage will not blend with gray. Sometimes Balayage is not the answer – like I said, healthy hair is beautiful, even if it’s gray. If you #grayhairidontcare – then by all means, let’s do a beautiful cut that suits you, fits your lifestyle and gives you a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

The best candidate for Balayage?

When color is a level 7 or more. If your hair is darker honey/caramel Balayage can be done but it important to understand that ash and cool tones do not work. Lifting and stressing the hair causes damage – that’s not what we’re about at Salon Lola. Remember, we want healthy, beautiful.

Are you interested in Balayage? More importantly, are you interested in bringing out your inner beauty? I’d be honored – please set up a consultation with me today.

Mucho Amor, Marilo!

“The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart; the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring and that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows; and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” – Audry Hepburn