Balayage highlights have become one of the most sought after types of hair color . And, since many famous people began to wear them, we have realized how good they feel and now we all want them in our hair. Whatever your hair, there is a type of balayage highlights perfect for you. Find out what it is!
Balayage highlights have become one of the most sought after types of hair color . And, since many famous people began to wear them, we have realized how good they feel and now we all want them in our hair. Whatever your hair, there is a type of balayage highlights perfect for you. Find out what it is!
What are balayage highlights?
What are balayage highlights?
It is a technique created in the 1970s in France (balayage means 'sweep' in French) and that many hairdressers began to rescue a couple of years ago after the great boom of Californian highlights.
How are they different from Californian women?
How are they different from Californian women?
The 'cut' between the colors is much less subtle. Here Olivia Wilde is wearing Californian shorts, not balayage.
How are balayage highlights made?
How are balayage highlights made?
Unlike other types of highlights, the balayage is done freehand and without the need to wrap the hair in aluminum foil. On some occasions, plastic film is placed on them, but only on top, without actually folding it, as is done with the other. The key is that the stroke of the wick does not start at the root, but a few centimeters lower and it becomes lighter until it reaches the tip, hence the term 'sweep' to define them.
So they look more like reflections?
So they look more like reflections?
Highlights are even softer than bayalage. As can be seen in this image by Isabeli Fontana, the color nuances are minimal with some classic reflections like the ones she wears.
What is your function?
What is your function?
Balayage highlights are used as a kind of contouring. They serve to give light to the face at certain points making the features appear more harmonious or highlighting the color of the eyes, so they have an immediate rejuvenating effect.
Better with waves
Better with waves
They look good on both straight and curly manes, although they stand out the most with loose waves.
Who do you feel better?
Who do you feel better?
Any type of hair can have this kind of highlights because, as they are so soft, they are not so aggressive with the hair and do not require prior bleaching.
For long hair
For long hair
In XL lengths it is where this 'sweep' has more development and therefore can be more subtle.
Balayage highlights for short and medium hair
Balayage highlights for short and medium hair
We love how this type of highlights look on medium length hair and even short hair. The gradient may not be as subtle as in a long one but they still look great.
In light brown
In light brown
When the base is light brown, you can also do less obvious balayage with a golden gradient that is noticeable especially from the middle to the ends.
For blondes
For blondes
Sarah Jessica Parker was one of the first famous to popularize this type of highlights in her eternal blonde hair and since then, we have not stopped seeing looks inspired by her. As you can see in this photo, the root is brown and the rest is lightened by strands.
In dark brown
In dark brown
We love this short hair and, in addition to being the fashion cut par excellence, the subtle balayage highlights manage to give light to this brown hair.
In redhead
In redhead
Debbie Ryan proves that these types of highlights are also for redheads. In her case, the orange is turning golden in certain strands and the effect could not be more beautiful.
In brunettes
In brunettes
These balayage highlights are specially designed for brunettes. Instead of wearing them in blonde (as is usual in other hair tones) she wears them in a cherry brown and only from medium to ends.
All about balayage highlights
- What are they? Balayage highlights were created in France in the 70s. They have come back into fashion for a couple of years now and it seems that they will remain topical for much longer. Its name means 'sweep' and is that they are done freehand, a few centimeters below the root and they are lightened in a very very subtle way until they reach the ends. The balayage mimics the effect of the sun on the hair so they lighten fine strands throughout the hair.
- What are they for? Balayage highlights are mainly used to brighten the face in strategic areas to achieve an effect that softens the features or highlights the color of the eyes. They give a lot of movement to the hair so their best ally is a layered cut and they also have an instant rejuvenating effect.
- Who can wear them? They favor all types of hair colors . For example, in blondes several shades more golden to platinum are mixed to achieve that 'sweeping' effect on the hair. In chestnuts, touches of blonde are applied from the middle to the ends, especially on the front locks. In brunettes, you can opt for a chestnut balayage to make it more natural or go directly for blonde.
- What lengths do balayage look good with? We love how they look in tights because they give them a very modern touch. However, the effect is better subtle than in longer manes where you can create an almost imperceptible color gradient but that is capable of making a big difference.
