When it comes to coloring fine hair, it can be difficult to know which technique is best. While it may seem like intense saturation will only cause more damage, Jamie says balayage is the gentlest way to highlight. It's a very aggressive process for hair, and it's even more so on fine hair. However, a well-created balayage can make fine hair look thicker and clearer.
This is because balayage plays with light and dark tones, creating different visual effects. The difference between balayage wicks and traditional wicks lies in the fact that the latter start right at the roots, while balayage wicks are usually between a quarter and a third of the downward line from the roots to the ends. This means that balayage looks great as it grows, meaning touch-ups can be much less frequent than with conventional highlights. The length of the hair can also come into play when deciding between one technique and another. People with longer hair can choose balayage, since the length will allow the color to be swept away more easily, while people with shorter hair can opt for a highlight, since the process allows the color to be applied much closer to the scalp. Most people automatically imagine blond balayage when they hear the term balayage, and blond balayage is truly gorgeous, combining multiple shades of buttery tones to achieve a dimensional effect.
This technique is ideal for people with fine hair who want a visible color that isn't flashy or thick (such as balayage and ombré).While dyeing hair can put the locks at risk of breaking when the hair is thin, there are some techniques that can be used to help minimize damage and maximize color results. If you liked certain hair colors, but you feel a little nervous about changing them, the gentle movements of the balayage technique are ideal for easily introducing new colors and tones and experimenting with them. Another tip for hair care with balayage? Use a shampoo formulated for colored hair and, to prevent your highlights from turning yellow, use a purple shampoo about once a week to avoid unwanted heat. With balayage, since the lightener or hair color is applied to the surface of each section of the hair, starting lower down the strand, and retouching is less frequent, the hair stays healthier overall. Originally from the French word meaning sweep, balayage is a freehand technique in which a lightening solution is painted by hand on the surface of random parts of hair.
So if you're looking for an easy way to add dimension to your fine hair without causing too much damage, balayage may be your best bet.