Balayage is a French word that means “sweep”. This hair coloring technique involves painting highlights by hand or “sweeping” them on the surface of random sections of hair. It is usually done with dye or lightener, starting in the middle of the shaft and becoming denser as it progresses to the ends. This creates a natural sun-kissed glow that doesn't have a strict pattern like highlights.
Balayage is a freehand application that produces a natural-looking hair color that appears to be kissed by the sun, subtly and effortlessly. It is done without sheets, hats or guides. If you want a low-maintenance look with the softness of balayage and very shiny tips, you can explore balayage with a “tip”. The result of balayage is very soft, emulating the way your hair would lighten up after spending all summer at the beach.
In recent years, names for dyeing hair have changed, for example, names such as ombre, sombre and balayage have become part of the vocabulary of hairdressers and the public. While balayage is created by applying color to the surface of the hair, highlights are added with aluminum foil to help saturate precise locks of the hair. This table helps you break down the differences between balayage and highlights so you can choose the one that works best for your hair. If you are now satisfied with the tone of your hair in general, but want to give it a little more dimension, balayage is probably your best option. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between balayage and traditional highlights and which one is better for your hair.