So you want a ‘Balayage’?

Let’s talk about it…

The term ‘balayage’ has become a popular term in the service industry used to describe to a hair stylist the color that someone is looking for. Unfortunately, the term has been misused and misrepresented over the years. In fact, the term ‘balayage’ isn’t a term to describe a hair style at all, it is actually a technique that a stylist may use when lightening hair, however, we’ve all been convinced it means otherwise. What do we mean when we say it’s a technique? There are many different techniques to lighten hair depending on the outcome you are looking for. A technique is “a way of carrying out a specific task” while an outcome is “the way a thing turns out”. The technique a stylist chooses to use will depend solely on your desired outcome and your current state of hair. We’ve been made to believe the term ‘balayage’ is used to describe an outcome, referring to a rooted/ color-melt style of lightening. A traditional balayage, used as a technique, is where “the dye is painted on in such a way as to create a graduated, natural-looking effect”. The proper terminology to describe such an outcome is ‘color-melt’ or ‘root-melt’. So why does it matter what we call it?

Let’s refer back to the importance of the initial consultation with your stylist. The way you describe your desired outcome to your stylist will dictate how they formulate, how they place the highlights, and how they choose to tone your hair. If there is a miscommunication in the initial consultation, it can throw off the entire outcome. It would feel silly if your end result was thrown off just because of something as simple as terminology, right? Well, unfortunately, it occurs more than we’d all wish it would. But that’s why we’re here, to help guide you through it. When you think of the word ‘balayage’, what do you picture? Now, think of that image and while remembering that ‘balayage’ is not a look, how would you describe it? Does the style have a darker root that melts into a highlighted or blonde mids and ends? Or do the highlights reach the top of the root and blend out smoothly through the mids and ends? Despite the fact that these two looks are very different, with a different grow-out, and a different maintenance plan, they are both referred too as a ‘balayage’. This is why it’s so important to be very clear in your initial consultation.

When consulting with your stylist, utilize inspiration pictures! Just remember, the photos that you show are just that, inspiration. Everyone has such a different hair history and natural texture that it’s unrealistic to expect your outcome to look exactly like the photos you use for inspiration, however, your stylist will do their very best to get you as close as possible. Describe what you like best in those inspiration pictures and don’t be afraid to describe what you don’t like. Remember, the more information you give, the better your stylist can help curate the look and style that suits you best! If you have questions or want to book your next appointment, don’t hesitate to book online or call us at 949-753-1223.