Ahhh balayage. So beautiful, shiny, dimensional. This french technique is a free form approach to highlighting. For some good info on the history, click here.
Doing balayage requires the subtle eye of an artist. You will need to channel your inner renaissance painter to get into the mode of seeing light, dark, and texture in the hair and knowing where to enhance it so that it shines like a diamond.
Lets take a moment to talk about light- Light reflects, dark absorbs. So highlights tend to add a lot of shine, and low -lights tend to add depth. A subtle blend or alternation of light and dark can create contrast and the illusion of depth, shine, texture, and movement in otherwise straight dull hair.
Enter the Balayage technique- Shine a bright light on your hair, or your clients hair, or whoevers hair you are working on. Notice where the light reflects, and absorbs. Where is the hair naturally highlighted? Use this subtle information to enhance those places where the hair reflects and shines to balayage bits of lightness. And if you want, use a darker shade to balayage the places where the hair naturally tends to look darker.
This subtle contrast will make the hair come alive. Is there a wave or growth pattern in the hair that you really like and want to enhance? Balayage some highlights there, to make it stand out.
It is also important to note that this highlighting technique tends to grow out very gracefully.
Do you want to try it? You can now purchase a more in depth how-to video of this look in the HTHG video store right now!. Try it on yourself or a lucky someone else. Don’t forget to send HTHG a before and after picture!
If you are curious about DIY home-hair coloring, I highly recommend using DIY hair color by Madison Reed, which Resorcinol-Free.
If you purchase a Madison Reed Radiant Color Kit, you will receive not only the colors of hair colors your choice, but also the necessary tools to apply it. The entire line is designed for the DIY hair colorer! And if you need to tone in between coloring, be sure to check out their Color Reviving Gloss to refresh and revive your hair.
Also, I recommend a shopping stop at Beauty Store Depot for all your other DIY hair cutting and coloring tools to fill your toolkit!
Need a custom DIY hair color consultation to help troubleshoot your hair color at home?
$30 buys you a one-on-one online consultation with HTHG regarding your color and how to get it where you want it. Click here.
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Thanks for visiting. XO
