What Exactly is a Balayage and Why is Everyone Getting it Done?

If you’re no stranger to dye-ing your hair, then you’ve probably heard of balayage. It’s been a trendy buzzword lately and everyone seems to be getting one. 

Below, we give you the 101 on this popular hair treatment that we think will grow even more popular sooner than later.

What is a balayage?

Contrary to popular belief, a balayage is not a look. Rather, it’s a hair-coloring technique that paints or sweeps highlights on the surface of random portions of your hair. Usually, the dye or lightener will be sparsely placed starting mid-length of your hair, then grow thicker and more prominent downwards towards the end of your locks. Think ombre for your hair!

The balayage color is typically on the same color spectrum of your base hair color, just a few shades lighter. This allows for a more natural look overall because of the seamless blend and nice dimensions.

A balayage is normally done partially or on selected portions of the hair. But a full balayage is possible, too, where your hair will be given a lighter look all throughout and nearer to the roots. The upside is that you won’t need to maintain root grow out, since the dye or lightener won’t be painted on up to the roots.

How long does a balayage take?

The duration of the process will largely depend on how long your hair is and whether you’re going for a partial or full balayage. In most cases, a partial balayage can be done in less than three hours, while a full balayage can take up to five hours or more.

How does balayage differ from highlights?

Like we mentioned, a balayage is done by painting or sweeping color just on random areas of the hair surface. On the other hand, highlights are done more traditionally with the use of aluminum foil to precisely color the hair. These are usually done from the root of the hair to the tip, so that there’s a more noticeable contrast between the base color and the lighter dye. The main difference, really, is in the technique.

Does a balayage require bleaching?

Mostly, yes. Just as with highlighting, a balayage is essentially lightening the hair, so some form of bleaching is required in order to do that. There are some cases when bleaching won’t be needed or isn’t done, especially when you prefer not to have it, but the color payoff is usually less vibrant and the overall look is more subtle.

How do I maintain my hair after balayage?

A balayage requires little maintenance, but there are some key points to remember if you want to make the colors last longer on your hair.

• DO wash your hair sparingly. We live in a hot and humid environment, so it’s understandable to want to wash your hair daily. But it’s really recommended to simply wash your hair two to three times a week to avoid speeding up the color-fading. And, remember to use a conditioner, but don’t leave it in for too long.
• DON’T use hair products with sulfate in it. Sulfate is known to strip not just color away, but also the natural oils on your scalp, which could dry it out. Find the right products for your hair by asking your hair technician or by looking for shampoos and conditioners that are made specifically for colored hair.
• DO apply a hair mask once a week. Nourishing and moisturizing your hair with vitamins and oils will help keep it healthy and strong.
• DO go for touch-ups as recommended. Even though you don’t need to touch up balayage hair too often, it’s best to go when your hair technician recommends it to maintain the color visibility. Usually, this is done every three to four months.
• DO avoid exposing your hair too much to the sun. The sun’s UV rays can not just damage your hair, but fade the color as well. 

Is balayage better than highlights?

It all boils down to your personal preference. Some people prefer a more stark and contrasting highlight color, while others prefer the natural look that balayage gives. Either way, both are great treatments to elevate your hair!

How much does a balayage cost in the Philippines?

A balayage (for short hair) can easily range from P3,000 to P10,000 or more. If you’ve got longer locks, expect the prices to be relatively higher.

But here’s a cool tip for you, Bestie! If you book through Parlon, you can score a balayage deal for as low as P2,999! See a couple of them HERE.

Discover, book, and buy more incredible beauty and wellness deals from Parlon. Keep in touch with us, too, on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.