In the exciting world of hair coloring, you have probably come across buzzwords like balayage, highlights, and ombre. If these terms have left you scratching your head, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Curious about what makes each technique unique and, more importantly, which hair color suits you best? Let’s dive in and unravel the mystery!
Balayage – Picture freehand painting highlights on your hair, and you’ve essentially got balayage. Derived from the French word “to sweep”, this effortlessly natural look involves sweeping color from the tips up to the roots. The magic of balayage lies in its subtle, randomly placed streaks, giving your hair a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow, as opposed to highlights that are created with strips of foil, applied close to the scalp.
Results achieved: This freehand technique creates a more subtle, blended, natural look.
Ideal hair type: Since this technique adds dimension and depth to hair, it suits all hair types, textures, and lengths.
Frequency of application: Balayage is relatively low maintenance as the roots are not heavily colored. This allows regrowth to be less noticeable. With this type of hair color, you may only need a touch-up every 12 to 14 weeks.
Ombre – Ombre, meaning “shadow” or “shade” in French, is more of a look than a technique. It involves blending hair color in a gradient, with darker (or natural) roots gradually lightening toward the ends. This style can be achieved using the balayage technique or traditional foils. Ombre offers a more dramatic, bolder effect compared to the softer look of balayage.
Results achieved: It is extremely versatile, allowing for either a subtle effect with natural colors or a dramatic look with bold shades.
Ideal hair type: More noticeable on longer hair due to its gradient effect, it also works on shorter styles to create a bold statement.
Frequency of application: The natural root color means you need fewer touch-ups. You may be able to go weeks or even months between appointments.
Classic Highlights – Traditionally, highlights are created by sectioning hair with a comb and lightening it from the roots to the tips. These sections are then wrapped in foil strips to trap heat, allowing the lightener to penetrate the hair strands effectively. Highlights can produce a multi-toned look, but this technique requires more frequent touch-ups since the color starts very close to the roots.
Results achieved: Highlights add depth and texture to hair, making it appear fuller. This highly customizable technique is suitable for all hair types and colors, allowing you to achieve either a bold or subtle look.
Ideal hair type: It’s customizable to all hair types and lengths.
Frequency of application: Because highlights are applied starting from the roots, they require more frequent touch-ups, typically every 6 to 10 weeks.
Choose the Hair Coloring Technique Right for You
Create a dramatic look with ombre or go subtle with balayage – when it comes to choosing the hair color technique for your hair, you need to factor in three main things – the look you want to achieve, your natural hair texture and color, and the amount of time you are prepared to invest in its upkeep. Discuss the options with your favorite hairstylist and create the hair coloring technique that feels right. Embrace the versatility of these coloring methods and enjoy a fresh, stylish look that suits your personality and lifestyle.
To book a hair coloring appointment with the experienced professionals at Salon Artigiano, call us at 609-581-6600 or send us a message.