TLDR: Typically balayage will work on your hair so long as you have at least a few inches of length to work with and you haven’t recently dyed your hair.
Whether you’re a Calgary salon regular or a once-a-year visitor, you’ve likely heard of one of the biggest hair trends of the last decade – the balayage. Originating in France in the 1970s, this sweeping style uses progressively lighter colouring from root to tip to bring an effortless, “summer-sun” look to your hair. It’s been spotted at low-key and high-society events all around the world.
But this has caused many people who have never actually one to get curious. What does the best balayage service need to be effective? What if your hair is short, grey, thin, or already dyed? Let’s go over the different ways balayage highlights can work.
Can I get balayage for dark hair?
Whether you have black hair, brown hair, or any other traditionally brunette colour, balayage is an excellent choice to freshen up your style. Since the whole point of the process is to lighten the hair toward the root, having a dark base to work from can make the effect very dramatic and stunning. Just look at how Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, J-Lo and Rihanna pull it off! It will take a bit more time, though, as the lightener has more work to do.
Getting balayage with dyed hair
Can you get a balayage after dying your hair? Well, that depends on just what kind of dye you used. Permanent dyes (like those in salons) have peroxides in them that bleach the hair and dry it out. Temporary dyes (usually from boxes) are a little easier on your strands, and don’t cause so much dryness.
If you used a box dye, it’s advised to wait at least 3-4 weeks before getting a balayage. With a permanent salon dye, you’re better off to wait about twice as long to give your hair time to heal. This may seem drastic, but it will help prevent breakage, frayed ends, and unhealthy hair when you go through the balayage process. We (and surely you) want your hair to look its best when you walk out the door!
If you’re curious about balayage and your hair in particular, come to Rush to ask us directly and our stylists will go over what you want. We’ll also make sure that the products and process can give your desired results. But we have yet to meet a hair colour that we couldn’t work with!
Can balayage cover grey hair?
This question is asked a lot, as many people are interested in whether they can get a balayage to cover grey hair or grey roots as they age. And the good news is, yes, you can! Balayage is a great solution to dealing with grey strands and making your hair look youthful again.
Hair lightening to cover grey hair
Any good stylist will know how to blend the lightener with your natural colour to create an aesthetically appealing, eye-catching transition and draw attention away from any incoming greys. Of course, the amount of time and care needed will vary depending on your specific needs. Your best bet is to ask a professional (hey, that’s us!) about the best course of action.
Which balayage is right for me?
If you’re wondering “Which balayage will suit me?”, then let’s start with some of the different types of hair colouring you might see. People may call them all balayage, but they’re slightly different. So, at a salon, you might ask for:
1) Ombres
A form of balayage that emphasizes darker roots and lighter ends (for a darker, more shaded base).
2) Hair Highlights
Noticeable lines of colour on specific sections of hair (usually done by wrapping them in foil so the surrounding hair is untouched).
3) Babylights
Like highlights, but much thinner and more spread out, mimicking the look of childhood hair (light and feathery).
4) Balayage
A blended and gradual lightening of colour, from near the root all the way to the tip.
So it’s really a matter of preference. Do you want your roots to stay dark and enticing, with light ends? Or do you want subtle little strands throughout, making your hair appear light and soft? Or maybe you want something in between. It’s just as much about who suits the balayage as what suits you. If you need help deciding, reach out for a consultation and we’ll be happy to help you choose the right one.
Balayage with different hairstyles
Since balayage is more apparent and noticeable on long hair, many people wonder if it can be done on short hair at all. We also get a lot of questions about balayage with bangs, whether it will ruin curly hair, or if it can be done on top of previously dyed hair.
Balayage with short hair
When it comes to hair length, as long as there are even a few inches to work with, balayage can be done and look fantastic. In fact, it can accentuate facial features and skin tones when done well, and is an excellent way to make a bob haircut or other similar styles really pop without putting in much effort.
Balayage with bangs
As for bangs, part of the stylist’s job when you get the balayage done will be to help determine what length and style of bangs would suit you best. Just like with the rest of the cut when hair is short, bangs will accentuate facial features and a well-done colouring job will only add to the charm. So, wonder no more – a balayage with bangs is absolutely possible and very common.
Balayage on curly hair
The same thing goes for curly hair, which is actually very well-suited to balayage tones and colours. The natural shifts of shadow and light in curly hairstyles enhances the effect of balayage, but it does take the gifted touch of a good stylist to really bring it out. Luckily, we’ve got that covered.
If you’re ready to “Rush” into this stylish new world of amazing hair, head over to Silverado in southwest Calgary (between Spruce Meadows and Macleod Trail). Book your appointment today and let’s get you looking your best!
