Hair trends come and go, but according to hair colorist Caitlin Ford of Notch Salon in the Grove, balayage is here to stay. Open any beauty magazine and it’s impossible not to read a story on the hair coloring technique that is quickly putting traditional foil highlights to shame. But what exactly is balayage, and how is it any better than the tried-and-true coloring techniques of the past?
Q| What is balayage? How’s it different from ombré and similar hair trends?
A| Balayage is the technique of sweeping lightener onto the surface of the hair to create natural, foil-free highlights. It doesn’t show lines (or stripes) at the root and results in soft, natural and low-maintenance color. Balayage is typically processed without heat, but sometimes the stylist may choose to utilize foil, papers, cotton strips or plastic to separate the hair. Ombré and balayage are often confused, but it’s important to note that ombré is a style of color and balayage is a technique used to create, desired color. I personally create all my ombré colors using balayage techniques.
Q| What advice do you have for women who have never done balayage? Is there anything they need to consider beforehand?
A| Balayage is an advanced color technique that takes a lot of time and practice to perfect. It’s important to see someone who really knows how to do it, and how to achieve a variety of different looks. I always recommend clients set up a consultation with their stylist of choice prior to having a new color service. Bringing in pictures of looks you like also is helpful. It immediately puts you on the same visual page as your stylist. The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it will be for your stylist to make you happy!
Q| What is your take on blondes who want balayage? Do you recommend they do a base first?
A| A common misconception about balayage is that you cannot get heavy platinum blonde with this technique. Blondes who are naturally very dark may need to have their base lightened, but women who are naturally dark blonde or lighter should be able to achieve their desired results without this step.
Q| What’s the upkeep for balayage?
A| It’s an extremely low-maintenance technique. I have some clients who need retouching only once or twice a year! I typically recommend 10 to 12 weeks for balayage versus six to eight for foils. If gray coverage is needed, you will still have to come back in four to six weeks to have just the base retouched, but not the highlights.
Q| How long does balayage last?
A| Lightened hair cannot fade to a darker color, so the highlights stay until the hair is grown out and cut off, or until the client decides she would like to change her color.
Q| You like to use fun colors with some of your balayage clients. What draws you to unusual colors?
A| I’m a painter at heart, so having the creative freedom of using ultra-vivid colors allows me to express myself in a completely different way. Plus, vivid hair is on trend right now.
Q| What is your favorite celebrity balayage?
A| Jessica Biel’s color is one of my favorites. She always keeps it dark and warm, with just a few beautiful ribbons of balayage peeking out. It is subtle, classy and timeless.
Photo: Caitlin Ford