Balayage--say what?

Have you heard of the latest highlighting trend: Balayage? If not, here’s what you’ve been missing. As you may have guessed by the fancy sounding name, Balayage comes from the French. They have the best stuff, am I right? Toast, fries, kisses….I digress. Balayage is the french method of painting hair according to L’Oreal Professionnel Artist Brooke Evans. These hand-painted highlights are strategically placed to look like your hair has been kissed by the sun. Further, it looks great on all types of hair because its goal is to have a visible root.

Tiger Eye

Balayage is not just for the summer. One of the latest hair trends is Tiger Eye Balayage. The tiger eye technique is to resemble a tiger-eye stone. There’s a warm or chocolate dark base with a wide range of balayage highlights on top. This creates a sun-kissed look with depth.

Root Shadow

The other most recent trend in Balayage is Root Shadow. This new look is really low maintenance, which, let’s face it, we all could use. This look creates a soft contrast between base color and lengths, which doesn’t allow harsh lines of re-growth. For the ladies who are running from school to soccer practice or work to home, we could all use an easy button. That’s exactly what root shadow is.

At Home

Once you get home, you’re going to need to take care of your hair in order to make your balayage last. We’re not talking anything crazy here. You still can use that easy button. Be sure to use a shampoo that’s formulated for color-treated hair and use conditioner. You might also try a hydrating hair mask once or twice a week. Additionally, hair tools that use heat such as: hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, are harsh on hair and can damage your hair and cause split ends. Further, even hot water in the shower will strip your hair of natural oils. If you can, turn the water temperature down in the shower and air dry. It’ll help make that beautiful balayage last longer.