All About Balayage

If you are considering hair colouring in East Grinstead, you might have heard the term balayage bandied around, but have no idea what it is or why you should consider it. Here at Spires Hairdressing, we’re a popular ladies’, men’s and kids’ hairdresser in East Grinstead that offers balayage as just one of our specialist colouring services. We’re so keen on the concept, we thought we’d explain a little more about it.

What Is Balayage?

The technique’s name comes from the French verb ‘balayer’ meaning ‘to paint’ or ‘to sweep’. In balayage, the hair dye is painted onto the hair by hand, giving the stylist the opportunity to apply a gradual transition of colour along the length of the strand, or on different areas of the head, without leaving harsh or obvious lines. It’s the ultimate type of dye job, because in the hands of an expert, it can be uniquely tailored to you, even down to accenting or downplaying facial features. The dye can also be perfectly blended to match your own hair colour and type too. Every balayage is different, so you can be absolutely certain that your hair colour is unique to you.

Are Balayage and Ombré the same?

No, though experts in hairdressing in East Grinstead and beyond can combine the two techniques. Ombré is a shading technique that grades the hair from dark to light along the hair’s length.

What Are the Advantages of Balayage?

Balayage doesn’t use foils, like a hairdresser will do when they add highlights or lowlights to your hair. The hair dye is applied freehand. It’s also quicker to apply and quicker to ‘work’ than colour applied through foils, so there is less waiting around for the results. Because the effect is supposed to be ultra-natural, you don’t end up with any striping – the colour is subtly dispersed throughout the hair. And again, because it’s a softer and more blended-in effect, you’ll notice less contrast between the roots where the hair’s newly grown and the areas that have had balayage applied.

So while it’s a more expensive option than having highlights or lowlights with foils, the effects will last longer with less maintenance, so that means fewer colouring appointments – although you’ll still want frequent trims, naturally!

Is Balayage the Right Choice for Me?

The effects of balayage are totally customisable to the individual, so with this technique you can have as subtle or as dramatic a change to your hair colour as you would like or feel comfortable with. This means it can be a great option for you if you have never had your hair dyed before, would like to try but are wary of what might happen! If you are interested in the idea, talk it through with your stylist or hair colourist – they will be able to advise in more detail. 

If you’re looking for a salon for hairdressing in East Grinstead or Gatwick that offers balayage and takes a genuine interest in its clients’ wants and wishes, look no further than Spires. We’re also a kids’ and men’s hairdresser in East Grinstead, and offer a range of treatments and therapies through our beautician salons in both East Grinstead and Gatwick.