Balayage is a hair coloring technique where lightener is painted onto the hair by hand, in sweeping strokes, to create soft, graduated highlights. The word is French for sweeping. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Balayage at a glance
- Type: Technique
- Tone: Any: blonde, caramel, copper or ash, depending on the toner
- Lightening needed: Yes. Balayage uses lightener on the painted sections, followed by a toner.
- Maintenance: Low
- Touch-ups: 3 to 4 months; a gloss every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the tone fresh
What makes it different
Because the color is painted freehand and kept softer near the roots, there's no sharp line as it grows out. The result looks sun-lightened instead of striped.
Balayage vs highlights
Highlights are woven sections lightened from root to tip in foils, for an even, defined result. Balayage is painted by hand and stays softer at the root, so it grows out more gradually.
Who it suits
Almost everyone. It's most visible on light brown to dark brown hair, and it's a good choice if you want lighter hair without frequent root touch-ups.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Say how bright you want it: subtle and sun-kissed, or high contrast.
- Say warm (golden, caramel, honey) or cool (ash, beige).
- Ask where the brightness should sit: around the face, at the ends, or all over.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use sulfate-free shampoo, and a purple or blue shampoo once a week if the color turns brassy. Use heat protectant, and book a gloss between appointments.
Shades and variations
- Blonde balayage: blonde pieces on a brown or dark blonde base.
- Caramel balayage: warm golden-brown ribbons on dark hair.
- Brown balayage: soft, low-contrast lightness on dark brown or black hair.
- Partial balayage: painted only on the top layer and around the face.
- Foilyage: balayage painted and then wrapped in foil for extra lift.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see balayage on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
- Balayage vs highlights
- Highlights
- Ombre hair
- Money piece
- Shadow root
- Bronde hair
- All hair color ideas
FAQ
What is balayage?
Balayage is a hair coloring technique where lightener is painted onto the hair by hand, in sweeping strokes, to create soft, graduated highlights.
Who suits balayage?
Almost everyone. It's most visible on light brown to dark brown hair, and it's a good choice if you want lighter hair without frequent root touch-ups.
Do you need bleach for balayage?
Yes. Balayage uses lightener on the painted sections, followed by a toner.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 3 to 4 months; a gloss every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the tone fresh.
