Why balayage?

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**Balayage… It’s a word you’ve heard so many times, but what even is it - and why the heck is it so popular?**

Originating in France in the 1970s, “balayage” translates to “sweeping” - after the sweeping strokes used to apply lightener or color to the hair.

Balayage is often confused as a specific “look” - a dark root with lighter ends. However, balayage is actually just the name of the technique used to apply color!

One of the things we love most about this technique is that it is completely customizable. There are so many gorgeous ways to place your highlights - from sunkissed and natural, to bright and bold. You can absolutely opt for a more rooted look, but the sky’s the limit here - you don’t have to walk out with roots if that’s not your vibe.

The first 5-10 minutes of every appointment is dedicated to our consultation. This is when we talk about your goals, your preferences, and your lifestyle. Based on your answers, your stylist can give you color and placement options that will suit you best. You’re a low maintenance gal and prefer an 8-10 week appointment? A more natural, subtle, and sunkissed route will be your BFF. If you’re ready for commitment and want something bolder, you can opt for brighter or fuller coverage placement.

What’s the upkeep like, you ask? It varies for everyone, of course… But the best way to keep up with any color is to get a gloss every 4-6 weeks. Depending on the balayage placement you and your stylist have settled on, your highlights may need to be refreshed anywhere from every 4-8 weeks. Don’t be afraid to speak up on your preferences so that your stylist can give you something that will work perfectly for you and your routine.

BUT.. will it damage my hair? Great question. With any chemical/color service, your hair is being altered at a molecular level. But with our dedication to daily training and the amazing products used, we are able to keep healthy hair a top priority in the salon. One of those amazing products is KEVIN.MURPHY FREESTYLE.LIGHTENER. This is how we create our lovely balayage masterpieces. This ammonia-free lightener is clay-based, using Kaolin Clay, which helps detoxify and strengthen the hair as it’s coloring. Using a clay-based lightener allows more precision as we paint, and eliminates the use of foils. This technique also makes refreshing highlights easier than ever. There’s no fear of overlapping lightener on already lightened hair because your stylist can see exactly which pieces to pick up and refresh at your next appointment.