Balayage

Here at Bookwell, we love that there are so many amazing hair colouring techniques these days. It's easy to get a little confused, though, over the difference between ombré, sombré, and balayage, don't you think?

Basically, they are all forms of gradient hair colouring - the natural-looking alternative to solid all-over colour or highlights. We are totally in love with balayage right now, a technique that has actually been around since the 1970s.

Balayage comes from a French word, meaning to sweep across or paint. And that's exactly how this colouring technique works. Rather than saturating all of your hair in colour, the dye is painted on to the surface.

Sun-kissed And Natural Looking

Colour starts off dark and then gets lighter towards the ends, to create a softer sun-kissed effect. No foils are used in balayage, and re-growth is less noticeable.

Balayage is a very skilled technique, which is why you should always choose a colour technician trained in this speciality. As it involves freehand colour application, your stylist needs to fully understand the subtleties of the style.

They will choose colours according to your skin tone, and apply the dye to create the most natural-looking, face-framing effect. Best of all, this is a relatively low maintenance colouring option, so you can go a little longer between salon appointments.

From Paris With Love - Origins of Hair Balayage

Balayage first appeared in the exclusive Paris salon, Carita, in the '70s. It was known then, as Balayage à Coton, due to the cotton strips used to separate the colours. Imagine how revolutionary this technique was, when everyone else was still using those colouring caps!

During the 1980s, everyone got into foil highlights, and balayage all but disappeared. Then suddenly it was back in the '90s, with many US celebrities sporting it on the red carpet and the catwalk.

Contrary to belief, balayage is definitely not just for blondes! The style works just as well on redheads, brunettes, and even those raven-haired beauties. Of course, the darker the hair, the more subtle the effect.

Express Your Personality with Balayage Hair Colour

The other great thing about balayage is that it is suitable for most hair lengths, apart from closely cropped styles. If you are growing out your hair, it's a stunning way of adding colour and movement. And you can change it as often as you like.

It's a very individual look, which is why we love it so much. A good balayage technician will study the texture and natural movement of your hair to create a truly bespoke look. It's a great way of showing off your personality and really making your mark.

And isn't that the point of colouring your hair? Sure, we do it to cover up greys, too, but we also want to make a statement. Why else do we dye our hair pink, purple and blue?! Choosing balayage tells the world you are sophisticated, yet natural - that your beauty is effortless.

So Sexy In The City - Sarah Jessica Parker's Balayage Style

One of the first celebrities to fall in love with this look was Sarah Jessica Parker. She totally rocked it in Sex & The City, and soon every trendsetter was trying it out. If, like Sarah, you have wavy or curly hair, you will love it even more.

Balayage is not really a hair colouring technique you can do at home - at least, not if you want truly glamorous results. There are kits on the market - we've tried them and believe us, they are fiddly and time-consuming, and the results are very average.

Don't Wait - Book Balayage Today

Besides, your visit to the salon is all part of the experience, right? So, if you desire hair that always looks glossy, healthy, and luscious, balayage is for you. It will take you from the beach to the boardroom with ease, and once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Don't wait a moment longer to try it - simply choose your salon and easily book online with Bookwell today!