Balayage is still making waves – and with no signs of going anywhere anytime soon, it’s safe to say this is one trend that has well and truly stood the test of time.
Balayage is a technique I’m genuinely passionate about – and I want to show you just how versatile and personal is can be.
Jonny Sheppard, Art Team member, Academy Educator from Headmasters Bromley Market Square
What Actually is Balayage?
Balayage is a personalised highlighting technique designed to exaggerate what happens naturally when the sun lightens hair. Unlike traditional woven highlights – which create a more uniform all-over lightness – balayage incorporates a variety of bespoke techniques that work with your cut, your style, your texture and your natural tone to create something that is entirely your own.
No two balayage results are ever the same. And that’s exactly the point.
What Colour Can I Get?
One of the biggest misconceptions about balayage is that it is only for blondes. When the sun starts to come out, going lighter can lift and warm the complexion of whatever your natural colour is. Whether you’re a deep brunette, a warm red, or anything in-between, balayage can be tailored to work beautifully with your existing tone.
Natural-looking lights are hugely popular right now – but if you want to make more of a statement, balayage can absolutely deliver that too. By using contrasting depths or introducing bolder tones, we can help your personality shine through in a way that still looks considered and intentional rather than over-processed
Balayage is also one of the most effective techniques for blending grey hair – especially when paired with a root melt or a glossing service – creating a seamless, multi-dimensional result that grows out far more gracefully than a flat, all-over colour. Read more about grey blending here.
Texture – Working With What You’ve Got
For fine hair, adding different colour dimensions through balayage is one of the most effective ways to create the illusion of volume and texture. Your stylist will recommend the perfect variations of lightness and tone to complement your skin tone and features – giving your hair depth and movement that a single flat colour simply can’t achieve.
If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, balayage is brilliant for enhancing that natural movement. The key is communication – make sure you tell your stylist how you like to style your hair at home, so they can create a result that genuinely works with your lifestyle and curl pattern rather than only looking its best when freshly blow-dried.
Care – Protecting Your Investment
Whether you’re going for something bold and bright or soft and natural, any lightening service will place some degree of stress on the hair’s natural strength – and looking after your colour properly makes all the difference to how long it looks and feels its best.
I always recommend an Olaplex Bond Repair Treatment added into the colour appointment to fortify strands and protect that hair throughout the lightening process. At home, a nourishing leave-in heat protector is essential for anyone using tools on their hair day to day.
The product I’m most excited about recommending right now is the Kérastase Blond Absolu Blonde Guard – a brilliant addition to any post-balayage routine that specifically protects lightened hair from the damaging effects of UV, chorine and salt. Perfect for anyone planning to make the most of their summer. Read more about caring for your colour in summer here.
Ready to Book?
Whether this is your first balayage or your tenth, every appointment at Headmasters starts with a thorough consultation – bring any inspiration images and tell us what you love. View our full colour pricing here and book your appointment at your nearest Headmasters salon today.
For balayage inspiration all summer long, follow us at @headmastersuk on Instagram.
Love these tips? Keep an eye out for our Glam Guides on sections in your nearest Headmasters salon – a curated edit of the season’s best style trends, product picks and expert advice from our Creative Team, available to read in salons now.
