Hair Meet Balayage

Leave it to the French to forever change the relationship between hair and hair dye by creating balayage. One of the trendiest styles for 2018, balayage is the technique of actually "painting" color onto the hair. And while it’s many celeb’s-style-of-choice, it is in fact a technique that was created decades ago in France. Balayage means to "paint" in French- and that’s exactly what happens when the color is applied to the hair with a tool similar to a paint brush. Yelena Chaulk, a stylist at The Lab A Salon in trendy North Park, explains the process.

 "Balayage is a free painting technique that gives a blonde natural looking sun-kissed highlights… it looks like you spent hours out in the sun." However, because the dye is applied in vertical strokes with a brush, this isn’t for the customer seeking an all-over platinum look achieved with foils. Furthermore, any hair color can be enhanced with balayage. "I sweep the color onto the hair and then blend it to keep it consistent throughout. I go through and pick up (my customer’s) natural highlights and then enhance those." A stylist can also contour around their customer’s face to help enhance their best facial features.  

Chaulk has been in the world of hair for over 15 years, so she’s seen many trends and over-night fads fade away as quickly as bad-hair dye. But, she’s confident this is one method that’s here to stay. Plus, because a balayage hair color isn’t considered harsh, it works well on any hair texture and base colors. A major win-win in any stylist’s booth.  "Many clients say they feel more youthful and refreshed (after balayage). And it seems to enhance their complexion if it’s done in the right tones. It’s classic, but not in-your-face. Like pearls and red lipstick, it’s never going to go out of style."  What’s more: It’s commitment-free; au revoir keeping an awful hair color for months. "It’s a great step in coloring your hair if you haven’t done it before and want to try a baby step. The lightener we use if very gentle, so there’s virtually little to no damage if done properly." Chaulk recommends booking a two-hour appointment the first time one goes in for balayage as it’s best to have time to discuss your expectations with a stylist. And don’t be shy to ask about sprucing up your hair with a twist of the unexpected.

www.yelenachaulkhair.com