Foils vs. Balayage
Posted on: May 22, 2009
People often ask the difference between traditional foiling and the artistry of hair painting. Not only is the result or hair painting far more beautiful but it is much healthier for the hair. Aluminum foil is a conducter of heat which almost bakes the bleach into the hair creating a very brassy effect .
Hair Painting is a process that we teach all of our colorists at the salon. We have also developed an advanced training program that we have designed for outside stylists and salon owners to come to our salon to learn this technique.
Originating in France, the word “Balayage” translates to “sweeping”, and the actual sweeping of color can be placed more exactly on the hair. As a colorist we can place the highlight more exactly where nature intended it to be. The result from using foils can be color that has obvious strips of color that can look brassy or too white. The art of hair painting is a process that gives more dimensional natural looking color.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Is this a technique that can be used on tinted hair that is shorter, bob length or shorter. I have frizzy hair damaged from foils, irons, etc. Do you know of any salon’s in Southern California (South Orange County/Newport Beach) using this technique. I have a great stylist (Dusty Simington) but my hair is cooked and I am really concerned!
Thanks,
Gretchen
June 1st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Hi Gretchen,
Yes the balayage technique would be great for your hair because you can place the color exactly in the root area with out risking further breakage within the hair. I think I know of a hairdresser in your area. Please email me at beautytalk@evascrivo.com so that I can refer you to her.
Best,
Eva
June 17th, 2009 at 6:00 am
I have been living outside of Baltimore Maryland for ten years and have not had a great colorist. interested in the balayage technique. Anyone you suggest. Thanks
June 17th, 2009 at 6:13 am
left incorrect email
..corrected
I have been living outside of Baltimore Maryland for ten years and have not had a great colorist. interested in the balayage technique. Anyone you suggest. Thanks
June 25th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Hi Ann,
Thank you for your comment. Ted Gibson has opened a salon in Washington DC which you should try. I’m sure he has some really wonderful stylist working for him there. I hope this helps!
Best,
Eva
September 19th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
hello i would like to have trainning class 4 this fabulous technique im a hair stylist but wanna to try that please send me and email .
October 12th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I am a Stylist in Lakeland, FL. Is there training for Balayage in my area?
October 16th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Hi Diane,
L’Oreal offers hands-on training for Balyage. You should look for an academy, hair show or salon that offers advanced classes. Typically, you have to carry L’Oreal to attend. I do offer advanced education at my Bond St location in NY to outside salons and teach handpainting methods.
Hope this helps!
Best Wishes,
Eva
December 16th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
What colour highlights would you suggest for very dark brown hair that goes slightly red in the sun?
I considered red, but i’m not very keen about having red highlights.
and what hairdressers use the balayage technique in Australia?
Thank-you.
December 19th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Kylie,
Your hair has to be bleached to a pale yellow shade and then toned to a light brown or even dark golden brown. You have to completely remove the natural red pigment from the hair to ensure it will not go red or brassy. I do not know any hair dressers in Australia personally, but will continue to research that for you.
Best Wishes,
Eva
January 13th, 2010 at 5:49 am
Hi,
can we do balayage with wella product ? if so which one?
many thanks.
January 23rd, 2010 at 8:48 am
Yes, you can use Blondor. It can be made into a creamy bleach which is great for balayage.
Best Wishes,
Eva
March 21st, 2010 at 9:23 am
Hi,
I hope you can help me. My hair is long and needs a double process now, it has some grey in it. My base color has a lot of red highlights. I have blond highlights and have been hopping from salon to salon. My base is coming out brassy copper! My highlights are all wrong, I like contrast and don’t want to look all over blond. Can I get a balayage with a double process? I live on the south shore of long island, Bellmore. Please help….
Thank you so much
March 27th, 2010 at 6:08 am
Hi Dianne,
It sounds like you should be receiving a single process with highlights and lowlights. It’s hard to be completely sure without seeing your hair in person-since you don’t live very far from the salon we would love to have you come in! We have many excellent colorists here that would be happy to help you. Call 212.677.7315 if you would like to make an appointment- I hope to see you soon!
April 1st, 2010 at 4:43 am
Would love to learn the technique. I live in Pflugerville,Texas, near Austin. Please send me class information.
April 13th, 2010 at 3:43 am
Hi Janna-
I’m so glad you’re interested in the class. I will have someone contact you by email with more information!
Best wishes,
Eva
April 18th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
What happened to just doing good color both painting and foils done by a skilled colorist can produce beautiful results. I love the depth of highlighting with tint and high lift tint if you are not changing the base. Baylayage is a great technique but you can only use bleach. I was trained to do both but got really comfortable with foil. I should as a great colorist be proficient in both. Every client is different and require different techniques. A great colorist should be versatile and dynamic. That is the challege. I respect everyone on here who is looking to further their education. But in the end it is just about good color and client satsifaction.
April 19th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I am also interested in a class….that is the one hair coloring system we do not do in our salon and I am VERY interested in it. Please send info! Also,,,what is the price point for this kind of service?
April 21st, 2010 at 5:27 am
Hi Susan-
I will have someone contact you via email with more information about the class!
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:45 am
Hi Simone,
I completely agree with you. Choosing the right technique for the client should always come first. There are instances where foils will do a job that balayage won’t and vice versa. For the most part our clients have been extremely happy with high lighting and low lighting using balayage (at my salon we balayage with color and with lightener)- and find that the look is softer and more natural which allows you more time for grow-out between visits. However, there are those clients who need more lift or who simply prefer the foiled look. Good colorists should be well versed in not only in the different techniques, but in application of each as well.
Best wishes,
Eva
May 27th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Hi Eva,
Thanks for the info. I have been wanting balayage for quite some time but have been taking my time and doing research to find the right colorist for the job. I live in NYC and have heard mixed reviews about lots of salons. I have light brown hair and normally get a double process with rich brown and highlights, however, my highlights keep coming out brassy and I end up liking my color the most when it has grown out and faded. I am thinking balayage will be the perfect solution and then I won’t have to do a double process and can just use my natural base.
I want to go somewhere where it will be done well, but wonder if I can afford it. What is the price range for balayage at your salon?
Thanks!!
Allison
June 1st, 2010 at 4:29 am
Hi Allison,
There’s a rather wide price range depending on your colorist and the amount of highlighting you’ll need done. Someone would be happy to discuss your options in detail with you based on your needs. Please give us a call at 212.677.7315 to discuss your options and schedule a complimentary consultation!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Best wishes,
Eva
June 19th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Hi Eva,
I am a stylist looking to learn the Balayage technique but I am not in a salon at the moment, I am looking for work. I feel that if I can learn this it will help with my employment search. Is there anywhere around my area that will educate me. I live in Redmond WA.
Thanks,
Belinda
June 30th, 2010 at 12:08 am
Can my hair be highlighted a few different colors using balayage? I have dark, dark brown hair and would like some medium brown highlights with a few dark blonde near the face. Thanks!
July 1st, 2010 at 5:14 am
Hi Tara,
Is your hair currently color treated? This would make a difference in the approach that should be taken for highlighting. Balayage can be effective for putting different colors and dimension throughout the hair, but if you’re hair is tinted to a darker shade than your natural color, foiling might be a better option. You definitely want to see someone that has a decent amount of experience since lightening the hair from dark to light requires a strong skill set in color theory.
Best wishes,
Eva
July 1st, 2010 at 4:08 pm
hey.
Personally I of the balayage technique, it makes hair look really natural and beachy.. so i was wondering what colour I should get done.. I have mousey brown hair, and im from queensland, Australia, so i have a “permanate” tan.
By the way im 13.
(I was thinking a light brown/dark blonde style.)
Thanks
July 7th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Hi Amy,
A light golden blond is a good choice for you, since you’ll naturally go lighter having as much sun exposure as you do. You can find an example of this color on Kendra in the gallery (http://www.evascrivo.com/gallery Kendra has a blue top and long blond hair). I lightened Kendra’s naturally light brown hair using the balayage technique and then used a light golden glaze. Hope this helps!
July 8th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Hey! How in the world do you pronounce Balayage? I don’t want to sound like a total dummy when I call to make an appt!
Ann, there’s a salon in Baltimore called La Clinica that offers Balayage. I’ve never personally tried it, but theyre good with highlights!
July 11th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Hi Eva-
I have seen a lot of your work and love it. I have benn trying for a while to find a Balayage class over here in Orange County/CA, but without any luck. Do you know of any one out here who teaches classes? If not, I would be willing to come to N.Y. for one of your classes. Could you let me know the class schedule?
Thanks.
Elizabeth
July 11th, 2010 at 2:15 am
Also, what bleach do you prefer?
Thanks.
Elizabeth
July 13th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Hi, I want to to know if balayage is right for me. If you think balayage is right for me then what color do you think i should get to get that natual look? I’m asian and have silky black hair, but sometimes my hair turns into a medium/dark brown when
I’m under the light.
Thanks
July 14th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Hi, I am also a hairstylist, I reside in Staten Island,New York. I am 22,and I have been licensed since I am 16. I have really had my eye on venturing out into Manhatten,it was always my goal. I am also very interested in learning this technique. Is there any employment opportunities at your salon? As a stylist or colorist assistant?
July 14th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Hi Everyone,
Sorry that I have not responded over the past week - been crazy busy! Even neglected to have your comments posted until now… very bad! So now I’ll start responding…
July 14th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Jess: it’s pronounced (let me try to do this phonetically) ba-li-a-ge. Hope that makes sense!
July 14th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Elizabeth: We don’t have a specific class schedule for balayage, and offer them by request. The classes are usually very small or even one-on-one. If you’d like to speak to us about arranging for one, please email us at info@evascrivo.com or call us at 212-677-7315 x 4 and ask for Arik.
My favorite bleach for balayage is Platinium by L’Oreal, which also comes in an amonia-free version. It has a toning agent that helps to combat brassiness.
July 14th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Linda: it depends on the color highlights you want. If you prefer a warm reddish tone, balayage works well for dark hair. If you like cooler tone highlights, then you need to use foils.
July 14th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Nicole: thanks for your interest. Although we are not actively seeking to hire another assistant now, please feel free to send us your resume to info@evascrivo.com. Something may come up in the near future.
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:19 pm
I WOULD LOVE TO LEARN THIS.IM INRTERESTED IN A CLASS . PLEASE CONTACT ME.THANK YOU
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:20 pm
CHRISANTHA67@aol.com
August 11th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I have been trying to find a hairstylist for so long to get the natural highlighted beachy look that balayage gives. I have been getting foil highlights with lowlights but the lowlights always pull a little of red/orange color with every hairstylist I have been to. I do not want that all. My natural hair color is a light/medium ash brown. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem? Do you know a person in Orange county/Newport beach area that does this technique that you could refer me to?
September 16th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Hi,
I have medium brown hair that turns auburn in the sun. I would love to get a natural sun-kissed glow to my hair and i find highlights too streaky. I live in Houston. Do you know of any good stylists here trained in balayage? I hope it gives me the look I’m hoping for!
Thanks!
Michelle
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Hello, I live in Raleigh N.C. and I am looking for a salon that is trained in Balayage. I have short blond hair that has some grey in it. When I get it highlighted now it looks really ashy because of the gray , and very streaky and salt and pepper looking. I need help.
Thanks Lisa
October 21st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
I live in Wisconsin and was wondering if you know of any classes near the area? Also, could you e-mail me class info/prices? Thank you!
October 23rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
Hi Kristy,
I don’t know of classes specifically in your area, but beginning in 2011, I will be teaching three different types of classes in cutting and coloring for L’Oreal Professional in their NYC Soho Academy and in San Francisco. If your salon carries L’Oreal hair color, you can use points for these classes or pay for them directly. Hope to see you there.
Best
Eva
October 25th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Oh yes, if you can send some info. Would the color be you teach be the Balayage technique? That is what I’m mainly interested in.
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:21 am
Our Salon is currently watching DVD’s and researching Balayage. Some use cotton under each section - most we’ve seen do not. Some use a very high volume of developer 60-100, which we cannot get in our State. We currently are using the Siggers DVDs, which they use their own bleach and developer. We have watched a Kadus DVD where no cotton is used and 30 and 40 vol. developer. Can you give me your opinion of using/not using cotton and the developer levels or any suggestions. Thank you.
November 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
I have another question! Heat is not applied to Balayage from what I’ve been told and that makes sense. Do you agree? How do you determine when the ligtener is ready to remove…do you use a specific time, depending on the level of color you’ve applied it & the lightener you’re using…or do you gently wipe the lightener to check…or? Thank you.
November 2nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Kristy,
I will link to the 2011 L’Oreal class schedule as soon as they post it online. My color classes will focus on color correction and balancing but will definitely incorporate balayage!
Eva
November 6th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Hi Pat,
Cotton is important when doing balayage so the bleach does not “bleed” or spot the hair underneath where the product is applied. I will be teaching all of these techniques in my L’Oreal color classes. Hope to see you there!
Best
Eva
January 21st, 2011 at 3:40 am
Hello,
I too am looking for someone in Orange County, California who uses this method. Has anyone found a place?
February 4th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Do you know of someone in the Houston area who does balayage? My previous hairdresser introduced me to it, and I love it; however, I don’t to to him anymore, and would like to find someone else.
March 21st, 2011 at 8:56 am
Im so interested in balayage i live in sonoma county california i would love to take a coarse if you knew of any close or not all go there. thank you
April 9th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Hi Kristi,
Sorry for the delayed response. I actually just taught a class that incorporated balayage in San Francisco on March 27 - 28. You should check out the L’Oreal Professionnel educational schedule. I’m sure that they offer balayage classes in the Bay Area: http://us.lorealprofessionnel.com/_en/_us/education/pdf/Elite_SohoAcademy_lo.pdf?UsrMd=4
I also talk about balayage in my book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439164711/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=11Q1QKZH9Z05MG9FTGWP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Best
Eva
April 22nd, 2011 at 12:27 am
tom at Touch of Red hair salon has been doing balayage on me for about 15 years, and is known to be the best in houston area. you can read comments about him on city search.
June 16th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Hi Eva,
I recently purchased a coupon for Balayage highlights at a salon in SF (Oxenrose). I am currently growing out traditional, double processed foil highlights (think J-Lo, Beyonce light on top of a very dark brown base). I have about 2-2 1/2 inch of root - would you recommend this process on my hair?
I’d appreciate any advice you can give me.
Thanks!
June 24th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
hi there, maybe you can help. i am 36 with long light brown virgin hair - never been dyed. but it’s starting to go grey and i’ve always wanted to be a blonde, so it’s time. i want it to be more or less one color - i am not so fond of hair that reads as two-toned. i am a little confused as to if i should choose a double process or a full painting. i spoke to one consultant who recommended a full painting. should i just be taking color out or also putting color in? thank you so much for your help, this is confusing. since this is my first time, i’d like to try and get the process right from the get go, so as to minimize damage by having to try a different process afterwards if i don’t like it. Thanks!
July 7th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Dear Eva,
I’m 55, have enjoyed many tones of greys over the past 5-8 years. Now, of course, my daughter is getting married and it’s all turning to a very light grey . . . so much so that when the camera flashes, I become totally SILVER! (One fistful of very light grey to the right of center. . .
Would one color treatment in balyage work? Multiple colors to get that salt & pepper look back?
Any recommendations in Southern NH?
Thank you! Loved reading the comments!
July 9th, 2011 at 8:00 am
Hi Eva,
Yesterday I went to have my hair ‘balayaged’ but the hairdresser gave me foils?? I showed her a number of photo’s of what I wanted, and also explained how I wanted the colour to gradually become lighter. She gave me blonde foils from underneath to the top and around my part she did quite a few very dark foils along with some blonde ones. I came out with a very ashy look all over…not to mention the part and roots (very very streaky)!!!
I went back there today very unhappy and she said she could try and fix it, anyway, she has tried to get rid of all the dark (almost black looking) and covered it with blonde. I am now very blonde with way too much blonde around the roots. not at all natural looking.
What would you recommend that I do? It is soooo streaky and also pretty yellow around my face ( some parts orange)!!
I cant believe it all went so wrong. Considering I live in France and its a French Technique!
What a disaster!
Are you able to help me??
xx
Thankyou
July 11th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Hi Zoe,
Sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, assuming that all French are proficient with balayage is like assuming that all hamburgers in the U.S. are delicious. Although this technique originated in France, I’m sure that very few colorists there are truly proficient with it (just like in the U.S.). First, as I’m sure you realize, balayage does NOT involve the use of foils. That’s what makes it balayage (or “sweeping”). However, highlights done with foils can also look beautiful if done right - it’s just gives a different effect than balayage. So this colorist was obviously not skilled with foil highlighting either.
The first thing I recommend is that you do NOT go back to this colorist and ask her to try to fix your hair again, or you risk seriously damaging your hair in addition to hating the color. Without actually seeing your hair and assessing its condition (it could have been damaged already), I cannot tell you exactly what you should do about the color. However, I do work closely with L’Oreal Professionnel and can ask them for a recommendation of another colorist. Please let me know where in France you’re located.
Best
Eva
July 11th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
Hi Jackie,
Yes, it is possible to put “pepper” back in the the “salt.” But since few colorists do balayage well, you stand a better chance of good results by having lowlights put into your hair with foils. The color of the lowlight is very important. It cannot be a natural shade of brown, which will only turn yellow down the road. It needs to be level 4 which is a darker brown with less red and more ash (closer to the color of pepper). Make sure that the sections of the lowlights taken are very fine, so they look natural. There’s an entire section in the color chapter of my book (ch. 2, pg. 71) on enhancing gray hair. It not only teaches how to enhance gray hair with color, but also how to take care of it. Hope this helps. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1439164711/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0FMJ1NMT12D3PZ1DWT1Q&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Best
Eva
July 11th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Hi Lalilyman,
You actually have 3 options:
1. Very fine highlights throughout the entirety of the hair will produce a natural-looking blonde. If this is the color you have always wanted, this could be the way to go. The gray should blend with the lighter blonde. This is an overall color change so you have to be ready for it.
2. Using a light-bonde to dark-blonde (your choice) demi-permanent color from roots to ends. This will slightly lighten your base color and may the gray look blonde. This is a more economical choice with the least amount of maintenance since the demi-permanent color gradually fades from the hair. But don’t underestimate this option as it can create a profound impact.
3. Do a combination of highlights and lowlights, which will give you a more dimensional color with the most contrast. This is more of an investment up-front, but will give you the most longevity.
Having given these recommendations, I cannot stress enough the importance of having this done by a skilled colorist. Any of these techniques can be completely botched and result in disappointment, not to mention wasted $$. Go in for a consultation first and make sure that the colorist is clear on what you’re looking to accomplish. If you live in or plan on visiting NY, please come and see us for a complimentary consultation (you can schedule it with me personally).
Hope this helps.
Best
Eva
July 26th, 2011 at 3:10 am
Hi Eva
I have dark blond / light brown hair with about 30% grey. I’ve recently had highlights done which turned out very ugly and brassy. I’ve also had a very bad haircut and am now waiting to grow my hair into a chin length bob. I would like to lighten my hair either with balayage or foil highlights. Which would you recommend and what shade / shades? Should I wait to grow out my current brassy highlights first and for my hair to grow a bit longer?
Can you recommend a good colorist in England?
Thank you in advance for your help. Kind regards.
August 2nd, 2011 at 8:59 am
Well, you have a couple options. If your highlights are brassy, it’s because your hair was not lightened “enough.” Hair lightens in stages, and in between brown and blond, is an ugly orange-gold tone.(I explain this fully in my book EVA SCRIVO on BEAUTY, Ch. 2).
Your hair could lighten a bit on its own, since its summertime. A couple trips to the beach might do it some good. If that doesn’t work I would recommend finding a colorist who is proficient at balayage. She/he will be able to correct your color by picking up the pieces that are orange and highlighting them a few shades blonder. Foils can often be difficult to use in a situation like this because you take wider sections when foiling, opposed being able to pick and choose problem pieces with the hand painting method. Do let your haircut grow out a bit.
Where in England do you live?
Best
Eva
August 23rd, 2011 at 11:00 am
Hello I’m in the king of prussia area 15 minutes from Philly can you please recommend a balayage expert from here
much appreciated
Thanks
August 29th, 2011 at 5:19 am
Unfortunately I don’t know anyone proficient with balayage around the Philly area. But you’re not far from NYC, so please come and see us sometime!
Best
Eva
September 16th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Hi Eva,
I have the same very sad story as Eva. I was very specific and went to the best salon while in vacation in Toronto and came out with mall walker highlights. I have long dark to light brown hair and had spent years getting rid of my old highlights so I am particularly upset.
At this point I want to rip them out. Should I get a darker rinse to hide them, then start over or wait?
Question 2, is there anywhere in north Carolina that does bayalage?
Thank you!!
September 19th, 2011 at 9:57 am
Hi Katherine,
I have heard of the “mall bang” but love the “mall walker” comment! Sorry to hear about your bad color experience…
A glaze could work, but a word of caution: if you use something too dark, it can make your hair look muddy or give it a greenish cast. So make sure that you go to someone who really knows color. It takes real expertise to fix a color mistake. Unfortunately, I don’t know of anyone to recommend in NC.
Also, a few lowlights in the part area can do wonders. People tend to judge the overall color by just what’s on top of the head.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you!
Eva
October 9th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Hi Eva,
i’m a stylist in east tx and wondering if you still have trainning classes for balagage at your salon? And if you do, how can i sign up for it?
Thankyou!!!
Jonathan
October 28th, 2011 at 2:37 am
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your interest in a balayage class. I teach a course on cut & color and the L’Oreal Professionnel Academy in NYC. It includes Balayage. This is the 2011 schedule and they should come out with the one for 2012 shortly: http://us.lorealprofessionnel.com/_en/_us/education/pdf/Elite_SohoAcademy_lo.pdf?UsrMd=4
If you would like to just take a balayage class at my salon, I’m sure that we can work something out however.
November 1st, 2011 at 6:36 am
Hi Eva
I find your website very informative. I hope you can give me some advice.
I have short (bob) dark blond /light brown hair with about 30% gray. I recently had balayage done. The colorist did beautiful baby blond highlights on the sides and front of my head, at the back I had very few very dark golden highlights. Most of the baby blond turned to yellow after just one wash. The only highlights that stayed the lovely baby blond were the ones around my face.
Which do you think would be better for me : balayage or foils? I have cool coloring and look better in cooler blond shades rather than golden. I would also love to have a lot more blond especially at the back. Also my hair is very thick and as the balayage was only done on the top layer, I find that if I do my parting even slightly differently, I end up with half of my head being dark and gray. I’d like to have highlights put in some of the layers underneath as well. Can what I want be achieved with balayage or should I opt for traditional foils?
And one last question why did the highlights on the sides of my head lose their baby blond shade after just one wash?
Sorry this is so long. Thank you very much in anticipation of your assistance.
November 6th, 2011 at 4:28 am
Hi Ann,
Because your hair is thick, the colorist has to use fine sections for balayage to be effective. Taking too large sections can make it challenging for the lightener to penetrate properly. When the bleach cannot completely saturate a section of hair (i.e. when the section is too thick), the result can look brassy. Hair lightens in stages, therefore if the hair is not properly saturated with the bleach, the color gets stuck in the gold stage and can look brassy. That’s what it sound like happened - your colorist did not get the bulk of your hair past the gold stage. She may have then applied a toner to temporarily give your hair the shade you wanted. The toner can wash out as quickly as one shampoo, depending on how long it was left on. The reason the hair around your hairline is the color you wanted, is that it’s much finer and easier to saturate with bleach.
So the answer to your question is that balayage can be very effective for you if done properly. However, it has taken me many years to perfect this technique, and most colorists are not experienced or proficient with it. Therefore, I recommend that you get balayage just around the hairline and foils everywhere else, since foils help color to process and you’ll have a better chance to getting to the cool shade you want with someone who is not experienced with balayage.
Hope this helps.
Eva
November 7th, 2011 at 12:17 am
Hi Eva,
Thank you very much for your advice. You have been very helpful.
By the way, do you know any good colorists in England? I live in Leeds, Yorkshire but I could also travel to London.
Many thanks again. Kind regards.
Ann
November 14th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Hi Eva,
I have read much about you and your hair salon, and I am impressed. I have been looking for an advice from a professional and experienced hair-stylist/colorist but did not know whom to turn to. My skin is very pale and I cannot decide whether it falls within the cool or the warm category, but my eyes are green and my natural hair color is medium neutral brown. When I wear foundation, it’s usually golden or beige in color, never pinkish. My hair is arm’s length, straight, and fairly smooth. Anyway, I would love to add some dimension and vibrancy to my hair, but at the same time, I want to do so with least damage possible and with as much shine added to my hair as I can get. My hair is in overall good condition, mostly my natural color all over. There is some warmer color left at the ends from a semi-permanent hair-dye (Matrix brand) which was used on my hair about a year ago. The left-over color at my hair’s ends can be seen only under sunshine. I figured that my best option is bayalage as dying my hair all over would damage it more than highlights alone. I would like to brighten my face with sun-kissed natural-looking highlights. I’d like the highlights to be only a tone or two tones lighter and I’d like only a hair dye to be used (no bleach) - can this be accomplished? My other questions are: for my skin type and my natural hair color, which bayalage highlight color would be best? Reddish, golden, or neutral base? Also, should I use one or more colors with the balayage technique? Thanks so much for your help - it’s much appreciated.
Isabel, New York
November 25th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Hi Isabel,
After reading your post, I feel that a medium golden highlight would be perfect for your complexion. I would recommend the balayage technique, as it should work well with your natural color if performed correctly. You also have the option of incorporating lowlights into your hair for added dimension. An example of this is the model used in this original post. The lowlight chosen here was 2 shades darker than her natural color.
Keep in mind that it’s more challenging for a colorist to do highlights without bleach, but it can be done depending on the expertise of the colorist. Whether this would be effective on you, also depends on your natural color since tint usually does not lift as well as bleach, and it’s not as dependable in getting to the exact color you’re looking for. For example, it can sometimes make the hair look brassy. Again, everything depends on the colorist. In my salon, we often often use tint with very effective results.
Since you’re in NY, please come in some time for a complimentary consulatation with me. Just call the salon to schedule: 212-677-7315 x 4 or email reservations@evascrivo.com
It’s difficult to give a clear answer without actually seeing your hair, so I hope this helps.
Best
Eva
Since
December 8th, 2011 at 4:33 am
I am a hair stylist in Utah and I am very intrested in the Balayage classes? willing to travel.
December 12th, 2011 at 5:23 am
Hi,
I’m in Pittsburgh and my stylist has been begging to try this on me. I am going to let her do it on Saturday. I have very thick, very curly hair that was medium brown until it turned about 50% white (not grey, not silver). I’m anxious because her color is wonderful in general, I don’t want to look like I’m trying to be 20, or even 30 something. Is this a technique for someone in their 40’s?
December 24th, 2011 at 7:23 am
Ann,
Sorry, I don’t know anyone to recommend in England. Let us know, however, if you find someone you like!
Best
Eva
December 24th, 2011 at 7:26 am
Shenna,
I teach classes for L’Oreal Professionnel that combine cut and color, including balayage. If you’re interested strictly in a balayage class, those are also offered through L’Oreal Professional, but we do host stylists from other salons for classes at our salon from time to time. If you would like more information on this, please contact us at info@evascrivo.com and let us know when you may be interested in coming to NY.
Best
Eva
December 24th, 2011 at 7:28 am
Nancy,
Sorry that I did not respond sooner. Yes, women of all ages can be great candidates for balayage. Please let us know how your experience was! You can even post photos of your color on our forum: http://www.evasbeautyforum.com
Best
Eva
January 13th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
I have a medium blonde/ash colored hair and i was wondering what color(s) would look good for balayage on my hair?
January 14th, 2012 at 5:05 am
Brittaney,
That’s a tough question to answer without actually seeing your hair and skin tone. If you’re in NY, please make an appointment for a complimentary color consultation at our salon. You can also join our forum and post your picture there: http://www.evasbeautyform.com
You can also use the photos in this post for inspiration: http://evasbeautyblog.com/archives/1943#comment-95594
Hope this helps.
Best
Eva
January 16th, 2012 at 2:21 am
Hi Eva! First of all, you rock! So, do you know of any good balayage education on the west coast or in Las Vegas? I’m in the Four Corners region and I’m dying to acquire a strong balayage skill set. Thanks!
<3 Heather Chapman
January 29th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Hello, I have natural dark brown hair and have had highlights before using foils, but inevitably my hair would always become brassy looking and would become too light quickly. This is the first time I’m hearing of the balayage technique after years of coloring my hair. I am interested in trying the balayage technique for a change, using color instead of bleach. I live in Los Angeles County, California. Do you know of any good salons that use the balayage technique using color that you would recommend? I’m a natural brunette, so I’d like natural-looking highlights, which I can’t seem to get with foils and bleach. Also, is there a color you would recommend for me? I’m Latina with olive colored skin, so too light of highlights make me look washed out. Thanks in advance for your help!