Jess Boheim

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What is Balayage?

What is Balayage?  I get asked this a ton in the salon, out and about around town and even when people ask me to describe my own hair color.  Balayage is a French colouring technique that started back in 1970's.  Balayage means to sweep.  It's a free hand painting technique where the colour/lightener is applied by hand rather than using foil.  This technique gives the hair a gradual natural-looking highlighted effect.  There are many ways to do this technique.  Each artist has their own method and style for application.  I truly love Balayage because it allows me to be more creative and tap into my art background with painting.  I know most people are visual learners like myself so below are some examples of Balayage I have done:

This is an example of one of my Balayage applications before being rinsed at the bowl. 

Not all Balayage has to be just "blonde".   This has blonde, but I added purple in the bottom for a pop of fun!

This would be considered a Balayage Ombre.  (Ombre is a transition from dark to light.)  I did this with an all over color and balayaged in low lights to give her hair more dimension.  Yet, leaving her a sunkissed look around her face.

I hope you have a fabulous Fri-YAY!