Try balayage on your photo before the colorist does
Balayage is hand-painted color, so every result is a little different. Preview the tones you like and show your colorist what you mean. Free to try.
What is balayage, and will it suit me?
Balayage is a technique where the colorist paints lighter color onto your hair by hand, usually starting away from the roots for a soft, natural grow-out. It can suit brunettes, blondes and gray hair. Placement and tone decide whether it flatters you.
Balayage, and how it differs from the rest
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Balayage vs highlights
Traditional highlights use foils and often start closer to the root, giving a more even, defined look. Balayage is painted freehand, so it looks softer and blends more naturally. Both lighten, but the finish differs.
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Balayage vs ombre
Ombre is a clear shift from dark roots to light ends, like a gradient. Balayage is more scattered and woven through, so it looks like sun on the hair. Ombre is bolder, balayage is subtler.
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Placement around the face
Lighter pieces near the face brighten your skin and draw attention to your eyes. Putting them further back gives a quieter result. Where the colorist places the light is as important as the shade itself.
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Soft grow-out
Because the color starts away from the root, there is no hard regrowth line. You can often go longer between visits. The look settles as the hair grows, so it stays soft until a refresh is due.
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Brunette, blonde and gray
On brunette hair, balayage adds warm lights. On blonde, it adds depth and contrast. On gray hair, it can blend white strands into softer tones so the grow-out looks planned, not like a stripe.
- Best for
- Anyone who wants more dimension without a strong root line, including people growing out gray or tired of regular root touch-ups. It suits many cuts, and does especially well with layers and waves.
- Upkeep
- Balayage usually needs fewer visits than all-over color, but toner and gloss may still fade, so a refresh now and then keeps the tones fresh. Use gentle products at home to protect the lightened pieces.
- Watch out for
- Balayage can look flat or streaky if the tones are not matched to your skin and base color. Fine or dry hair may also need more care after lightening, so ask the colorist about the plan.
More looks to try
Try balayage in the app
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Add one photo
Use a clear, front-facing photo in natural light, with your hair down so you can see where color would sit around your face.
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Compare tones
Keep your cut and change only the color in the color row. Try warmer and cooler tones, and use See original to judge which direction suits you.
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Import a reference
Found a balayage you love on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook? Import it with the hair reference feature and see how that look sits on your face.
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Check and save
Regenerate for another version, then download or share the ones you like so you have them ready to show your colorist.
What to bring to your colorist
A few photos
Bring two or three images of balayage you like, plus a preview of yourself. Say what you like about each: the tone, the placement or how soft the blend is.
Your color history
Tell the colorist about any dye, henna or past lightening, and about how much gray you have. It shapes the formula and how many visits the plan needs.
Your maintenance limit
Say how often you can come back. A colorist can place the color higher or lower, brighter or softer, so the grow-out suits your schedule.
Good to know.
Something else on your mind?
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Is balayage good for gray hair?
It can be. Instead of covering all the gray, a colorist can weave in lighter and softer tones so the white blends in. The grow-out then looks gradual, not like a hard line at the roots.
Is balayage lower maintenance than highlights?
Often, because the color starts a little away from the roots and there is no sharp regrowth line. You can usually wait longer between visits, though toner and the ends still need care.
Can I get balayage on short hair?
Yes, but there is less length to work with, so the effect is more compact. A colorist can place lighter pieces around the face and the ends so the shape shows up well.
Will balayage damage my hair?
Lightening is a chemical process, so it can leave hair drier, especially if it is already fine or color-treated. A good colorist will check your hair first, and may go lighter in steps.
Does the preview show the exact balayage I will get?
It shows the general look and tone on your face. Because balayage is painted by hand, placement and blend will be the colorist's call, so use the preview as a guide for the conversation.
Keep exploring
- Blonde Hair Simulator See yourself blonde before you commit to the color
- Hair Color Changer Try a new hair color before you book the appointment
- Gray Hair Simulator See yourself with gray hair before you go silver
Ready for your new look?
See it on you before you cut. Free to try.