Hey, Balayage Fashionista!
Are you ready to learn everything from A-Z about the Balayage technique that can transform your hair into a work of art?
Expand your knowledge about Balayage with our comprehensive guide from Kieselbach Hair Make-up Workshops. From preparation to care, learn everything you need to know.
In her stylish hair salon in Berlin Mitte, right in the heart of trendsetting, Anja Kieselbach creates stunning, personalized looks with her expertise that perfectly match your style. In this article, we take a closer look at everything related to Balayage for different hair types – from the basics to the pro tips you can’t miss. Discover the art of Balayage: Tips and techniques from Kieselbach Hair Make-Up Workshops hairstylist in Berlin Mitte.
I am Anja Kieselbach, let’s get started.
Introduction to the Balayage Technique
Balayage is a freehand coloring technique that is valued for its seamless, sun-kissed effect and is perfectly suited for personalized color gradients. For a more in-depth introduction to the topic, you can read my more detailed article: “The History of the Balayage Technique.”
Preparation of the Hair for Balayage
Before I can transform your hair into a masterpiece, comes the preparation. The alpha and omega for a perfect result is the right base. Do not wash your hair immediately before the Balayage treatment. The natural oils of your scalp protect during the coloring process. I first perform a detailed hair and color analysis to select the best products for your individual look. Because for us, quality before speed | result applies.
Balayage on Dark Hair
Dark hair requires special attention to bring the Balayage technique to its best advantage. I often start here with a stronger lightener to precisely highlight the desired highlights. Here it is of course crucial which hair color you bring. Is it already dyed or tinted or natural? The key lies in the detail: The color application is designed irregularly to keep the hair tips lighter than the roots and thus create a soft, sun-kissed transition.
Balayage on Light Hair
With light hair, the possibilities are almost limitless. I use shades that are either slightly darker or lighter than your natural hair color to create depth and dimension without strong contrasts. For particularly vivid effects, cool ash or pearl tones are often chosen, which achieve a soft, multidimensional result. Here the focus is always on the whole, the luminosity, and a lively blonde tone.
Balayage on Colored Hair
Do you already have dyed hair? No problem! I use your existing hair color as a canvas for the Balayage. Depending on the need, existing colors are adjusted or supplemented to create harmonious transitions and fresh accents. Before the treatment, of course, it is extensively discussed which tones ideally suit you. The focus here is on your hair history, which colors have been applied in the past. Your hair remembers everything, each cm of your hair length stands for about 1 month and I can read a lot from that.
Care and Maintenance of Balayage
Balayage may seem easy to care for, but this coloring technique also needs a little love from you at home. I recommend using exclusively color-safe shampoos and color conditioners and not washing the hair too often. In addition, you should not forget regular deep conditioning treatments. Especially if you use styling tools & heat tools, heat protection is essential. For this, you will receive a detailed and personalized instruction from me for you at home.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
This section provides you with answers to frequently asked questions about Balayage, such as the durability of the color, the cost of a Balayage treatment, and how to choose the best color combination for your hair type and complexion.
What exactly is the difference between Balayage and Ombre?
Balayage is a coloring technique where color is applied freehand to create a soft, natural gradient. Ombre, on the other hand, refers to the flowing transition from a darker root color to a lighter tone in the lengths and ends.
How long does a Balayage last?
Depending on hair growth, hair type, and care, your Balayage can shine for up to four months. More often, of course, you can have glossing done to refresh pigments and give your Balayage a fresh-up without lightening.
Is Balayage damaging to my hair?
With the correct application of products and care, the risk is minimal. Here it always means for me hair preservation comes before the result, which means: even if your wish to get a certain hair color is so great, it is most important to me that your hair looks healthy and lively and above all stays on.
Can I have Balayage done on my naturally dark hair?
Absolutely, there are special techniques for dark hair types. Here, often a slight change is enough to achieve a beautiful sun-kissed moment. Interesting question, whether your hair is naturally dark or dyed dark.
How often should I refresh my Balayage?
When refreshing, I distinguish between 2 variants.
- As a rule, I recommend refreshing your Balayage every 3-4 months, and I’m talking about bleaching, coloring, etc., to lift your roots again. There isn’t really a rulebook for this. Some customers with a very light Balayage come once a year to lighten and have regular glossing done in between for a fresh-up. Customers who have a very noticeable Balayage usually come back in the 3 months. But it also does not mean that every time the whole head has to be caught up, then just the top head and the sides may be enough.
- I also like to talk about refreshing when I talk about a Fresh-Up, this is the glossing that we can apply as often as you like. Glossing is a max. gentle pigment deposition, which only works on the lightened hair and gives you max. shine and, depending on your wish, gives the blond a color direction, for example, pearly, ashy rose – cool or gold-copper warm.
Can Balayage be applied to short hair?
Yes, Balayage is versatile and can also be applied to short hair to give depth and dimension.
How do I choose the right colors for my Balayage?
The choice of colors should be based on your skin undertone, your natural hair color, and the effort of aftercare you wish to undertake. As an experienced colorist, I am happy to help you choose the tones that are right for you.
Can I do Balayage myself at home?
Sure, you can do that. But is it also sensible? Although it is possible to implement Balayage at home yourself, it is recommended for optimal results to have the Balayage performed by a professional. Balayage is not a simple technique and, if applied incorrectly, can lead to undesirable and unsightly results. Just to mention a few things that are important for the correct product choice for your result, the basis of lightening, the strength of keratinization and neutralization, color theory, and a lot of experience.
How do I best care for my Balayage hair?
Balayage may appear easy to care for, but this coloring technique also needs a bit of love. I recommend using exclusively color-safe shampoos and conditioners and not washing the hair too often. In addition, you should not forget regular deep conditioning treatments. Especially if you use styling tools & heat tools, heat protection is essential.
Do I need to specially prepare my hair before a Balayage treatment?
There is no need to specially prepare your hair before a Balayage treatment. However, I recommend not washing your hair for a few days before the treatment to preserve the natural oils of your scalp, which help protect the scalp.
If you need more tips and advice or an individual hair care styling plan, book your appointment online now.
I am Anja Kielselbach, your hairdresser in Berlin Mitte, and I am happy to help you with all your hair questions.
HAIRCOLOR WITH ATTITUDE.