Summer is on the way! And our thoughts turn to brighter, lighter, more glamorous, shimmery hairstyles that not only look sun-kissed, but seem naturally touched by Sol’s magic wand. The challenge is finding the right balance to achieve a gorgeous summer glow. and avoid exaggerated reflections. Foiling has its advantages, but it can result in excessive uniformity and fake or brassy-looking braids that are disappointing at times. A leading Washington, DC salon owner recommends an alternative technique called balayage (hair painting) that allows the stylist more flexibility and creativity through strategic color placement.

We all know that styles and fashion change with time and seasons. What worked yesterday in clothing and accessories can resurface in totally new looks with fresh and vibrant creations from industry-innovative artists. There are equivalent hair fashion trends emerging in the world of hairstyles. Highlights have been and continue to be one of the most popular hair color trends using foils to achieve a sun-streaked look. But today’s skilled and creative hairstylists and colorists are adapting increasingly advanced processes to achieve the shimmering tresses we crave to emulate nature. And balayage is definitely in!

What is hair painting?
Balayage means “sweep” in English. The process originated in Paris and refers to the way in which color is hand-painted onto the hair. Applied in a sweeping motion, sparing at the roots and heavier towards the ends, it takes less time than getting a full head of metallic highlights. Traditional foiling can sometimes leave harsh lines and extreme color contrasts, but the balayage colorist can literally paint highlights more precisely where the sun would really hit your hair.

Celebrities keep asking for hair paint due to its beautiful result. It’s a coloring method that adds shine and depth for a look so natural it’s the biggest trend in summer glamour. The method creates a beautiful sun-kissed glow with various shades of lighteners that look like you’ve spent or spent all summer playing at the beach.

Recreate the child in you
Think back to when you were a kid and you had perfect, brilliant highlights playing outside in the sun. Today’s skilled colorist can recreate those defining subtle streaks for you with hair paint. The process is complicated so it is rarely offered in beauty schools. The best colorists are trained in professional hairdressers almost as apprentices to masters. And not all salons offer the service at all. If you’re considering balayage but assume it only works for blondes, you’re wrong. Beautiful dark brunettes can add warm honey or caramel tones to lighten their color. The key is to work with the colorist to analyze your natural skin tones and eye color to achieve the most perfect color tones for your hair. The fountain of youth is literally in the capable hands of your stylist.

When to try balayage

• If this is your first time getting highlights and you want subtle, natural shadows
• You have fine hair and the foiling makes it difficult to get it evenly
• You are a brunette and the foils and color tend to look coppery.
• Your hair is short and you want the most natural and relaxed finish.
• If you want your color to last 6-8 weeks
• Want a great way to subtly brighten up your look?
• You want a less manufactured look with a smoother demarcation line and less maintenance
• You want to grow back to make it less obvious
• Prefer to give your hair dimension and a natural looking color without foils.
• Desire color that works well with natural elements and sun exposure to enhance tones.

Balayage is a more involved process than other traditional coloring methods, so be sure to ask about the stylist’s training and experience. Check with your colorist about not adding too many highlights and including more dark tones. The secret is to create contrasts with the darker areas to emphasize the highlights. And be sure to be clear from the start about the costs involved. Some salons charge by the hour and others by the number of colors used in the application. Combination packs are also available that include conventional foiling with balayage for a more dramatic, intense look with richer color saturation.

Summer should be a time when life is easy and when you look your healthiest and best. No matter what the hairstyle or cut, if more and more people are starting to notice your amazing sun-kissed color, then balayage is probably the magical process you think of. Is it any wonder that this coloring method is always loved by celebrities and the rest of an admiring world?