Balayage
Lightener is painted by hand onto the surface of sections, heavier towards the ends. The result is soft and blended, with no hard regrowth line, so it can go 3–4 months between appointments.
Technique guide
Balayage or foils?
Both techniques lighten some of your hair and leave the rest. The difference is how: balayage is painted on by hand for a soft, sun-kissed blend, foils give more even, brighter lift from closer to the root. Here is how to choose, and how to see the colour on your own photo first.
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Two ways to lighten.
Foils
Fine sections are woven, lightened and wrapped in foil, which keeps the heat in for more lift. The result is brighter and more even from near the root, and regrowth shows sooner, often after 6–8 weeks.
Babylights and ombré
Babylights are very fine foils for a subtle, natural brightness. Ombré keeps the roots dark and lightens the ends more strongly, with a visible fade between.
Which one suits you?
- Low upkeep: balayage, because it grows out softly.
- Much lighter or very bright blonde: foils, or foils with balayage on top.
- Blending grey: fine foils or babylights hide regrowth well.
- Dark hair that wants warmth: balayage in caramel or honey is a gentle start.
- Short hair: foils or babylights are easier to place than balayage.
Popular shades for both.
Pick the colour of the lightest pieces. On dark hair, caramel and honey need less lightening than beige or light blonde.
On light hair
See it on your photo first.
Colour the ends
In the studio, switch to coloured ends and move where the blend starts. That is the closest preview of balayage and ombré.
Soften it
Lower the intensity: the real result mixes your natural colour with the lighter pieces.
Take the card
Save the look and download the card with the shade and intensity for your colourist.
Before you book
Is balayage less damaging than foils?
Not by itself: both use lightener. Balayage often touches less of the hair and is redone less often, which helps. Ask about bond-building treatment either way.
Can the studio paint balayage strand by strand?
No. It colours the full length or the ends, so use the coloured-ends mode and a softer intensity as a guide, then talk placement through with your colourist.
Will my real colour look like the preview?
Take it as a direction, not a promise. The salon result depends on your current colour, your hair’s condition, the products and your colourist, and the light in your photo changes how a shade reads.
The demo model is an AI-generated photo. Previews show a direction, not a guaranteed salon result.