Balayage Highlights near you in Chicago
Balayage, the French word meaning “to paint” or “to sweep,” is a type of hair lightening that is growing in popularity in Chicago salons. While many salon-goers have had foil highlights before—you know those folded aluminum packets stacked atop our heads, which can make for a very fun selfie but can also mean a lot of time spent in the salon chair—they may be less familiar with this stunning new trend in highlights. What Is Balayage? Balayage highlights can create a wonderfully blended and natural highlighted look sans the foils and stripy, heavily highlighted look foils can sometimes create. With balayage, a variety of looks can be achieved. Everything from dramatically contrasted two-tone ombré featuring dark roots and warm caramel ends, to sophisticated honey locks with subtle ribbons of soft, light blonde that evokes the natural hues seen after childhood summers spent on the beach. To produce this effect, the highlight is placed a bit further away from the scalp and blended with gentle backcombing or fanning of the color towards the root, with greater emphasis placed in the mid-shaft and ends of the hair. By placing the highlighted pieces in this way, the stylist is able to create a very natural, sun-kissed look, which is never too brassy or bright. Because of the versatility in how the artist applies the color, balayage can achieve both “born this way” blondes and more dramatic, punkier looks. Fun pastel shades of lavender, dusty rose, and smoky grey hues can also be achieved with balayage. The stylist may choose to layer toner over the highlights which can add chromatic drama to the hair, or to tone down unwanted warmth or brassiness that can sometimes occur when lightening dark hair. How Much Does Balayage Cost in Chicago? While balayage is often a slightly faster service to have done than foil highlighting, due to the organic and painterly way the highlights are applied, you should expect to pay a bit more for this color service due to the advanced training mastering this technique requires. Most balayage services in Chicago are booked for one to two hours on the length and thickness of the hair and can range from $100-200 depending on the complexity of the desired look and whether toning is required. How to Find the Best Balayage in Chicago Booksy has many hairstylists who specialize in balayage in Chicago. Return to the listings above, or download the free Booksy app to find your stylist and schedule your balayage appointment today!