Creating the Perfect Blonde Balayage

Each generation has their signature hairstyle. From beehives to lobs, we’ve seen it all. But there’s no question Balayage is the defining hairdo of the decade. 

It’s among the most widely requested hair colors in salons. The natural looking highlights and lowlights appear sun kissed and effortless – less “I paid for this color” and more “you can thank my all-inclusive beach trip for this blonde.” 

To create maximum dimension, this painting technique is applied freehand piece-by-piece. The best part is it’s totally customizable based on lifestyle and hair goals.  

Creating the perfect blonde balayage ultimately comes down to choosing the right shade to really bring the technique to life. Consider these four criteria to start. 

Selecting a shade

Choosing the perfect blonde is all about complementing complexion and lifestyle. In other words, it’s not just about what will look good walking out the salon doors. It’s about selecting a color that will stay fabulous when it’s maintained at home. Some clients will baby their locks and come in every six weeks like clockwork. Others will wash with bar soap and call twice a year to get their mane tamed. 

Good news is that blonde has a more forgiving upkeep regimen. Balayage is also designed to grow out and look more natural than other treatments. With the right color-care products and semi-regular appointments, blonde balayage can last months longer than other hair color applications.  

Popular blonde balayage colors

Any blonde, or combination of blondes, can be balayaged. It’s a technique that lends itself to artistic expression. However, there are a few blondes that get asked for over and over again, including: 

• Ombré
• Platinum 
• Strawberry 
• Ash 
• Honey 
• Butter
• Ice 
• Dark 
• Warm 
• Bronde (brown + blonde)

Blondes Based on Coloring

To select the right one, decide if skin tone is warm or cool. Veins in the wrist are a huge tell. The more blue or purple they appear, the cooler the tone. Green means warm, and a mix of both indicates neutral so any hue will look hot. 

In general, the more pale or pink the skin, the more suitable it is for cool shades like ash, ice, or platinum. Dark or golden skin looks extra glowy framed with hone, butter, or bronde locks. 

The lighter the eyes, the more a multi-tonal blonde will make them pop. For dark eyes, stick with a single rich blonde shade to bring them out.  

Hair Condition 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: hair color can only be as good as the condition of the hair. 

Meaning, if the hair is breaking off at the touch or in need of some serious deep conditioning, proceed with caution. Going blonde doesn’t have to be done in one setting. In fact, for dark, coarse hair it could take several appointments to lift locks to the perfect blonde balayage. 

Do blondes really have more fun? Only one way to find out.

xoxo,

Gina

You can find professional hair stylists and colorists near you by clicking the Hair Care tab on ginasplatform.com or on the Gina’s Platform mobile app.