A stunning hair coloring technique that combines balayage with the use of braiding to achieve a natural, multidimensional look. By incorporating braids into the coloring process, hairstylists can create unique highlights and lowlights that mimic the way sunlight naturally brightens the hair. It’s an innovative way to apply color for a soft, blended, and effortlessly sun-kissed finish.
Breaking It Down
What is Balayage?
Balayage is a freehand hair coloring technique where the stylist paints color onto the hair to create a soft, gradual transition between darker roots and lighter ends.
It focuses on a natural, sun-kissed look without harsh lines, making it low-maintenance and versatile.
The Role of Braiding in Braided Balayage:
Before applying color, the hair is divided into sections and braided.
The stylist paints color only on the exposed sections of the braids, which allows for a more selective application of highlights and creates a unique pattern of light and shadow.
Braiding ensures that certain strands of hair are left darker, adding depth and dimension to the final result.
Why Choose Braided Balayage?
Natural Blending:
The braids ensure the highlights are distributed in a more irregular, natural pattern, mimicking the way the sun would naturally lighten hair.
Depth and Dimension:
By leaving some sections of the hair darker and applying lightener only to the exposed strands of the braid, this technique enhances contrast and depth.
Unique Results:
Every braided balayage is slightly different, creating a one-of-a-kind look tailored to the client’s hair texture, length, and personal style.
Low Maintenance:
Like traditional balayage, the color grows out gracefully without harsh lines, meaning less frequent touch-ups are required.
Who is It For?
Clients Seeking a Natural Look:
Perfect for those who want subtle highlights and a more dimensional, sun-kissed style.
All Hair Textures:
Works well on both straight and wavy/curly hair, as the braided technique can enhance texture and movement.
Low-Maintenance Clients:
Ideal for individuals who want a beautiful color that grows out softly without needing constant upkeep.
The Process
Consultation and Prep:
The stylist discusses the client’s desired result and selects the right tones to complement their natural hair color and skin tone.
A heat protectant or pre-lightening treatment may be applied to prepare the hair for coloring.
Braiding:
The hair is divided into sections and braided. The size and tightness of the braids depend on the desired look:
Tighter braids create finer, more subtle highlights.
Looser braids produce chunkier, bolder highlights.
Painting the Color:
Color or lightener is painted onto the exposed strands of the braids using the balayage freehand technique.
The stylist may vary the placement and amount of lightener to achieve a multidimensional effect.
Processing and Toning:
Once the lightener has developed, the braids are undone, and the hair is rinsed.
A toner is applied to achieve the desired shade and neutralize any unwanted brassy tones.
Styling:
The hair is styled to showcase the blended highlights and dimension. Loose waves or curls often enhance the effect of braided balayage.
Maintenance Tips
Use Color-Safe Products:
Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to protect the color and maintain its vibrancy.
Tone Refreshing:
Visit the salon every 6-8 weeks for a gloss or toner treatment to keep the highlights looking fresh.
Minimize Heat Damage:
Use heat-protectant products before styling and avoid excessive heat to prevent fading or damage to the highlighted areas.
Why Is It So Popular?
Braided balayage is an innovative way to add dimension and depth to hair without the traditional foils or full balayage painting. It creates a beautiful, natural result that feels modern and effortless, making it a favorite choice for clients who love unique, sun-kissed styles.