Balayage is one of the popular hair colouring techniques known for its freestyle highlighting technique. Most people choose Balayage over the traditional foil highlighting since it creates a more natural and blended look, thanks to the softer colour transition. Balayage is also versatile and low maintenance. That said, proper care and touch-ups are still required to ensure longevity and to maintain overall appearance.
In the sections below, we have discussed the various tips for maintaining Balayage hair. These include recommendations for the best shampoos and conditioners to help protect your hair and ensure your Balayage remains fresh and luminous.
Best Products for Balayage Hair: The Must-have Hair Care Products
Balayage-treated hair, like any other hair colouring technique, requires proper maintenance. This means that you need the right blend of hair care products, from shampoos to conditioners, to preserve the integrity of your hair colour and the health of your locks. Here is a quick overview of the most essential hair care products you will need to maintain your Balayage hair between salon visits:
- Conditioners: The best conditioners for Balayage-treated hair are colour-safe and have deep conditioning formulas such as emulsifiers, emollients, and natural oils. These conditioners will protect against dryness and help prevent colour fading.
- Leave in treatments: These are treatments that add an extra layer of protection and moisture. They help reduce frizz and ensure that your hair remains vibrant and manageable.
- Shampoos: When choosing shampoos, always go for the sulphate-free options. This ensures that the shampoos will cleanse the hair without stripping the hair colour. You should also opt for purple shampoos every once in a while to help neutralise brassy tones.
- Heat Protectants: Before curling, straightening or blow-drying your Balayage hair, use heat protectant spray to shield the hair from high temperatures. This helps minimise colour fading.
- Hair Masks: Anyone looking to nourish and strengthen their hair often uses hair masks every week. For your Balayage hair, you want to use hair masks rich in proteins and natural oils such as coconut or olive oil.
Tips for Maintaining Balayage Hair Colour
Proper care makes it possible to maintain a consistent look on your Balayage. Besides enhancing the longevity of the hair colour, a well-defined Balayage hair care routine can also help promote overall hair health. Here are some Balayage maintenance tips to keep in mind:
1. Don’t Wash Your Hair Everyday
Washing your hair regularly, for instance, 2-3 times a week, can help maintain the shine of your highlights. However, frequent washing can strip the natural oils, causing your Balayage-treated hair to fade.
2. Use Dry Shampoo Between Washings
Regular shampooing is one of the ways to cleanse your hair and ensure healthy locks. One benefit of using a dry shampoo is that it effectively absorbs excess oil without exposing your treated hair to excess water, which could cause colour fading.
3. Do Weekly Treatments
Weekly treatments are essential for keeping your Balayage hair healthy and vibrant. A rule of thumb is prioritising protein treatments or deep conditioning masks that help replenish moisture and strengthen hair. The goal is to prevent breakage or dullness that may result from the colouring process.
4. Apply Hair Oil
Using moisture-rich and revitalising oils like coconut or argan can add shine to your hair and help lock in moisture. When using these oils, apply a small amount to the hair ends and walk through to the base. Properly applying these oils can nourish your hair and help prevent split ends.
5. Avoid Heat Styling Too Often
As with most treated hair, frequent heat styling can damage Balayage-treated hair and cause the colour to fade. Tools like blow-dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can lead to dryness and hair breakage. Instead of heat styling, try air-drying or styling your treated hair using wrap techniques, sleep-in braids or hair rollers.
6. Protect Your Balayage Highlights from UV Rays
UV Rays are known to cause colour-treated hair to become dry and brittle. To protect your Balayage from UV rays, use a UV-protectant spray or wear a hat outdoors, especially during peak sun hours.
7. Avoid Chlorine in Pools
Chlorine can strip your treated hair of its natural oils, causing discolouration. This is especially the case in lighter Balayage tones. Wear a swim cap to protect your hair from chlorine damage if you must swim in a pool with chlorinated water.
8. Get Regular Touch-Ups Every 3-4 Months
Regular touch-ups are crucial for maintaining the seamless colour transition of your Balayage. Depending on the complexity of your hair colour and the expected final results, you should seek professional touch-up services that will guarantee quality and lasting results. The cost of Balayage treatment in Australia varies depending on factors such as initial colour and expected colour complexity, stylist experience, and whether you want a partial or full Balayage.
Balayage Hair Care: Final Thoughts
Keeping your Balayage hair in the best shape requires a thoughtful approach to ensure long-lasting colour and overall healthy hair. Some key maintenance practices include using colour-safe products, avoiding regular heat treatments, and prioritising regular touch-ups. To get the best results after every treatment or retouch session, you want to work with an expert hair stylist who will pay special attention to your hair goals. At Ladyandthehair, we offer hair colouring and styling services to suit your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book a session with one of our hair stylists.
