Balayage Services by Behnaz

a Vidal Sassoon Precision Master Stylist

What is Balayage?

Pronounced BAH-LEE-AHGE, balayage is actually a French word meaning ‘sweeping,’ as in to sweep on a hair lightener to create highlights. Balayage is the technique of free-hand painting highlights onto the hair, creating a soft and natural gradation of lightness towards the ends. The result is the look of summers spent at the beach, or the fresh, unintentionally perfect highlights on a child. This natural-looking highlighting technique is not just for blondes, but is actually used on all shades of hair to add soft, sunkissed dimension. Of course, there are variations in application preferences: some colorists don’t separate the hair, while others separate the hair with cotton pieces, and others prefer using foil as a divider. There are different application nuances that produce slightly varied results, but the main reason balayage has become so popular is that it allows colorists to hand select the pieces of hair they want to highlight. Due to the customized, natural-looking placement, balayage also allows for a softer grow out.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGHLIGHTS AND BALAYAGE?

Highlights is a general term that simply refers to hair that is lighter than the base color. Contrary to popular belief, highlights are not just for blondes, but can refer to lightening strands of any shade of hair. Highlights are traditionally applied using a method called “foiling,” in which sheets of foil are used to separate strands of hair that have been covered with a color or lightener before wrapping them in the foil to process. The foil keeps the lightener from getting on the surrounding hair, and also traps heat, allowing the lightener to lift more effectively. Foil highlights are generally placed close to the scalp, lightening the hair from the roots to the ends for an all-over highlighted look. See more on highlighting your hair at home. Balayage is a free-hand technique of applying highlights, and does not usually use foil to separate the hair. Balayage creates soft and natural gradation of lightness along the hair strand—usually slightly deeper closer to the scalp and lighter towards the ends. Typically, balayage starts away from the roots and is focused towards the mid-shafts and ends of hair.

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Reviews

  • Wonderful color and cut, super personal- highly recommend!

    laura zajac Avatar laura zajac
    May 21, 2023

    I love my haircut very much! I have searched and searched for the right person that can cut my curly hair in such a way that gives it movement, compliments my face, and gives my curls new life. I've finally found her and I am very happy!

    jackie driscoll Avatar jackie driscoll
    July 21, 2022

    Behnaz is amazing with hair. She gives expert cuts that are stylish and easy to maintain. My hair is cut so well that it looks great even when I don’t style it. Behnaz is warm, friendly and really cares about what she does. She takes the time to listen then works her magic with great results. She has training, including Vidal Sassoon, and experience that set her apart from other stylists.

    Shay Avatar Shay
    June 26, 2023
  • Behnaz is absolutely incredible! After trying (and failing) to color my own hair during the Covid lockdown, she saved me. I went in with no idea what I wanted to do with my mess of hair and left happier than I anticipated. I've had 3 appointments so far and plan on continuing to book with Behnaz.

    Amber Patterson Avatar Amber Patterson
    May 2, 2022

    Behnaz was very professional and mannered, I love the haircut she did a great job. Thank you..

    Leela Hekmati Avatar Leela Hekmati
    April 21, 2023

    Do it! Book with Behnaz. She is a pro - shaping and color that fits the updated look I am after. The shape holds well between appointments.

    Nancy Hammers Avatar Nancy Hammers
    December 21, 2022
  • Behnaz is the best. I am coming back to Behnaz after several years. She is talented and my hair has never looked better then when she does it. Her haircuts are done with precision, and she is a master of color and a master hair stylist. I am so glad to be back. I highly recommend her. I love my hair thanks to Behnaz!

    Laurie Huss Avatar Laurie Huss
    February 9, 2023

    Excellent job. I always leave happy and excited for next time. This time was color and cut. Whole new look. Thanks Benhaz.

    Karen Conley Avatar Karen Conley
    July 21, 2022

    Behnaz is a true expert and professional at cutting hair. I really wanted to find someone who knew how to work with my type of curly thick hair, after getting short clipper cuts at random places over the years and finally being ready to work with my hair instead of against it. She is meticulous, attentive, and has the technique to consult, cut, and send you home with the right products and routine. I’m 100% satisfied with the way my hair looks and get great feedback from others too.

    Mark Ohanesian Avatar Mark Ohanesian
    April 25, 2022
  • Behnaz is very professional and takes her client’s hair seriously. I am new to town so I was definitely nervous going into my appointment, but Behnaz exceeded my expectations and even took care of my damaged hair from previous treatments. She also specializes in asian hair, highly recommend!

    Stephanie Wan Avatar Stephanie Wan
    December 21, 2022

    Fantastic pixie, precision haircut!! I constantly get comments on how great my hair looks.

    Karen Willcut Avatar Karen Willcut
    November 21, 2022

    Behnaz is friendly, compassionate, a good listener, and a talented hair cutter. Today was my first time beneath her shears and from a bedraggled ragamuffin I emerged a chi chi cosmopolitan professional with a look of polish and pizazz.

    Carolyn Reuben, L.Ac. Avatar Carolyn Reuben, L.Ac.
    August 21, 2022
  • Behnaz is a true artist. I needed a change from my tired, dry, frizzy gray look. She masterfully created my sassy, fresh look. I’ve received many compliments from family, friends and strangers alike. Thank you Behnaz!!

    Christina Morales Avatar Christina Morales
    August 21, 2022

    My hair has always been complicated but Behnaz gave it a great cut that lasts!

    Austin Mapa Avatar Austin Mapa
    April 9, 2022

    Great experience she did an amazing job!! My haircut was perfect!

    Zoe Christian Avatar Zoe Christian
    June 21, 2023
  • Behnaz did an amazing job with my hair. It was bleach blonde and in bad condition and now it is a much better color for me and in much better shape then before I started having her so my hair. Thank you Behnaz for loving what you do!!!

    Janine Young Avatar Janine Young
    April 21, 2023

    Behnaz has been my hairdresser for over 5 years! She has found the perfect color and hair style for me. The color is always consistent with every appointment.Behnaz is always fashionable and knowledgeable of current trends and keeps her clients up to date. Behnaz is very flexible and easy to work with!

    Robin Miotke Avatar Robin Miotke
    October 21, 2022

    Behnaz is a true Doctor in hair health, maintenance, and making hair look absolutely gorgeous. She took my overprocessed, uneven hair and has brought back my curls to an amazing place. I truly recommend her work as she is a true professional with tremendous knowledge.

    Sandra Sandoval Avatar Sandra Sandoval
    June 19, 2023
  • I love getting my hair done by Behnaz. Very knowledgeable, she recommended a new style I’ve never tried and I have gotten so many compliments! Will definitely be coming back for as long as possible.

    Karla Cecilia Russek Carrillo Avatar Karla Cecilia Russek Carrillo
    July 5, 2023

    Behnaz styled my hair for years…. Then I moved away. I came back to sacramento for a week and did not want to miss a hair cut and visit with her! She’s the best! Very precise and gifted! Also, she has great personal style❤️

    Kristen Allen Avatar Kristen Allen
    February 21, 2023

    Wow! I have been getting my hair done by high end salons for years and I can’t believe I found someone in Northern California. Behnaz is truly amazing. Her ability to cut and color is like no other. You can tell from start to finish she has mastered her craft. You will not get a run of the mill cut. You can even tell by her technique during the cut that she stands out from the rest. I would highly recommend her!

    Jeniece Wnorowski Avatar Jeniece Wnorowski
    November 21, 2022
  • Perfect styling and color that looks healthy and rich. I like the consistent results I get with Behnaz.

    Nancy Hammers Avatar Nancy Hammers
    June 21, 2023

    She is amazing! Colors my blonde hair perfectly!

    Kathy Salvatori Avatar Kathy Salvatori
    November 21, 2022

    I met Behnaz by chance and I got lucky. She is a master stylist. She knows what looks good and I always feel beautiful afterwards. I am happy I found her!

    Sylvie Martyn Avatar Sylvie Martyn
    August 21, 2022
  • I’ve been coming to Behnaz for haircut and color. Wonderful experience and she always does a great job. Knows exactly what works for my hair.

    Dino Herd Avatar Dino Herd
    December 21, 2022

    Behnaz is a master in precision haircuts, that means perfect straight or curvy lines going in any direction. I got a short bob with her and dyed my hair red. I have seen her three times so far, and recommend her for anyone one looking for a hairdresser that is precise and has plenty of experience to get it right. Also ofcourse we talk while I am in the chair and She is a delight to be around for those hours.

    Linah Elnashar Avatar Linah Elnashar
    April 9, 2022

    I love my hair highlights by Behnaz she did an amazing job and was diligent about giving me the results I wanted thank you for finally giving me the place to get all my hair needs I have been searching for a long time

    athena georgakopoulos Avatar athena georgakopoulos
    April 21, 2023
  • I have been coming to Behnaz for several months now. I had struggled finding somebody really good and coming to Behnaz she is amazing. I'm so glad I found her. She has chosen a great cut for my hair and face shape. The color is beautiful.

    Deb Kirkpatrick Avatar Deb Kirkpatrick
    April 21, 2023

    Behnaz is the best. I am coming back to Behnaz after several years. She is talented and my hair has never looked better then when she does it. Her haircuts are done with precision, and she is a master of color and a master hair stylist. I am so glad to be back. I highly recommend her. I love my hair thanks to Behnaz!

    Laurie Huss Avatar Laurie Huss
    February 21, 2023

    Behnaz is a true master! I love my curly hair, but it is always hard to menage and style. In my new town, I could not find a person who can style and cut my hair well until I met with Behnaz. Behnaz knows what is best for your face shape and your lifestyle, she makes very helpful suggestions. I always get amazing cuts from her. She is very caring and makes you feel like family. I am so grateful that I found her!

    Zehra Ilhan Avatar Zehra Ilhan
    November 21, 2022

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