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

  • Behnaz is the best! Not only are her hair skills unmatched, but she is so kind, patient, and professional. Behnaz takes her time to understand what one needs and will never disappoint! I am so happy I found her!

    Olga Gonzalez Avatar Olga Gonzalez
    October 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

    Behnaz is amazing! The worst thing about moving is finding a new stylist to trust with my hair, but I’m so glad I found Behnaz last year. She always works wonders with my hair; and I walk out feeling so beautiful

    Elaine Shan Avatar Elaine Shan
    April 9, 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

    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 amazing! Not only is she exceptionally skilled, but she is thoughtful and really listens to what you want. I was so lucky to find her as my new stylist after moving from the bay area. I highly recommend Behnaz and her salon!!!

    Stephanie Samaniego Avatar Stephanie Samaniego
    July 21, 2022
  • 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 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

    I was very tentative as my previous experiences with getting my hair done in the US had not been very good so far! I had gotten tot he point that I would wait 6 months until I could go back home to Italy and get my hair done there. Behnaz made me feel very comfortable and I immediately knew I was in the hands of a true professional. She listened very attentively to what I had in mind and recommended the best haircut for my lifestyle. I was very pleased with my final results. I am definitely going back again! Thank you Behnaz!

    Alba Boyer Avatar Alba Boyer
    April 13, 2023
  • Behnaz is the best! It is so difficult to find someone who can cut women’s short hair - Behnaz is a gem!!! She handled my fine straight thick hair, with cowlicks and all, like a master. Absolutely love my new cut!

    Lis Testa Avatar Lis Testa
    July 21, 2022

    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 truly an artist. Her skill in precision Vidal Sassoon cutting techniques are impeccable. The only person who I have trust and faith in to give me the best cut and care. Amazing stylist.

    Milcah Josephian Avatar Milcah Josephian
    August 21, 2022
  • Fantastic pixie, precision haircut!! I constantly get comments on how great my hair looks.

    Karen Willcut Avatar Karen Willcut
    November 21, 2022

    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

    I've been looking for a master stylist who gives a good hair cut. I tried several stylists in the past and was never happy. I finally found Behraz.. she's very experienced and knows how to give a good cut that looks good even after growing out. I'm very happy with her and highly recommend her.

    Angela Martin Avatar Angela Martin
    September 21, 2022
  • Wonderful color and cut, super personal- highly recommend!

    laura zajac Avatar laura zajac
    May 21, 2023

    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

    I have wavy/ curly hair and was really nervous to find someone new in the Sacramento area. Behnaz has been great. She knows how to work with my hair, and is willing to get creative with it which I LOVE. She always puts me first and takes the time to make sure I love the end result. So happy I found her!!

    Miranda Hunt Avatar Miranda Hunt
    December 21, 2022
  • Behnaz is an artist. She took me from a long, overgrown, and outdated cut to a cute, modern, and easy to maintain style. She takes the time to customize my cut to suit my hair type, face, and life style. I receive many compliments on my haircuts, even from other stylists. Behnaz is very professional yet down to earth and easy to talk to. You will be in good hands with Behnaz!

    Mary Avatar Mary
    April 9, 2022

    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

    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
  • 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

    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

    She is amazing! Colors my blonde hair perfectly!

    Kathy Salvatori Avatar Kathy Salvatori
    November 21, 2022
  • Behnaz did a beautiful cut. It’s like hair therapy. I left there a new person because of the wonderful treatment I received - it’s more than just a haircut.

    Terri Oviedo Avatar Terri Oviedo
    April 9, 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

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

    Austin Mapa Avatar Austin Mapa
    April 9, 2022

    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 a true artistic genius! My haircut is always perfect and beautiful. Also, she is able to cut my hair in a way that it grows out well and only needs minimal styling to still look great! This is so important for an entrepreneurial mother of three teenagers. To top it off, Behnaz is a pleasure to be around. Thanks so much for my last beautiful cut, Behnaz!

    Michele May Avatar Michele May
    August 21, 2022

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