Balayage (pronounced bah-lee-AHZH) comes from the French word for “sweeping.” Instead of sealing sections of hair in foil, lightener is painted by hand onto the surface of the hair, usually heavier toward the ends and softer near the root. The result is dimension that looks like it grew in naturally rather than being placed in stripes.
Because there’s no hard line at the root, balayage grows out gently, and many people can go longer between appointments than they would with traditional highlights. It works on blonde, brown and dark hair alike. The tone and brightness are simply adjusted to suit your starting color.
Traditional highlights are applied in foils, usually starting close to the scalp, for brightness that’s even from root to tip. Balayage is painted freehand, starting a little away from the root and building toward the ends, so the result is softer and more lived-in.
Neither is better. They suit different goals. If you want an all-over brighter look or maximum lift, foil highlights are often the right tool. If you want a sun-kissed, blended look that grows out gracefully, balayage usually is. Some of the most natural results combine the two, and Behnaz will recommend the approach that fits your hair and the look you want.
Behnaz trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academies, where haircutting and color are approached as one design. That background shapes how she places balayage: brightness goes where it will catch the light in your haircut, whether that’s long layers, a bob or a shorter style. With your cut and color done by the same stylist, the two are planned together instead of separately.
Because balayage is blended at the root, there’s no obvious line as it grows out. Many people refresh it every three to four months, and some go longer. A toner between visits can keep the shade fresh if it starts to look brassy.
Yes. On dark brown and black hair, balayage is often painted in warm caramel, honey or soft bronze tones that add dimension while staying flattering. How light it can go depends on your hair’s condition and color history, which Behnaz will check before starting. Learn more about color for Asian hair.
Balayage is one of the lower-maintenance color services. A color-safe shampoo, limited heat styling and regular trims will help it stay bright and healthy between appointments. In summer, see how to protect your color from the heat.
Yes. On bobs and shorter cuts, balayage is placed with a lighter touch to show off the shape and movement of the cut, which pairs well with a precision haircut.
Finally I found someone who can cut my Wolf style. Hair Stylist Behnaz in Sacramento did amazing, my Wolf haircut is back, she was precise and listen, showed my picture and it’s what I was looking for
Colette BujandaBehnaz 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 JosephianI had a wonderful experience with Hair by Behnaz. She listened to every detail, including keeping my length, long layers, off Center part and creating more fullness on top. For years, I didn’t go to a salon because my hair was always cut too short. I finally found a hairstylist who listens and she did an amazing job. I feel ten years younger. Thank you Behnaz Sacramento Hairstylist!
Daleela MoradBehnaz has been the only person I can find in the Sacramento area that knows how to give me precision or pixie cuts. She does an amazing job!
Daisy Rosado-CantrellBehnaz 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 MoralesBenhaz did a spectacular job on my long bob. I’m growing out damage from another stylist and she gave me advice on different approaches I can take to get the long bob of my dreams. I already booked my next appointment!
Rainbow Van DykeBehnaz is the one to see for precision bob haircuts! She is excellent 🙂
Lauren LiberoGreat experience she did an amazing job!! My haircut was perfect!
Zoe ChristianI 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 BoyerWow! 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 WnorowskiBehnaz is great! I am picky with my hair and have tried numerous stylists in the Sacramento Area and she is the best! She listens to your request and is amazing with colors and precision cuts. She was able to correct a disaster cut and color from another place when we met and I have been a fan ever since!
pierrette LenoirI’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 HerdBehnaz 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 TestaShe is amazing! Colors my blonde hair perfectly!
Kathy SalvatoriI’m so happy with my hairstylist, Behnaz at Hair by Behnaz in Sacramento. I asked for long layers, and she delivered exactly what I wanted. She did an incredible job—my hair was long and very dry, and she transformed it into something gorgeous with her cut and styling.
Devyani SullinsAnother fabulous stylish hair cut. Behanaz is a wizard with my pixie thin hair cut
Sallee MichaelI 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 driscollBehnaz 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 AllenDo 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 HammersHair by Behnaz, Best Salon Sacramento! Highly recommend! I've been coming to her for a few years now, and I am always thrilled with the results. She is incredibly talented, uses precision haircut, she's done training with Vidal Sassoon, she's consistent, and genuinely cares about her clients.
Jordan CuretonBehnaz 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!
MaryI was looking for a very accomplished stylist with precision cutting training and experience to cut my waist length hair to slightly above my shoulders. Behnaz produced a great haircut that looks good day after day. My hair is cut so perfectly that it takes very like effort to keep it looking wonderful. I found my stylist.
Cheryl PardeeI’ve loved Vidal Sassoon haircuts since the 70s. They were the best haircuts I’ve ever had. I used AI to search for the best hairdresser that does precision Vidal Sassoon cuts for fine hair like mine. The highest rated was Behnaz. I decided to pamper myself and go for it. I needed a new style as I’ve been pulling my hair up for a long time. Behnaz gave me the best little haircut I ever had. I could not believe the level of skill in training that she has. I’m a very analytical person. I had tons of questions I wanted to ask; she answered all of them. I just love what she did!!! She’s the best hairstylist I’ve ever gone to!
Liz WeldyI 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 KirkpatrickAfter moving here, I had to find a new hairdresser. Very scary project. Of course I had a couple of disasters, lol. But then I found Behnaz. She is a keeper! She listens, and everytime I got the cut I wanted. Her coloring is excellent too.
Petra DavalosI'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 MartinBehnaz 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 YoungBehnaz is a great precision cut stylist, very professional and experienced. I have very difficult coarse hair with many cowlicks but Behnaz does a fabulous job. A 5-star hair stylist!
AJohnsonPerfect styling and color that looks healthy and rich. I like the consistent results I get with Behnaz.
Nancy HammersBehnaz is amazing. I finally feel like I’ve found my stylist. My first visit, I had booked a cut and color, and she was incredibly honest about what my fine, frizzy, curly, low porosity hair actually needed. She suggested skipping the color to protect my hair health, gave me a great cut, and walked me through exactly how to care for my hair type. No pressure, no upselling, just genuine care. My 2nd visit was just as wonderful. Very personable and comfortable. It was such a treat, and I’ll definitely keep going back. Highly recommend.
Laura Jean-Gilles
