In short, balayage is a technique for applying color and ombre is more of a style or effect.
We asked Twylla Jane to break down the technique between both to help further differentiate. “Ombre is typically done with lightener being placed horizontally with full saturation of the section and is then blended upward to diffuse the line. Balayage takes smaller sectioning, where color will be painted onto the surface of the hair,” she explains. So while ombre is more of a horizontal placement, Balayage is more vertical.
The good news is both result in a pretty low maintenance routine, since the haircolor placement is not strict but done in gradual (for Ombre) or sweeping (for Balayage) placement. Regular foil highlights, for example, require more regular visits to the salon. However, it will cost you. Getting the actual service done and achieving the result you’re looking for can be expensive, but do keep in mind the final look will require much less maintence!
“Balayage and Ombre are both specialized, often times requiring a higher beauty budget and time in the salon,” Jaclyn adds. “It is a low maintenance result, but important to continue haircare treatments and consistent visits to the salon to maintain optimal color results.”
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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Janine Young
