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The word “balayage” is a french word meaning “to sweep” or “to paint.” It is a technique for highlighting in which the lightener is hand painted onto the hair to give it a natural, gradual transition. Overall it gives a really blended natural look with no harsh or obvious regrowth lines.
Basically, it leaves a sunkissed, natural glow to your hair by using various tones of light and dark to create multiple dimensions of colour. The lightener is painted directly onto the surface of the hair and is not saturated right through until the tips of your hair. This is what creates the natural progression of the dye, leaving a beautiful natural look. Depending on how light you want to go, the process uses a clay-based lightener, which is much less damaging than typical lightener used to highlight hair. Its consistency is much more thick, which is why it's used for open-air highlights. With this method there is no need for foils. Once the clay based bleach dries, it stops working, which avoids the worry of over-processing and damaging your hair. Here are some reasons to consider balayage at your next visit... 1) You're looking for a change If you are looking for a bit of a hair change-up the season, balayage may be the answer to your hair prayers. Fall/winter is the perfect time to add a natural glow to your hair moving into the cooler months. Since a balayage grows out beautifully, it leaves you free to change up your hair again for the spring if you wish. 2) Added Colour Dimension Balayage adds beautiful dimension to your hair in the most natural way. If you are apprehensive about colouring your hair or nervous about a dramatic change, balayage is the perfect way to meet in the middle. You know the way the sun catches the light and dark tones in your hair that you didn't even know your hair had? Balayage does the same thing but, well, permanently. 3) It’s Low Maintenance Typically, people avoid colouring their hair because of the maintenance that follows to keep their hair strong and healthy and to keep the colour looking fresh. Because of the way balayage is hand-painted onto the hair the colour grows out seamlessly and there are no harsh growth lines. This means less trips to the salon and less need to continuously re-colour your hair! If you invest in some quality hair products, you will be all set. 4) It's Suitable for all Hair Types What I love about balayage is that it works great on all hair types. Whether your hair colour is dark or light, or your hair type is wavy, straight, curly, short or long, balayage will most likely suit your hair, as long as you have the right hair colourist. If you have a great colourist, they will know exactly which shades will be realistic and work best for your hair colour, creating a placement unique to just your hair. So, You're Ready To Explore The World Of Balayage? Here's What To Ask Your Hairstylist Consulting with your hairstylist before making the commitment to colour your hair is extremely important. It gives them a chance to advise you on which shades to go with, as well as for you to get a feel for them. Most hair salons offer free consultations, so don't be afraid to ask for one. If you'd like to consult about trying a balayage on your hair, feel free to email me directly at [email protected]
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When it comes to makeup, our looks are only as good as the brushes we use. Hence why you’ve convinced yourself to splurge on that $60 contour brush. Well, the same rule applies when it comes to hair. The only difference is, when was the last time you actually thought about your hairbrush? While we constantly give praise to our more beloved straighteners and curling wands, the powers of a good old hairbrush (aka the unsung heroes of hair styling and hair care) are typically overlooked. If this sounds relatable, you’re probably in need of the right hair brush. Choosing the right hair brush and using it correctly can make all the difference in achieving your perfect hair look. There are so many different kinds of brushes on the market... but do you know which one to use for what? Are you using the brush that is right for you? Here's a quick guide on the most popular and widely used hairbrushes: # 1 Paddle Brush Hair type: all Best for: detangling hair Owned by many, the paddle brush is known for its ability to quickly detangle hair with ease and comfort. Not only does its flat, wide, rectangular surface allow the brush to move with your control but it also provides exceptionally smooth results without breaking the natural pattern of wavy and curly hair. For a pin straight look use the paddle brush to prep the hair and follow with the flat iron. Pro Tip: Paddle brushes are made with different types of bristles. For thick hair, choose a brush with sturdier bristles like nylon and synthetic, which can run smoothly through textured hair. #2 Round Brush Hair type: medium to thick Best for: blowouts With the proper round brush and a lot of practice (and lots of upper body strength), you can nail salon fresh blowdry at home. Typically, round brushes are made with a metal or iconic barrel which heat up when used with a blow dryer (it works pretty much like a curling wand). The round brush helps tame frizz and delivers the desired amount of bounce to your hair. Not only are there tons of bristle options when it comes to round brushes, but they also come in a variety of sizes. There are two things to consider when choosing the size of your round brush: the length of your hair and the size of the curl/wave you want to create. Round brushes are ideal for creating that volume and body in your hair. Small size brushes create a nice bend in the ends, while brushes with larger barrels are known to straighten hair and give body. #3 Detangling Wet Brush Hair type: All Best for: detangling hair wet and dry fine hair Hair is at its more delicate state while it's wet. So to prevent breakage, you’re going to want a brush that is specifically designed to release tangles. Wet brushes are typically made with wide-tooth plastic bristles that can easily undo stubborn knots painlessly and easily. Because the bristles are super flexible, they work through the knots instead of breaking the hair. #4 Rat Tail Comb Hair type: all Best for: parting hair into sections Sometimes the best brush isn’t a brush at all. The rat tail comb gets its name from its long and skinny end, which is used to part the hair in precise, clean sections. Next time you want to wear your hair in dutch braids, part your hair into two equal sections with this hair comb. Believe us, it makes everything so much easier. This comb can also be used for gently backcombing your hair. #5 Natural Boar Bristle Brush Hair type: fine-medium hair Best for: styling dry hair For high-shine Hollywood waves, you’re going to want to try the boar bristle brush. Although they might not look the most delicate on the scalp, the boar bristles are designed to gently glide through the hair (like the paddle brush) without snagging or pulling on roots, making it the go-to brush for women who have fine hair. Because of its ability to evenly distribute natural oils from the scalp through the hair, we recommend using the boar bristle brush after heat styling. You can also brush your hair right before bed to condition dry ends. Remember, finding products that are right for your hair type can make a world of difference. Try these different kinds of hair brushes out and see how you can transform your hair!
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I've got you covered!YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS RELATED TO HAIR AND HEALING. AuthorChristine White is a stylist, educator and the owner of Chroma Salon in Sarnia, ON. Archives
December 2023
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