Balayage and highlights: playing with light
Balayage is a freehand hair-lightening technique that creates soft, sun-kissed dimension with discreet regrowth, usually needing a touch-up only two to three times a year. Balayage originated in Europe, became popular in California, then took hold in Montreal. Painted freehand with a brush, the highlights are two to three shades lighter than the base to create dimension.
Every balayage begins with a close look at your natural color.
Balayage
Painted freehand, without foils or a cap, balayage lets the color develop in the open air rather than under trapped heat. The result: a softer blend, almost invisible regrowth and that sun-kissed blond glow, never flat. It requires light upkeep with a toner or gloss.
Highlights
Placed in foils all over the head, from root to tip, highlights give a crisp, bright, even blond, right down to the nape. Traditionally woven, it's the technique that gives the most lift short of an all-over bleach. Since regrowth shows at the root, plan a touch-up every three to four months. A gloss, added to the service, is essential, then renewed every six to eight weeks.
Ombré and ombré balayage
A classic ombré creates a more defined transition between two shades, often starting at mid-length. Ombré balayage, painted freehand, softens that same transition into a seamless blend with no harsh line. It's the version you see most on social media right now.
Root Shadow
A shadow deliberately added back at the root on already-lightened hair, for a bold, intentional contrast. This technique needs a solid lightened base. It pairs well with an existing balayage or highlights.
Foilyage
Balayage, taken further. Strands are painted freehand, then wrapped in foil, which lightens much more than a classic balayage, up to a light blond, while keeping a natural, seamless blend. More product, more time, more lift: ideal for going from brunette to blond without visible roots. Lasts 6 months to a year; a gloss, added to the service, finishes the color the same day and maintains it every 6 to 8 weeks.
AirTouch
The most precise technique on our menu. Each section is blown with a blow-dryer to push out the shorter hairs, so only the longer lengths are lightened. The result: the softest blend and the most discreet regrowth, even more so than balayage or foilyage. It's also the most time-consuming. Lasts 6 months to a year; gloss required, added to the service, then every 6 to 8 weeks.
Babylights
Very fine highlights woven throughout the head for a bright, natural blond, like hair lightened by the sun. More subtle than balayage, brighter around the face. Since the highlights start at the root, upkeep is more frequent, but over time hair becomes evenly blond without ever going through an all-over bleach. Touch-up every 3 to 4 months; gloss required, added to the service, then every 6 to 8 weeks. Rough-dry included; blowout optional. Price depends on your colorist: Brenda, an experienced colorist, or Léo, master colorist and brand educator. A 30-minute consultation is recommended on your first visit.
Choosing the right shade
Which balayage is right for me?
The right balayage isn't chosen from a photo. It starts with your natural color, the way light falls on your face and the upkeep that fits your life. Sun-kissed blond, caramel or a subtle glow: every shade is tailored to you.
Before
After
Pairs well with
A balayage often benefits from color, lightening or a new cut, depending on the look you want.
Softening your color, adding light: it all starts with a consultation.
Balayage and Highlights
Frequently asked questions
Balayage is painted freehand, for a diffused result and discreet regrowth. Highlights, separated in foils, give a sharper contrast but need more frequent touch-ups. The choice depends as much on the look you want as on how often you'd like to come in.
Gray and white hair react differently to color: some shades slip, others don't take well. A consultation lets us adjust the technique and formula for an even result, without yellow or dull gray tones.
Balayage fades gently and can be worn for several months without an urgent touch-up. Highlights, with their sharper line of regrowth, need more frequent visits. The right timing is set during your consultation, based on your hair.
Yes, balayage and highlights can be combined: the two techniques work well together for a multidimensional effect, richer than a single approach. The balance between them depends on your natural color and the result you want.