Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's really in style anymore

You'd be wrong.

It's simply an application technique for coloring hair. Nothing more, nothing less.

I get it because it allows me to go longer between appointments. You don't get the same harsh grow-out line.

I personally think it looks better on wavy/curly hair, and where there isn't too much contrast between your natural color and the highlight.

Thank you all.

I was thinking of trying the style in the SECOND photo on this page.

https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/balayage-for-bob-haircut-tips-47260084

But I am probably 3x that woman's age....so there is that.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t really understand the difference because every time I google it I get a bunch of heads with very wavy very long hair. I have a bob so it’s hard to imagine what balayage is, if it doesn’t give you super long wavy hair

I find that it has to be much more subtle with shorter, straight hair. I have balayage on straight shoulder length hair and it goes from medium brown at the roots to light brown at the ends. It looks very natural but it does not have the visual impact of balayage on long and wavy hair.

I prefer it over highlights. I only have to get it done once or twice a year so it doesn’t end up being more expensive than highlights on an annual basis. Just make sure you go to a stylist with a great reputation for balayage, specifically.

I have done it a few times and don’t see a big difference from foil highlights.

I don’t really understand the difference because every time I google it I get a bunch of heads with very wavy very long hair. I have a bob so it’s hard to imagine what balayage is, if it doesn’t give you super long wavy hair

Agree it’s cheaper than highlights. It looks nicer and cooler as it grows out, versus highlights you need to constantly touch up

I get one $275 balayage per year vs 2-3 $175 highlight appointments. I have the stylist paint it so that it grows out very naturally (not starting from top roots). I get as many compliments when it is fresh as several months later. So for me it is cheaper and fewer salon trips.

I love it on my dark hair and I can maintain covering my grey roots without hurting the balayage at the ends. I can also get it retoned if it gets brassy when I go in for roots.

I like that it gives my hair more dimension and complexity than all over color

I love mine. I’ve got shoulder length very dark hair and caramel balayage. It gives my hair dimension.

A 28 year old that works for me keeps suggesting that I do it. I don't love the way that hers looks - she is a lovely woman overall, but she is Indian with beautiful black hair, and to me, her hair looks strange with the painted on highlighting. She looked great when it was natural, before she had it done.

I prefer balayage to traditional foil highlights. It looks more natural since they are hand-painted on (foils often look stripe-y). I have brown hair and mine are really subtle and add dimension.

I don't think it's really in style anymore

I had natural blonde hair when I was young but now it is more brown. I am in my sixties with a gray streak in the front.

Have never had it dyed, but do occasional highlights, They are pretty subtle.