{"id":19724,"date":"2021-12-08T15:32:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T20:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prose.com\/?p=19724"},"modified":"2025-06-09T14:14:06","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T18:14:06","slug":"how-to-balayage-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prose.com\/blog\/how-to-balayage-hair","title":{"rendered":"How to Balayage Hair at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So, for that reason, we\u2019ve summoned the expertise of colorist Rebekah Norris<\/a> of Cutler Salon<\/a> in NYC, who could balayage herself blindfolded if she had to. <\/p>

First step:<\/strong> Don\u2019t be blindfolded. <\/p>

Second step:<\/strong> Follow her advice exactly, so you don\u2019t end up with something more like a highlight. You only want to lift a few shades lighter than your natural color with a balayage, with a blended-in \u201cgrow out line\u201d, which means you won\u2019t need to touch it up as much or visit the salon for cleanups.<\/p>

Here are Norris\u2019 tips on how to balayage hair (which means \u201cto sweep\u201d like with a paint brush) to perfection. <\/p>

Third step:<\/strong> Don\u2019t use an actual paintbrush.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to expect from a balayage, based on hair type and color<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norris says that all hair can be painted, but different textures can expect different results. \u201cFor example, if you have a lot of very curly hair, you\u2019ll want to grab thicker pieces, creating a V-shape effect. And if you have fine, slightly wavy or straight hair, you\u2019ll want to pick up thinner pieces, making a U shape with the balayage.\u201d  <\/p>

As for your hair\u2019s starting color, it is what will dictate the end result\u2014making this a balayage and not a highlight. \u201cIf you have a medium to dark hair color (think hazelnut to vanilla bean pod), your hair will lift to a soft caramel or toffee hue,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd if you have medium to light hair color (think pecan to champagne or mousy blonde), then your hair painting will lift to a strawberry blonde or the inside of a coconut hue.\u201d <\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplies needed for a DIY balayage<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the things you\u2019ll need for the at-home balayage. You should be able to get them all from your nearest beauty supplier. <\/p>

  1. Three large hair clips<\/li>
  2. A comb for sectioning <\/li>
  3. A pair of gloves<\/li>
  4. A towel (one that can get bleach on it)<\/li>
  5. A color-safe mixing bowl and balayage brush<\/li>
  6. Balayage Clay Lightener (\u201cThis is specifically formulated so that it can lift your hair color in open air, meaning not in a highlighting foil,\u201d says Norris, whose preferred pick is Wella Color Charm Painting Balayage System<\/a>.) <\/li>
  7. 20 or 30 Volume Cream Developer (\u201cThe developer you choose will be based on how light or dark your natural hair color is. For example, if you were a baby with light hair then you should choose the 20 Volume<\/a>. If you were a baby with dark hair then you should choose the 30 Volume<\/a>.\u201d Again, her go-to is Wella.)<\/li><\/ol><\/p>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>
    View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div><\/div><\/a>

    A post shared by Rebekah Norris (@rebekahnorris_hair)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>