Got your balayage hair done and love the fresh look? Many women love the effortless look of balayage, but maintaining that look can be tricky without knowing the aftercare essentials.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
This article will walk you through the dos and don’ts after getting a balayage hair colour so you can enjoy vibrant, healthy highlights for longer.
What is Balayage Hair?
Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep” or “paint.” This technique involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair to create a soft, sun-kissed effect.
Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage offers a more natural and blended look, often mimicking how the sun would naturally lighten your hair. The result? Low-maintenance highlights that grow out without harsh regrowth lines.
What is the Difference Between a Balayage and Hair Colour?
While both balayage and traditional hair colouring involve changing your hair colour, the techniques differ significantly. Balayage focuses on hand-painted highlights for a natural, blended look. On the other hand, traditional hair dyes usually involve a more uniform application of colour, either to the whole head or specific sections, often resulting in a more solid and less blended result.
Things to Do and Avoid After Getting a Balayage in Singapore
While a balayage can transform your look, proper aftercare is the secret to maintaining its beauty. Consider these essential do’s and don’ts for gorgeous, healthy hair:
Balayage Aftercare To-Do List
Want to keep your balayage looking as good as the day you left the salon?
1. Do Weekly Treatments
Balayage, like any colouring process, can dry your hair. Combat this by indulging in weekly hydrating treatments to keep your hair looking extra soft, shiny, and healthy. Deep conditioning masks or leave-in treatments are your best friends in maintaining that post-salon glow.
2. Use Dry Shampoo Between Washings
Frequently washing can strip your hair of natural oils and fade your balayage. So, if your hair starts feeling greasy, using a dry shampoo can help with that. It helps absorb excess oil, leaving your hair feeling fresh throughout the day. Simply spray the dry shampoo onto areas that tend to get oily, like your hairline or crown, and gently massage it in.
3. Get Regular Touch-Ups and Toners
To keep your balayage hair colour looking its best, schedule touch-ups every 8–12 weeks. This helps refresh the highlights and tones down any brassiness that may appear over time.
4. Do Use a Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a must-have for those with cool or ash-toned balayage. It helps neutralise yellow tones, keeping your hair colour looking fresh and vibrant. Remember to use it sparingly, though, as overuse can lead to over-toning.
5. Protect Hair from the Sun and Chlorine
The sun’s UV rays, chlorine and salt water can fade your balayage and damage your hair. Protect your hair with UV-protectant sprays and minimise chlorine exposure by wearing a swim cap or applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming.
What to Avoid After Getting a Balayage Hair Colour
There are a few things to avoid if you want your balayage to last. Skipping these common mistakes will keep your colour looking great and your hair in top shape:
1. Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day
Overwashing strips natural oils, which may lead to dryness. Limiting hair washing to just 2–3 times a week can help prevent your balayage from fading too quickly and drying out.
2. Avoid Heat Styling Too Often
Excessive heat styling can weaken your hair and dull its shine. Use heat protectants when styling, and limit the use of heating devices such as curling irons and blow dryers.
3. Don’t Use Hair Products Containing Sulfates
Sulfates in shampoos and conditioners can strip away moisture and fade your colour. Switch to sulfate-free hair products to maintain the health and vibrancy of your balayage.
4. Do Not Retouch It Yourself
DIY balayage touch-ups can lead to uneven colouring or damage. Always consult a professional stylist to maintain the seamless, natural look that balayage is known for.
Get Expert Help to Maintain a Healthy Balayage Hair
A little maintenance goes a long way in preserving the beauty of your balayage hair. By following these tips, you can keep your highlights fresh, soft, and full of life.
For expert hair care, book an appointment at reputable hair salons in Singapore like NK Hairworks to ensure you get personalised balayage services and achieve stunning, long-lasting results.