Baylayage

Freehand hair color application — Photo: Hbrh/Shutterstock

Q: What is boliage and how do you do the technique? I've been a hairdresser for 16 years and keep seeing it on TV.

A: Well, BIOLAGE is a brand name for a hair care product line made by the Matrix Corporation. However, I think what you are referring to is the hair color technique for adding highlighting or lowlighting, called balayage.

Balayage is a freehand technique of color application. The hair color formula is mixed to a very thick consistency and is "painted" onto the hair as desired by the stylist using a brush. It can be used to create highlights, lowlights, panel colors or targeted color. The technique is very mutable and can be used to create a wide range of effects.

Usually, the results of a balayage color technique are subtle, but they don't have to be so. The results are only limited by the color chosen and the imagination of the stylist. So, grab a brush and bowl, mix up some color and go wild.

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See also:

How to color hair

How to choose natural-looking highlights

Foil highlighting and balayage highlighting applications

What is the difference between regular highlighting and balayage?