Balliage refers to a technique primarily used in the field of hairdressing and coloring. In this process, individual strands of hair are separated and coated with a lightener or hair color, usually with the aim of creating subtle or dramatic highlights, lowlights, or a multidimensional effect. The term "balliage" comes from the French word "balayer," which means "to sweep" or "to paint."
The balliage technique involves skillful and artistic hand painting, where the hairstylist takes into consideration the client's desired result and the natural flow of the hair. It allows for a more customized, personalized approach compared to traditional foil highlighting techniques. By using the balliage method, the stylist can create softer, more natural-looking color transitions and soft infusions of color.
The process of balliage begins with the hair being sectioned and held outwards from the head, allowing the colorist to easily paint the product on selected sections of hair. The hand-painting technique provides greater control over where the color is applied and allows for more creativity in achieving different effects. After applying the color, the stylist may use various tools, such as brushes or combs, to blend and distribute it further. Balayage can be done using either a lightener or hair color, depending on the desired outcome.
Balliage has gained popularity due to its ability to provide a more natural and sun-kissed look, as well as its low-maintenance nature. The technique has been widely embraced by clients seeking trendy, fashionable, and low-commitment hair color solutions.
