Balayage is more than just a hair coloring technique—it’s a personalized art form that can be tailored to enhance your unique style and face shape. Whether you’re going for a soft, sun-kissed look or something more bold and dramatic, this versatile technique offers endless possibilities for customization.
Why Choose Balayage?
Unlike traditional highlights that use foil to create uniform streaks, balayage is a freehand technique that allows the stylist to “paint” the hair, resulting in a more natural and blended look. This method gives you a softer, more dimensional effect that can mimic how the sun naturally lightens hair.
What makes balayage special is that it doesn’t have to be “one-size-fits-all.” Each application can be tailored to suit your face shape, hair texture, and personal style.
Customizing Balayage for Your Face Shape
When deciding on the perfect balayage, it’s important to consider your face shape, as the placement of highlights can significantly impact your overall look.
Round Face Shape. If you have a round face, the goal is often to create length and add definition. Vertical balayage highlights that start around the ears and gradually lighten towards the ends help elongate the face. Pair this with slightly darker tones on the sides for an illusion of slimmer cheekbones.
Oval Face Shape. Oval faces are naturally balanced, so subtlety works best. A sun-kissed balayage with soft, all-over highlights will enhance your natural proportions without overpowering your features. For added dimension, use multiple shades to create depth and movement.
Square Face Shape. Square faces benefit from balayage that softens the strong angles of the jawline. Face-framing highlights that start at the temples and jawline create a softer, more rounded appearance. By blending the color into the rest of the hair, you can balance out your features.
Heart-Shaped Face. With a wider forehead and narrower chin, heart-shaped faces can achieve balance by adding highlights near the chin and jawline to draw attention downward. This creates a more harmonious appearance by balancing out the wider top portion of the face.
Tailoring Balayage to Your Style
One of the best things about balayage is its ability to adapt to your lifestyle. Whether you want a low-maintenance look or love experimenting with your hair, balayage can work for you.
- Low-Maintenance Glow. Since balayage grows out naturally, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a style that requires fewer touch-ups. The highlights fade seamlessly, meaning you can go longer between salon visits while still looking fresh
- Bold and Beautiful. If you prefer something a bit more dramatic, ask your stylist for high-contrast balayage with vivid color transitions. This approach is especially striking for those who love making a bold statement with their hair.
Consulting with a Professional
The key to a flawless balayage is working with a skilled stylist who understands how to customize the technique for your specific needs.
Before your appointment, bring inspiration photos and discuss your lifestyle, maintenance expectations, and hair goals. A good stylist will take all of this into account to create a look that’s uniquely you.
Aveda Theory Hair Salon 
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