How long does Balayage Last?

Now that the experts at Marietta based, Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique have helped you decide between Balayage and Highlights, they are here to offer tips on its lifespan and how to maintain it between applications at home.

To briefly recap: The definition of Balayage (pronounced bah-lee-ahge) is a freehand hair-highlighting technique where color is hand-painted onto the hair to create a soft, natural-looking gradation of lightness. Derived from the French word meaning "to sweep," the process involves "sweeping" lightener along the surface of the hair to mimic the way sunlight naturally lightens it over time.

Originating in France in the 1970s, Balayage typically features less color at the root and heavier saturation at the mid-lengths and ends, offering a low-maintenance, blended look with minimal, soft-focus regrowth. Balayage is also suitable for all hair types and lengths. 

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Average Balayage Lifespan

Now that we are refreshed, how often does Balayage typically require being touched up? The answer - about every three to four months. Because the color is hand-painted and leaves a seamless, blended root, many clients can even stretch their sessions to five or six months before needing a full re-application. The lifespan varies for everyone and it also depends on if your Three-13 Salon expert technician works with a full or partial foil method. 

While the actual Balayage technique can last for months, the color or toner used on the ends may fade faster, prompting clients to book a quick gloss treatment at Three-13 Salon between Balayage treatments to keep their hair looking fresh and avoid brassiness.

It is also good to note that Platinum, icy, or pastel tones will inevitably fade quicker than rich, warm, or caramel tones. Your natural hair color also plays a role in longevity. For example if your natural given hair is dark brown or black, regrowth will become apparent faster than if your natural hair is medium brown or light blonde.

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Factors That Affect Longevity

Let’s get to the root of what to try and not do, shall we?! Marietta based Three-13 Salon advises clients to avoid washing hair too frequently. If possible, avoid washing hair for at least 48-hours post Balayage treatment. This allows the newly deposited color molecules to fully settle and lock into the hair cuticle. Daily washing strips natural oils and color molecules. Color molecules are natural or synthetic (from color dyes) pigments in the hair. Washing hair every day results in premature fading of both the oils and the color. Using non- color-safe shampoos, conditioners and other hair products will also dull the color results more rapidly. Excessive use of heat tools without protective thermal products will also degrade the hair cuticle and fade the color. Just as we are taught to protect our skin, we need to also protect our hair as prolonged sunlight exposure can take a toll on color. Chlorine and saltwater can also effect the longevity of Balayage. 

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Balayage Maintenance

Three-13 Salon in Marietta helps clients keep their Balayage fresh with a plan that will work for each individual. While you are with your haircare expert, book a gloss or toner treatment about four-six weeks from the initial Balayage treatment. This helps to maintain the color and tone out any unwanted yellow or brassy tones. Both treatments will neutralize fading and revive the color and shine. 

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Tips to Make Balayage Last Longer

Give your color the best chance to live a full and colorful life in between salon visits at home by washing two to three times per week. You can easily extend a wash with a trusted Dry Shampoo. When washing, only use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Your Three-13 Salon expert will gladly review the best products for you to use at home. Purple shampoo or a color-depositing mask should be used at least once a week to keep the brassiness away. Heat protectants are another tool to keep hair safe and fresh looking between salon visits. Keep hair hydrated with a deep-conditioning hair mask one to three times a month. A Three-13 Salon expert is ready and waiting to answer any questions about your treatment and visit, utilize them as an extended maintenance resource.