Summer is just around the corner and it's time to give your hair a balayage coloring that your friends will envy.
Ombre and balayage are hair coloring techniques that are wildly popular these days and for good reason. They look beautiful.
While we accommodate on trend women hairstyling needs, we also offer haircuts for men and children. Learn More button
Opened for business in 2011 in Daly City, California.
I have always had a passion for hair styling at a young age. I remembered my parents giving all of us rice bowl haircuts when we were little. I think it is hideous now, but my parents thought it was cool. Nevertheless, we rocked that style. It goes to show that hairstyles, perceptions, and trends constantly change. What’s most important is that you get a hairstyle/hairdo that suits you. And rock it like a star!!
Your hair is an extension of your individuality. If you want a hairstyle that is trendy and current or classic and timeless, I can make it happen. I specialize in hair styling, cut, and color for men, women, and kids.
While a good number of my clients come to me for their regular cuts, styling, and coloring, I have done some up-dos for special occasions and weddings.
As for coloring, I’ve had a lot of requests and have done a number of the ombre hair color lately. You will need to spend a couple hours of your day, but the result is stunning. If you are interested in this, contact me to book an appointment.
Hair techniques are an evolving art. I’ve honed my skills for the past seven years, but I’m constantly learning new techniques to make sure I give my clients the best looking hair when they walk out the door. My techniques have changed through the years, but one this is for certain….. my clients looking good is my mission.
Elements Salon
75 Washington Street
Daly City, CA 94014
(415) 938-6360
Balayage is the most popular hair coloring request in salons today. You've seen it on celebrities, Victoria Secret models, etc. The go-to for modern, chic hair, balayage creates depth and dimension, and leaves you with a sun-kissed finish. As summer is around the corner, now is the perfect time to spruce up your hair and look fabulous strolling down the street.
Balayage is a French coloring technique that was developed in the 1970s. It’s a freehand technique where the color is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques. Balayage can be used in even the shortest pixie crop however the best results are on hair below the shoulders.
You can achieve so many different effects from soft, natural highlights to something strong and spunky. The fact it’s so low maintenance is very appealing to women. People want to look fashionable and feel good about their appearance but in this day and age, we don't all have the time to be in the salon every few weeks for a touch up. It’s also a very economical way to color your hair as you never have a solid demarcation line or regrowth, so if you can’t afford to get it done for another month, it won't look atrocious. However, if your balayage isn't done correctly you can end up with excessive overlapping that can cause damage.
The process varies depending on the length of the hair and the desired result. You can expect to have individual strands colored with a brush and a backing board. Some colorists like to separate their sections with cotton wool or foil, others tease the hair in sections first then freehand color the ends.
Balayage is best done on natural hair, but never fear, it can also be done on color treated hair. A good color specialist should be able to come up with a technique to achieve the look you desire that best suits your hair type and color history. Usually for natural hair, one appointment is all it takes. For others, it may take a few appointments to phase out the old colors until the hair is ready to have only balayage. Afterwards, you would just need to come in 3-4 months later for a toner and touch up to freshen up the color.
Balayage is best finished with loose curls or a beachy, tousled look where you can see the color variations ribbon through the hair. Sharp, strong haircuts like a bob require a stronger color or a block color to show off the cut. In essence, balayage is best left to more flowing hairstyles.
Balayage will dry your hair out no more than classic foiling as long as you have a trained professional applying your color. As with foils you should always use salon professional shampoos and conditioners as well as have regular treatments. No matter what the technique, your color will always look its best if your hair is in good condition.
At Shear Envy, you can opt for other coloring techniques such as ombre, sombre, and foil. They all create different looks and give your hair multiple dimensions of color. Pay us a visit and we can see which technique and color tones work best for your hair.
Ombre hair and balayage are hair techniques that are currently very popular and on trend.
Both techniques require some skill if done at home and both can be achieved in the salon. Ombre and balayage are also very similar in many ways, but there are some key differences. Which look is best for you?
Ombre hair refers to the gradual lightening of the hair strand, usually fading from a darker color near the roots to a lighter one at the ends. Ombre can be very subtle or very striking. The look you want to achieve will depend on the technique and level of lightness.
DIY Ombre Hair:
Can you do your own ombre hair at home? It depends.
If your hair is medium brown to dark blonde, you should be able to buy a hair lightener and lighten the ends of your hair yourself.
If your hair is black or dark dark brown, you should see a professional if:
If your hair is black or dark dark brown, you can color on your own if:
Balayage is French meaning "to sweep". When a colorist is coloring, the majority of the brush strokes are horizontal in nature to coat the front and back of the hair strands. In balayage, the colorist "sweeps" vertically with the tip of the brush and only to the front of the hair. Thus creating natural, sun kissed highlights.
DIY Balayage Hair:
Can you do your own balayage at home? Maybe, maybe not.
Balayage is a trickier business than ombre. It requires more precision and a good knowledge of how lightener works as well as over all placement.
You will also need more tools such as a precision color brush, cotton, foil, bowls, etc.
To get the best balayage results, visit a professional!
If you're okay with roots, curly hair, and bleach, then ombre is great for you. Ombre hair is dark at the top gradually going lighter towards the bottom so it will almost look like you've skipped a few hair appointments. I recommend wavy or curly hair if you're rocking ombre hair because the line of demarcation (the "line" separating natural color from artificial color) will be prominent. Thus, if you straighten your hair, you will see a contrast. Waves and curls hide that line much better. Because ombre hair usually has very light ends, it is almost certain bleach will be used. And we all know the ends of our hair are the most damaged, so proceed with caution.
If you want low maintenance, subtle color, and like your hair straight, then balayage is great for you. Balayage may not require bleach depending on how light you want to go. Remember, it's supposed to look natural, so you will probably only go 2-3 shades lighter than your natural color. Because the color is painted on the hair vertically, you will not get that dreaded "line", meaning that as the color grows out, it will be less noticeable, making time between salon appointments longer. You can also straighten that hair without having to worry about seeing noticeable lines of color. And you can also wear it wavy or curly!
Both of these coloring options are on trend and can be sported hundreds of different ways. Hopefully this is helpful as you embark on your color journey to getting the best hair for your style.
If you have any questions or wish to book an appointment to discuss how best to achieve your desired look, please contact us.