There are constantly new trends coming about in the beauty industry. One of the newest trends taking the industry by storm is balayage coloring. So what exactly is balayage and why is it slowly taking over salons? Although the balayage technique is slowly making its way through the hair salon circuit, the techinique has been around since the ‘70s. The word balayage comes from the French word meaning to sweep or paint. No matter what type of hair you have the balayage coloring effect will still be breathtaking. Balayage allows for a more natural-looking hair color with less noticeable regrowth lines. The color is applied on the surface of the hair but isn’t saturated until it gets to the tips. Balayage can also be called a freehand technique because no foil is needed. Without having to use foils, the hairstylist can scatter the highlights throughout your hair creating a more natural-looking color. Working with foils gives you a more grid-like pattern. Even if you have had foil highlights before it’s not too late to switch to balayage. One positive aspect of balayage color is that it does not require a lot of maintenance. The color grows out more naturally so you don’t have a defined regrowth line. Most people can usually wait up to eight weeks before a touchup. The longer you wait for a touchup the more of an ombré look you will be creating. As with any other color process, balayage coloring still needs to be protected by using color-safe shampoos and conditioners and heat protectant when styling. No matter what highlighting technique you opt for it still takes 72 hours for the cuticle of your hair to close after it has been opened for a coloring process. Wait at least that long before shampooing. You can rinse and condition your hair if needed.