Why is balayage the hottest hair trend?

First we had the ombre and dip dye brigade making grown-out colour en vogue. But sophisticated stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle Macpherson have been rocking the two-tone look for years in a much more subtle way. Balayage – where colour is applied freehand to areas of the hair where the light naturally hits – may have been popular for a long time, but it’s only starting to gain the recognition it deserves.

We sat down with Cat Hawkes, Artistic Director at Marquee, to find out how to achieve the perfect balayage effect, and try it out for ourselves.

What does the process involve?
I have so many clients come in asking for balayage, ombre, somber, ecaile but as there as so many colour trends at the moment many of my clients often are often a little confused when it comes to seeing and asking for what they would like. Balayage is actually a technique, not a colour effect or end result. Many colouring looks are perfected using the art of balayage. It is essentially the freehand method of applying colour to lighten or darken the hair using your hands instead of foils or a cap.

How does it differ from other hair treatments like ombre for example?
Ombre is a graduation of colour from dark roots to light ends, it’s very obvious. Balayage gives a more highlighted effect, it’s more subtle.

Is it moreor less harmful then other types of hair colour?
No, it’s not any more or less damaging than any other colouring technique. It really depends on the condition of your hair and how much chemical or mechanical damage the hair goes through – for example if you straighten your hair daily then colour is going to weaken the hair further. Adding a treatment such as Olaplex to your colour can actually help to repair the hair whilst the colouring process is happening. It’s the latest celebrity secret and was how Kim Kardashian managed to go bleach blonde back to the dark side in a matter of weeks without damaging her hair.

What’s makes it so popular?
Celebrities have defiantly made balayage a popular choice. Women aspire to have that Khloe Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Lilly Aldridge look, and it looks very natural.

Does it require a lot of maintenance?
No. It’s perfect for ladies who don’t want to have regular colouring or a fearful of damaging their hair. It’s also a subtle way to introduce colour for some clients that want a change but not something so dramatic. The best thing about balayage is its very low maintenance. You don’t need to come back too often to touch up the roots and so you can let it grow out naturally.

Marquee Salon, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, +971 4 420 7700