For those of you who like me, were wondering what the word Balayage means, well, let me give you the direct translation. It means “to sweep” in French. To balayage means to use a brush and paint the hair in sweeping motions. And that was what my dearest, lovely (did I tell you I’m in love with my hairstylist?) hairstylist did on my hair.
I’m a little bit late into this game. It’s been around for YEARS! Yes, years! And was huge…I think 3 years ago and counting. There are a few reasons why I waited this long to do something different to my hair. First, money – yes it’s NOT cheap to get balayage done to your hair. Secondly – time – time to get into a salon and get it done and time to actually sit there in the salon to have it done. Finally, I’m a chicken sh*t. There, I’ve said it. I had to wait about 2 months to decide if I wanted it done. I wasn’t sure if it would suit me or what the colours would turn out to be. I didn’t want to come out looking like a skunk, stripey tiger or worse still destroying my hair.
Then came the cut. Having finally grown bored of growing out my hair, I decided to go for it and have it cut into the much coveted (by me), long bob. A bob that is slightly longer than the normal bob with layers in the right places. I think that’s what it means. So, with some sound advice from my dearest hairstylist, Gabby from Oscar Oscar Salons over in Chadstone (no, this is definitely NOT a sponsored post, I paid for it myself), I started scouring the Internet for some hair inspiration. I started pinning (see..I did say pinning literally didn’t I?!) some styles I would consider before I actually take the plunge.
Source: littleplastichorses.blogspot.com
I have always adored Alexa Chung and her hairstyle, so included her in there – love the soft waves and the layers in her hair.
Source: beauty.about.com
Love Liv Tyler’s cut and colour.
Source: hairromance.com
As well as Olivia Palermo’s.
So, having stared at these and a few others on my “Hairstyles I’m Considering” board, I thought – YES, I am going to do it. Life is too short to be boring and safe all the time.
Here’s a BEFORE photo so you know how (sad) I looked before the whole treatment and cut.
Before
And here’s the “alien” undergoing transformation:
Foils on my hair during balayage
And here’s the end result:
With balayage
It took an overall 3 hours – yes you read it right! 3 HOURS to get that. Thank goodness I’ve got Gabby to entertain me with her stories. Love it when I don’t have to sit there and just read a magazine. That would have bored me to death! This included, balayage, cut, treatment and curling using the straightening iron. The colour is pretty subtle, which was what I was after and is noticeable when light hits it . The length of my hair is now around my shoulders with layers in the right places, giving it more body than my previously flat, longer hairstyle. I’ve already got slightly natural waves, so when it’s not curled, the hair wisps out in the right places. That’s what I call a really good hair cut. I have to say I am more than pleased with the result. In fact I am THRILLED!! And the good news is, I can still tie up my hair in different styles – as you can see from my Instagram with this week’s Fox in Flats ”Braid Dare“.
Day 1 & 2 of Fox In Flats Braid Dare
Have you ever tried balayage? If so, what has been your experience with it?
11 comments
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Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me
June 26, 2012 at 6:08 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I have not tried it but it looks terrific!
Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me recently posted..Personal Torture
baublesb
July 2, 2012 at 1:21 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thanks Tina!
Maybe put “balayage” in the “things to try” next time. 
hehehehe
fashion stylist Melbourne
June 27, 2012 at 2:21 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I agree with Tina, I also tried this and it was awesome, Thanks for this Blog.
baublesb
July 2, 2012 at 1:22 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Yes Cindy, it’s awesome isn’t it. Love the fact that I won’t need a touch up (because it’s really on the ends) as often as if I did highlights!
Jac at Common Chaos Chronicle
June 27, 2012 at 10:06 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Nope, had no idea what it even was until i read your post. Looks amazing Norlin. Very nice
Jac at Common Chaos Chronicle recently posted..Feeding The Monsters For A Month – Meal Planning Around the New Arrival.
baublesb
July 2, 2012 at 1:23 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thanks Jac, first time for everything as they say.
Ling
October 22, 2012 at 10:14 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
OMG it took my colour 3hours too! I was late and I totally forgot that I booked 5.15pm, like seriously when have I ever left the office at 4.45pm? Anyway, he was kind enough not to go PMS at me. But it took ages, I was hungry and anxious. We do not ever discuss what colour, what style. He just does because he is the expert and I have no idea about hair.
But yes.. balayage looks amazing. I want more pics of the colour pleaseeeee..
Ling recently posted..Stalk my Weekend: Miu Miu and Deck Garden
baublesb
October 24, 2012 at 7:28 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Oh yes! It takes such a long time. I felt quite faint in the first hour tbh. This time, I’ll be bringing my iPad to read. Or else I’ll go NUTS!!
baublesb recently posted..Bling It On! How I Stole the Thunder from My Girls
The Made Up Maiden
October 24, 2012 at 6:06 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
You look fab! I have wanted balayage for ages but I’ve been afraid of bleaching my hair to get a really obvious result. I did have a similar result from having foils put in, which i loved. Having said that, booking in for my proper balayage session on Saturday, just hoping I’m well enough to do it then!
The Made Up Maiden recently posted..OPI – The Man With The Golden Gun.
baublesb
October 24, 2012 at 7:30 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
With balayage, you really need to be super careful especially if your hair is really dark. You don’t want to go to too light and damage your hair. Usually about 2 shades lighter? I’m hoping to add other colours this time round. Call it my mid-life crisis!
baublesb recently posted..Bling It On! How I Stole the Thunder from My Girls
Michelle
October 27, 2012 at 9:43 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I love your end result. I was researching ‘balayage bob’ and your blog came up! I’m wanting to cut my now long and boring hair into a shoulder length bob. I actually already have balayage and as you said it takes forever! Mine took about 4 hours plus an extra appointment for another round of toner. I’m half Chinese and I got all of my dad’s dark features including black thick Asian hair, so I was really concerned about looking like a tiger. Fortunately, my stylist used a really low peroxide so that it would gradually get lighter over about 40mins instead of using a higher peroxide and turning my hair orange instantly! The second toner really made it quite natural and soft and it’s not so bright in the sun which I’m happy about. Thinking I will definitely have the cut and balayage again. Hopefully, youbare still enjoying your hair!