Haircolor confusion ….. What does it all mean? Written by Kim Denton Owner/Salon Coach

As a Boise hair salon stylist, the terms Ombre, Balayage, Sun Lights Ombre, Foils, and Highlights can often be confusing not only to professionals like myself but to many of our clients as well. Guy Tang said it best when he said “Call it for what it its.” As stylists, we are happy to #HashTag anything just to get our name out there but in doing so, we have caused quite a bit of confusion in the world of haircolor. Haircolor these days has been moving so fast over the past couple of years that sometimes it can be hard just to keep up and share as much information with our clients as possible. In respect to Guy Tang, we need to call it for what it is so that there is less confusion on both parts.

So let’s face it. Are we really taking the time to communicate with our clients or are we simply using #HashTags  just to get our name out there?

When it comes to looking at a picture for inspiration, it’s important to really study it. We all know that a darker level of hair cannot go platinum with a balayage! Balayage is a haircolor painting technique for a soft, subtle, natural look that resembles a young girl’s hair. It is used with a clay based lightener that will not swell, puff or bleed. However, it is NOT powerful enough to lift hair more than a couple of levels. Over time and with persistence it will lighten hair gradually but it always gives it a sun kissed look like you were hanging out in the sun at the beach.

Ombre is a term used for a lighter look on the ends. Usually the roots are shadowed meaning a darker shade than the natural level. This can be a dramatic look or a subtle look. The hair is usually back combed and the hair left out is foiled for a brighter result.

Sun Lights on the other hand, are a beautiful look for clients in between. This term consists of baby highlights on the top of the head followed with a ombre to brighten up the ends. Also, shading the root area can be done for a more dramatic look. Keep in mind that clients and stylists often both mistake this technique for Bayalage. *Remember this technique includes foils so you will get lighter results than the Balayage technique.

But more than anything, let’s face it… Sometimes a beautiful highlight is all a client needs to get the job done! So no matter what color technique you’re interested in trying, its best to consult with your Boise hair salon stylist. Happy coloring!