The 2nd annual National Balayage Week kicks off today, brought to you by Matrix, and we bring you a trend report from the Matrix experts!
Learn about Matrix experts thoughts about this iconic coloring technique, favorite celebrity balayage, after-care and more! Click here to learn more about what Matrix has in store this week for you!
Why do you think the balayage technique is so popular?
- MATRIX Celebrity Colorist George Papanikolas
“Balayage has a universal appeal since it can be dialed up for an edgy high contrast effect or dialed down for a softer sun-kissed effect. It can also be adjusted warm or cool to suit the individual’s skin tone.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Michelle O’Connor
“It is so popular because it’s a very curated look. No two balayage services are identical. It is truly the most artistic and organically executed technique available in hair color services.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Nick Stenson
“Balayage is a beautiful color technique for many different hair types. Done well, a great balayage can last for months and leave hair color softly blended and fabulous.”
- MATRIX Brand Ambassador Rachel Bodt
“I think people really love how soft and effortless it is. The grow out is so much more forgiving because of this softness.”
What’s your favorite celebrity balayage look?
- MATRIX Celebrity Colorist George Papanikolas
“My favorite celeb balayage looks have been seen on Hannah Jeter, Khloe Kardashian and Lily Aldridge. The multi-tonal looks with depth at the root and high contrast “tips” have been the look’s poster girls.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Michelle O’Connor
“Sarah Jessica Parker is truly iconic in terms of reintroducing the balayage trend to pop culture. This goes back to her Sex and The City days where she sported many versions of balayage. These looks range from lighter blonde sun-kissed face framing pieces perfectly situated next to darker brunette tones all the way to a tone-on-tone lighter blonde / darker blonde variation. She’s hands down the queen of balayage.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Nick Stenson
“I must say, JLo always has a stunning and flawless balayage. The honey tones her colorist uses always compliment her beautifully.”
- MATRIX Brand Ambassador Rachel Bodt
“I love looking at celebrity balayage looks because I think most people think balayage is ombré but there are some great ways to use this technique. I love using Margot Robbie, Lily Aldridge and Selena Gomez as references.”
What hair types do you think balayage looks best on?
- MATRIX Celebrity Colorist George Papanikolas
“Longer hair, with long layers allow the color to play off the light and dark pieces. Styling it in waves really brings the dimension and ribbons of color to life.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Michelle O’Connor
“Balayage really looks great on any hair types. However, balayage where you lift the hair to the lighter and sunnier golden blonde hues, tend to be the most impactful.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Nick Stenson
“I truly enjoy balayage color for all hair types, perhaps because it’s such a customizable technique. Balayage is a great way to amp up curly and textured hair for even more definition and it’s also perfect for seamless techniques with the straightest of hair. The only real must for balayage is to have enough hair length to paint on to create a soft-blended effect.”
- MATRIX Brand Ambassador Rachel Bodt
“I think it really can look good on anyone. The technique itself can really be contoured to almost any hair type or color!”
What are your tips for at home maintenance for balayage? Any Matrix products you’d recommend?
- MATRIX Celebrity Colorist George Papanikolas
“With balayage, the ends of the hair can take a beating since they are usually the lightest color. Using products like MATRIX Total Results Unbreak My Blonde ensures that the bonds of the hair are protected, and that the hair is thoroughly nourished and moisturized. I also suggest using a blue base shampoo once a week, such as MATRIX Total Results Brass Off Shampoo to neutralize any unwanted brassy tones.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Michelle O’Connor
“Absolutely! I recommend the MATRIX Total Results Unbreak My Blonde system for keeping the hair in optimum shape. These formulas help reinforce the hair bonds as well as leaving it incredibly shiny and strong. All products are infused with citric acid which is known to stimulate blood circulation on the scalp, making your hair glossy, as well as balance out the PH level in your hair.”
- MATRIX Artistic Director Nick Stenson
“As with any highlighting service, at home care and maintenance is crucial for the hair’s integrity and polish to keep hair looking great. Reach for the MATRIX Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s great for all hair types because it’s sulfate free and will leave hair 3 times stronger than before.”
- MATRIX Brand Ambassador Rachel Bodt
“I always suggest color depositing shampoos / conditioners to keep tones looking fresh and polished, such as the MATRIX Total Results So Silver and Brass Off collections. I also love laminating treatments, such as the MATRIX Total Results High Amplify Shine Rinse Lamellar Treatment because it makes the hair look so polished and refined.”