What is Balayage?
Everyone knows Balayage by now. In fact, many are yearning for something new, something novel, something that shows personality. Before you bid Balayage adieu, do understand that it is a highlight technique. As such, you can create something refreshing with Balayage simply by changing the colors used.
If it is still not for you, here are 6 highlight alternatives to consider.
Ombre
Often confused with Balayage, Ombre is perfect for someone who is still a Balayagean at heart but wants to be different. Unlike its doppelganger, Ombre has a sharper transition from dark to light, and this transition usually happens at the mid-lengths.
Babylight
If you prefer going low profile ehem…Ombre…ehem…then Babylight is for you! Many say it’s like a sun-kissed blonde child, simple yet beautiful. Babylight involves ‘weaving’ thin slices of hair to give it a fine, subtle and natural look.
Ear Loop Highlight
This defined 2020 and 2021. No, we’re not talking about a devastating virus. As the name suggests, the highlight goes around your ear and is concealed until you tuck your hair behind them. This was especially popular in Asia back in 2020. As you can see, it is a very different look than the Balayage.
Welp some attribute its origin to the Return of the Condor Heroes. What do you think?
eGirl Hair
A style that draws inspiration from a slang that refers to young women and men who are digital natives, edgy, flirtatious and rebellious. This hodgepodge of characteristics is up to your interpretation, but its embodiments are usually TikTok influencers, Kpop stars and the likes of Billie Eilish. This technique involves highlighting the fringe into a headband-like shape with striking colors.
Peekaboo Highlight
For whatever reason, whether for work or the element of surprise, you might want to conceal your highlight and only reveal it as you wish. This peacock like technique involves highlighting the inner (under) section of your hair. It can be done in a way that fully conceals unless lifted, or to give a more ‘blended’ feel. This style retains some semblance of Balayage, especially in the blended variant.
Concealed unless lifted.
Blended feel. You can highlight with more striking colors or one that matches your natural hair color.
Whether you want something similar to Balayage or strikingly different, these 5 alternatives provide a good starting point. When things start to get boring, simply change the shades used to spice things up!