Reverse Balayage: The Full Information and Inspiration Photographs

Because it seems, one of many best methods for blondes to go darker is with “reverse balayage”: A low-commitment, low-maintenance hair-color method that is low-key the good hair development of the season. And in case you’re undecided what reverse balayage is, to not fear—as a result of we talked to some hair-color connoisseurs to shed some gentle on the development.

“Reverse balayage is principally a very good, low-commitment strategy to change issues up for the season with out, you realize, doing one thing irreversible,” says Mark DeBolt, superstar colorist and cofounder of Mark & Ryan Salon in New York Metropolis. “As a result of you may at all times simply change it again.” Learn on to search out out the whole lot it is advisable know in regards to the development earlier than you (probably, possibly) determine to go to the darkish facet.

“Reverse balayage principally means including depth again into your hair by including darker colour tones into your hair,” says Rita Hazan, superstar colorist and founding father of Rita Hazan Salon in New York Metropolis. “This helps make your highlights pop by including distinction, and it is an effective way for blondes who simply wish to go a little bit darker.”

As an alternative of brown hair that seems highlighted, reverse balayage makes highlighted hair seem lived-in and sun-kissed with wealthy depth and dimension, generally with lighter roots that mix in to darker strands.

Due to the way in which it enhances highlights, it is usually hottest amongst blondes—it is basically all about injecting darkness in your coiffure with darker lowlights and tones all through. The very best half is, since it is so low-commitment, you may strive it out for a season or two—like a take a look at drive—and simply develop it out in case you determine to alter your thoughts.

Reverse Balayage vs. Balayage

Like we talked about, the balayage colour method is all about lightening issues up. The phrase “balayage” is definitely a French phrase to explain the freehand portray method—which normally focuses on the highest layer of the hair, lightening it up with highlights and colour. (For instance, a typical balayage fashion can be an ombré look with painted-on highlights, darkish, smudged roots, and a blonde gradient.)

However, once more, a reverse balayage is the reverse of that: As an alternative of specializing in the highlights and high layers, it is all about what’s beneath: the lowlights and under-layers, and making them mix with the remainder of your hair for a pure, lived-in look. “It is all about lowlights and tone, and including distinction with darker, shadowy items beneath,” says DeBolt.

The method concerned is comparable—the identical portray method is used—however merely specializing in totally different sections of the hair.

So in case you’re trying to go for one thing sun-kissed, but wealthy and darkish—with deep lowlights and moody shadows—reverse balayage is unquestionably what you are in search of.

The Advantages of Reverse Balayage

There are tons of advantages of reverse balayage—like we talked about, it is pretty low-commitment, and takes nearly no effort with reference to repairs as a result of the method will normally protect your pure regrowth. “It is simply low-maintenance,” Hazan says. “It ought to assist your pure hair mix higher along with your new colour.”

That is the important thing: When your pure hair colour is mixed nicely along with your roots, the grow-out course of must be a breeze. In truth, it is extremely straightforward to only develop it out in case you’re abruptly over it. That stated, it is at all times a good suggestion to make use of color-safe shampoos and hair masks to maintain your colour vibrant and hair wholesome.

Additionally, much like balayage, reverse balayage works for all hair sorts, hair textures, and pores and skin tones.

The Downsides of Reverse Balayage

To be completely trustworthy, there actually aren’t many downsides in any respect to reverse balayage. However it is best to definitely be ready to go darker earlier than strolling into the salon and asking for the method. “It clearly offers you a darker impact, so ensure you positively wish to go darker earlier than you commit, and that is one thing you are prepared for,” warns Hazan.

Additionally, some types will likely be more durable to take care of than others. For instance, in case you determine to do a “reverse ombré” look with a lot lighter roots, it is best to count on extra upkeep and touch-ups.

The Price

Relying on the salon, how skilled your colorist is, and what number of lowlights are required to attain the specified look, you may count on to pay anyplace between $150–$500 for reverse balayage, which is about the identical value as a full set of highlights.

The Takeaway

Reverse balayage is a low-maintenance, low-commitment means for blondes so as to add some refined darkness and depth to their hair. It is good for somebody in search of a darker, extra lived-in look—with out eager to decide to a full-blown, allover transformation.

Mainly, it is a straightforward, sensible, and stylish strategy to usher within the earlier nights, decrease temps, and darker moods.