If you think your haircut doesn’t affect how your balayage looks, think again. Celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel explains that there are specific balayage techniques and color choices that work best for short hair. Before heading to the salon, make sure to brush up on expert tips. According to Michelle Hong, founder and creative director of NYC The Team, the shape of your haircut plays a significant role in how balayage enhances your overall look, especially with short hair. Therefore, it’s essential to discuss with your colorist what will work best for you.
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Placement and blending matter
According to Hong, balayage should be hand-painted to the natural movement of hair to feel effortless and enhance the overall look. For the best results, the placement should follow the haircut shape. Farel suggests concentrating highlights at the ends of hair for a more defined look, especially on short hair. He also advises the colorist to carefully blend the highlights and transition them into the natural hair color for a seamless, natural-looking result.
Add face-framing highlights
Farel recommends adding face-framing highlights to accentuate features and add dimension to short hair. Hong also suggests adding face-framing pieces to brighten around the face.
Try root smudging, ombre or sombre
Farel believes that balayage looks best with lighter hair at the ends and darker hair at the roots. He suggests trying root smudging, which involves applying a darker dye at the roots and blending it into the lighter highlights for a seamless, low-maintenance look. Additionally, ombre and sombre are other techniques to create a gradient effect from darker roots to lighter ends, which can be particularly effective on short hair. Lightening the ends of the hair can create a soft, sun-kissed effect and add movement.
Add layers to your haircut
If you want to level up your look, consider adding layers to your haircut. Balayage adds movement, texture, and volume to layered shorter hair, as noted by Hong.
Choose the color carefully
To find the perfect color for your hair type, cut, and goals, scroll through photo inspiration and consult with your stylist. Farel recommends considering dirty blonde, ash blonde, and caramel shades to enhance the appearance of short hair. Opt for colors that enhance the natural texture and movement of shorter styles.
Go for a soft gradient
On short bob haircuts, a soft gradient balayage can break up the heaviness of a bob and add a modern vibe while enhancing the structure’s lines, according to Hong.
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