Last year, around this time, I got balayage highlights in my hair for the first time ever. I hadn’t colored my hair in years just for the sake of having my normal shade of chocolate brown for awhile. I was ready for a change again though.

I sported highlights in the past, but I wanted them to look more natural, so I went with balayage highlights that are painted on (see them here). After a year of having them, I wanted more and I wanted them to show up a little better against my dark hair. So, a couple weeks ago I had it done again!

I showed the stylist this picture from Pinterest to give her an idea of what I was going for. I wanted some auburn highlights that would compliment my hair and skin tone. She gave me exactly what I wanted. The highlights don’t go up too far and they vary in size. Gone are the days when I want uniform stripes all the way to my roots. I really love the natural painted-on ombre look that balayage gives.

My Balayage Highlights

I also got a few inches taken off my ends. They were dry, split, and heat damaged making them look thin and scraggly. So, taking off as much as she did, I hardly even noticed. Having a more blunt cut made my ends look healthier and thicker.

The whole thing took a couple hours, but it felt like hardly any time at all. My hair takes dark color really quickly, but when it comes to lightening my strands, it’s a little more stubborn, so I was hoping that what I wanted was accomplished – and it was!

I’m excited to have discovered the balayage technique. It adds so much dimension without looking artificial, especially when hair is curled. It’s such an easy process too. I can’t wait to get more done!

Discuss with me
Have you ever gotten balayage highlights?