Balayage is known for its natural, sun-kissed look - it involves painting lighter tones onto darker hair to create a gradient effect. If you’re ready to shake things up and try something fresh, let us introduce you to its edgy cousin: reverse balayage. With reverse balayage, darker shades are added to lighter hair, resulting in a more dramatic and multidimensional look. This technique can create depth and contrast, giving your hair a rich, textured appearance.

Here is an example of a client who went from having bright balayage color to reverse balayage featuring a warm dimensional look.

Hair by Noelle

Why Choose Reverse Balayage?

1. Dimension and Depth: Reverse balayage adds shadows and lowlights to your hair, enhancing its natural movement and volume. The darker tones create a sense of depth, making your hair look fuller and more vibrant.

2. Low Maintenance: One of the significant advantages of balayage techniques is their low-maintenance nature. With reverse balayage, the grow-out phase is more forgiving compared to traditional highlights. The darker roots blend seamlessly with the lighter ends, meaning fewer trips to the salon.

3. Versatility: Whether you’re a blonde looking to add some edge or a brunette wanting to enrich your color, reverse balayage is versatile enough to suit various base colors. It can be tailored to fit your personal style and complexion, making it a customizable option for anyone.

4. Seasonal Transition: Reverse balayage is perfect for transitioning your hair color with the seasons. It’s a great way to darken your look for fall and winter while keeping some of the brightness from summer.

High contrast reverse balayage by Noelle

How to Get the Perfect Reverse Balayage

1. Consult a Professional: Achieving a polished reverse balayage look requires a skilled hand. At ash salon, we will blend your color(s) seamlessly and choose the right shades to complement your skin tone and natural hair color.

2. Maintenance: Keep your reverse balayage looking fresh with color-safe shampoos and conditioners. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help maintain the health and vibrancy of your hair. Shop color-safe R+Co products here.

3. Touch-Ups: While reverse balayage is low-maintenance, occasional touch-ups will keep your color looking its best. Depending on your hair growth and the level of contrast, you may need touch-ups every few months.

Sun-kissed reverse balayage by Noelle

Shop products while supporting ash salon here.