I haven’t colored my hair in years. I used to do it pretty regularly ever since I was in 8th grade. I got it done at a salon a few times and I did it at home with box dye a gazillion times. I’ve had highlights, red hair, super light brown, deep chocolate brown, and black. I got to a point where I was tired of doing it and just wanted my natural hair back. So I spent a long time growing it out and trimming it down.
I grew to really love my natural color once I had it back; I just wanted a little more dimension rather than solid color. Through Facebook, I found out that a former classmate I had known since elementary school, was working at a salon close to where I live. My mom offered me a day at the salon as a birthday gift, so I figured I could do some subtle highlights. The first time I had highlights (back in 8th grade), it was horrible! The stylist pulled my hair through a cap and it hurt like hell! The blonde highlights came out really frosted and ugly.
I knew this time I wouldn’t have to deal with the cap of pain because it’s an outdated method of highlighting, although some salons still use it I guess. I went into my appointment with a picture of what I wanted and former classmate Lauren determined that balayage highlights would be best. Balayage highlights are achieved by painting the highlights by hand in random areas. The highlights don’t go all the way to the root so they look a lot more natural and give a sun-kissed look. That’s exactly what I was wanting.
Auburn Balayage Highlights
Lauren added some auburn balayage highlights and I think it looks great! My hair definitely has that sun-kissed vibe going on. It looks particularly good in sunlight. The highlights are especially natural-looking because they weren’t placed on the very top of my hair or in the front; they peek out from underneath.
Next time, I might add some caramel color. I think that would be a good addition to the colors I already have.
Aside from the color, I love how healthy my hair looks/feels. I haven’t had a proper haircut by a stylist for a long time. I told Lauren I wanted to keep it long. She cleaned up the ends and added some layers. My hair feels so renewed! I think I’ll definitely go the balayage route again too.
Contact: ashley@peekandponder.com
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Your hair is exactly what I want!! What is the picture you gave your stylist?
what salon did you go to? I love it! I have the same issue, haven’t died my hair in years but want something subtle with low maintenance. 🙂
It’s an Aveda salon called Adore Salon and Spa. I like the subtle look too. I’m thinking of adding more balayage highlights now.
Looks really pretty! I just got a balayage too and I’m loving it! Like you, I love that the lightest hairs peek out from underneath.