The Balayage Wave and The Hair That Defines a Generation
The Balayage Wave and The Hair That Defines a Generation
When we think about certain moments in history, those images usually include distinct fashion trends and styles. Hairdressing has always been a form of self expression that spreads and becomes a defining characteristic of a particular group of people. The fifties had The Pixie, The Pompadour, and the short and curly style of Marilyn Monroe. The sixties and seventies saw variations on 50’s style like the Beehive and added the long straight hair of the hippies or the large afros of the African American communities. The eighties had the very defining perms and big bangs. A lot of today’s fashion is often a throwback to styles of the past. Comb Hair Salon is always looking for new and exciting inspiration in the world of hairdressing, whether it be through history or new emerging trends and we like to think it informs our tricks of the trade.
Hairstyling as Instinct
Fixing one’s hair is an innate desire, as history shows that the ancient Greeks were often preoccupied with decorating and fixing their hair. Greek women, for example, often wore it in tight braids decorated with jewelry. In fact, many of these styles mimicked the hairstyles often associated with depictions of the Gods, which were always an example of beauty. These varying practices continued through the Roman period and into modern times. The underlying theme is always that the adornment of hair seems to be a natural impulse to express something or to approximate some higher beauty. Because of this human tendency, creativity with hairstyles is a never ending saga.
The Predecessors to Coloring
The Renaissance period saw women bleaching their hair with saffron or medicated sulfur to achieve a golden blonde shade in vogue at the time. Modern hairdressing eventually made its way in the Western world, utilizing non-toxic dyes that made changing hair color easy and acceptable. The modern highlights were developed in the early 1900’s, but it emerged more strongly in the 70’s and finally in the 80’s, when highlights took off as a fashion trend with the puffy and frizzy cuts of the day. At this time, people began using foils and experimenting with different degrees of colors and shades.
The Emergence of Balayage
The term comes from the French “to sweep.” Many women use the technique to give their hair a grungy yet stylish and natural look. The attraction of Balayage is the fact that it creates shades and dimension without disclosing the fact that you clearly went to the salon to get it. Highlights will have an easily detectable line that demarcates where the highlight begins and your natural hair ends. Balayage depends on a natural touch from the hairdresser and suggests a more free flowing disposition.
In other words, what does this desired and highly popular style say about this generation? It suggests perhaps a group of women that embrace the natural, but are creative, risk takers, and forever fashionable. They are explorers of colors and shades and always expressing their inner beauty in new and unpredictable ways—each one unique, chaotic, and entirely her own.
Get Styled with Comb
Balayage works great on different hair colors. It is not just for lighter shades, but it adds intensity to any set of hair. Ready to add some shadow and depth to your hair? Interested in learning more about Balayage, give us a call or stop by the salon and we’ll get you on your way to better hair in no time.
