Balayage has transformed the hair color game, offering women in Austin a natural, sun-kissed glow that's effortlessly chic. But just like the heart and soul poured into Austin's lively music festivals, maintaining that balayage brilliance requires a touch of dedication. Fortunately, Ashley, the mastermind behind BrAsh Haus Beauty's transformative balayage techniques, has some golden tips to share. These pearls of wisdom ensure your balayaged locks continue to shine long after you've stepped out of the salon.

Invest in Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner:

Ashley cannot emphasize this enough. The regular drugstore shampoos might be stripping your hair of its color. Opt for sulfate-free, color-safe products to extend the life of your balayage.You can get some amazing products in our salon or order them online here.

Heat and Balayage: The Underlying Science

Balayage, with its delicate process, involves lightening certain strands of hair to achieve that naturally sun-kissed appearance. This process opens the hair cuticle to remove color and then closes it back to seal in the new shade. While the end result is stunning, the opened and then sealed cuticles can be particularly vulnerable to external stressors, especially heat.

Heat, whether from the sun or styling tools, can cause several unfavorable reactions on balayaged hair:

1. Cuticle Damage: At high temperatures, the protective outer layer of hair, known as the cuticle, can become raised. When this happens repeatedly, it leads to porous hair, causing the balayage colors to fade more swiftly.

2. Melanin Alteration: Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color in our hair. Excessive heat can alter or degrade melanin. For balayaged hair, which has already undergone color processing, this can lead to unwanted brassy tones or premature color fading.

3. Protein Breakdown: Hair is made up of keratin proteins. Prolonged and repeated exposure to high temperatures can weaken these proteins, making the hair more susceptible to breakage.

Ashley often compares balayaged hair to a precious musical instrument, like a guitar from Austin's renowned music scene. "Just as you wouldn't leave a guitar in direct sunlight or a heated car, you should treat your balayaged strands with similar caution," she advises. The porous nature of color-treated hair makes it imperative to shield it from potential heat damage.

Therefore, using a heat protectant becomes non-negotiable. These products are formulated with ingredients that create a barrier on the hair shaft, reducing moisture loss and shielding the hair from the damaging effects of high temperatures. They ensure that while you achieve your desired hairstyle, the integrity and vibrancy of your balayage remain uncompromised.

Deep Condition Regularly:

Balayage processing, though gentler than traditional coloring, can still dry out your hair. Ashley recommends a weekly deep-conditioning session to keep your hair moisturized and radiant.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure:

We all love soaking up the Austin sun, especially during those picturesque sunsets. However, while our skin has a natural defense mechanism against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays in the form of melanin, our hair isn't as fortified.

1. Ultraviolet Radiation and Hair Pigment: Hair color is primarily determined by melanin, a pigment found in the cortex of the hair shaft. UV rays from the sun can degrade and oxidize this melanin. For balayaged hair, which has been processed and colored, this means the sun can quickly fade the beautifully crafted shades, turning them brassy or washed out.

2. Cuticle Damage: Sun exposure doesn't just affect the color. UV rays can also cause the outer layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, to become more raised and brittle. This leads to more porous hair, resulting in moisture loss, frizz, and increased vulnerability to other environmental stressors.

3. Protein Breakdown: Keratin, a crucial protein in our hair, can be directly damaged by prolonged UV exposure. When keratin is compromised, hair becomes weaker, less elastic, and more prone to breakage.

While the Austin sun is a beloved aspect of our city, it's essential to recognize the potential damage it can cause to balayaged hair. Just as you would shield your skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen, consider safeguarding your hair. Wearing a hat can provide a physical barrier, and using a UV-protectant spray offers a lightweight solution that can coat hair strands, deflecting and absorbing the sun's harmful rays to maintain the longevity and vibrancy of your balayage.

I hope that provides a clear insight into the science of sun damage on balayage, Dolly!

Wait Before the First Wash:

Resist the urge to wash your hair immediately after your balayage appointment. Ashley advises waiting at least 48 hours to let the color set in properly.

The Cold-Water Science: Ashley’s Secret for Locked-In Color

Ashley has always emphasized the importance of finishing your hair wash routine with a cold-water rinse, and for good reason. While it may give you a brief chill, the science behind this trick is all about ensuring your balayage stays vibrant for longer.

1. Hair Cuticle Structure: To understand the cold-water rinse, it's essential to first recognize the structure of our hair. Each hair strand is surrounded by cuticles, which are tiny, scale-like structures that can open and close. Warm water, like the kind most of us love in our showers, causes these cuticles to open, making the hair more porous. This is great when you're washing your hair, as it allows the shampoo and conditioner to work more effectively. However, leaving these cuticles open after a shower can lead to color fading and moisture loss.

2. Cold Water's Effect: Rinsing with cold water contracts these opened cuticles, sealing them shut. When the cuticles are closed, they lay flat against the hair shaft, creating a smooth surface. This not only locks in the color but also increases the hair's shine and reduces frizz.

3. Prolonged Color Retention: By sealing the hair cuticle after every wash, you’re essentially trapping the balayage color molecules inside the hair shaft. This reduces the chances of color bleed during subsequent washes or exposure to environmental factors, ensuring the color remains radiant for a more extended period.

Ashley's pro tip about the cold-water rinse is more than just a salon secret. It’s a scientifically-backed method to make sure the artistry and effort put into your balayage don't go to waste, and you can enjoy your stunning hues for as long as possible.7. Regular Trims:

Keep those ends fresh! Regular trims not only keep your hair healthy but also help maintain the beauty of your balayage.

Embrace Dry Shampoo:

Extending the time between washes helps in preserving the balayage color. A good-quality dry shampoo can be your best ally, Ashley points out.

Balayage is more than just a hair trend; it's a statement. And with Ashley's expert guidance, maintaining that statement becomes a delightful ritual. Whether you're swaying to Austin's rhythms or strutting down its vibrant streets, let your balayaged locks capture the essence of the city's charm.