Alright, let’s yak about this balayage thing for us older gals. You know, the kind of hair where it looks like the sun kissed it a bit, not like you dunked your head in a bucket of paint. I ain’t no fancy hairdresser, but I’ve seen enough to know what looks good and what makes you look like a rooster that got caught in a storm.
What’s this balayage stuff anyway?
Well, from what I gather, it ain’t like them old-timey highlights where they just slap streaks all over your head. This balayage, it’s more like… like painting, but on your hair. They put the color where it looks natural, like the sun would lighten it if you were out in the fields all day. It ain’t a one-size-fits-all thing neither. What looks good on that young gal down the street ain’t necessarily gonna look good on us, you know?
So, what colors work for us older women?
- If you got that medium or dark brown hair: You can go for a light brown or caramel color. It warms up your face, makes you look like you got a bit of sunshine in you, even if you ain’t seen the sun in a week.
- If you’re blonde, kinda medium or dark: A light blonde balayage can look real nice. Makes you look like you just came back from the beach, even if the closest you’ve been to the beach is the grocery store parking lot. They say it looks “beachy,” whatever that means.
- Going gray? Don’t fight it, honey: If your hair’s turning gray, a silver balayage can look mighty fine. It blends right in with the gray and makes it look like you did it on purpose, not like you just forgot to dye your hair. It’s like, “Yeah, I’m gray, and I’m rocking it!” They say it’s natural and stylish. I guess that’s good.
- If you’re a woman of color, got that dark hair: Caramel balayage is your friend. It adds a little somethin’-somethin’ without being too loud. Makes you look fancy, like you’re going to church or somethin’.
- Got that light or pale skin? Dark brown balayage looks classy. They say it shows off an updo real nice. Not that I do updos much anymore, my arms ain’t what they used to be.
Why balayage for older hair?
Well, for one thing, it ain’t so harsh on your hair. You ain’t bleaching the whole thing, just little bits here and there. And it adds a bit of oomph, you know? As we get older, our hair can get kinda dull and lifeless. Balayage makes it look shiny and healthy again. It’s like it gives your hair a little pep in its step.
They say it mimics the sun, makes you look youthful. I don’t know about youthful, but it sure beats looking like a dried-up corn husk. And if you’re growing out your natural color, or trying to, this balayage thing can help blend it in. That’s what I heard anyway. Less trips to the salon, less money spent. That’s always a good thing, ain’t it?
And what about them lighter colors?
Well, they say light colors, like blonde or light brown, can make you look younger. Softens your face, they say. Makes you look a little less like you’ve been wrangling chickens all day, I reckon. And they reflect light, which I guess is good. Makes you look brighter, maybe? I don’t know, I ain’t a scientist.
How to get it done right?
Now, I ain’t gonna lie to you, finding a good hairdresser is like finding a good man – hard to do. You gotta ask around, see who other folks recommend. Don’t just go to any ol’ salon, or you might end up looking like a scarecrow. And don’t be afraid to speak up! Tell ’em what you want, what you don’t want. It’s your hair, after all. You’re the one gotta walk around with it. And if they try to talk you into something you don’t want, walk right out that door. There’s plenty of other fish in the sea, as they say. Or hairdressers, in this case.
So, there you have it. A little bit about balayage for us older gals. It ain’t rocket science, but it can make you feel a little prettier, a little more put-together. And who doesn’t want that? Just remember, find a good hairdresser, pick a color that suits you, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just surprise yourself.
And one more thing, honey. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re too old for anything. You wanna get your hair done up fancy, you go right ahead. You wanna wear that bright red lipstick, you wear it. You wanna dance in the kitchen, you dance. Life’s too short to be worrying about what other folks think. You do what makes you happy. That’s what I say. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go check on my biscuits.