balayage

American  

[bah-ley-ahzh] / ˌbɑ leɪˈɑʒ /

noun

1. a hair highlighting technique in which dye is painted onto the hair to lighten it in a natural-looking way.

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Etymology

Origin of balayage

First recorded in 1975–80; from French: literally, “sweeping,” derivative of verb balayer, from Middle French, Old French balaier, derivative of French balai, from Old French balei, baleis “a broom, brush,” alteration (influenced by balier, baloier “to move about excitedly”) of Late Latin ballāre “to dance”; see origin at ball ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

If fettuccine or linguine are boxed hair dye, pappardelle is balayage.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2022

“I needed it to not look like a balayage, or a contemporary chunky highlight. It was very delicate. There was a diffusion so it wouldn’t look skunk-like.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2020

For those who can afford it, it is the perfect accompaniment for all the spaghetti straps, slip dresses and balayage tresses that have made up this year’s retro resurgence.

From The Guardian • Dec. 31, 2019