What does the term "balayage" refer to in hair coloring?

Balayage refers to a popular hair coloring technique characterized by its approach to highlights. Specifically, it involves the hand-painting of color onto the hair, allowing for a more natural and sun-kissed look. This technique is distinct from other methods as it does not use foil, which is commonly associated with traditional highlighting methods. Balayage enables stylists to create soft and blended color transitions, enhancing the hair's depth and dimension.

In contrast, dyeing the entire hair typically results in a uniform color, which does not provide the light and shade effects that balayage accomplishes. The use of foils is a method reserved for more traditional highlights, focusing on more defined streaks rather than the blended look that balayage offers. Additionally, balayage is unrelated to hair cutting styles, as it is solely focused on the application of color rather than altering hair lengths or shapes.