Balayage Sans Bleach: Is It Possible?

The process of a bleach-less balayage is pretty simple. If you have lighter-colored hair, it may be easier to skip the bleach altogether because your tresses may already have the lightness that the stylist requires to perform a balayage with a compatible color (via Hair Style Camp). Dark-haired people shouldn't fret though, since you can also achieve the look without bleach. 

All you have to do is ask your hair stylist for a high-lift color instead of bleach. A high-lift color essentially uses permanent hair dye to "lift" your hair to a lighter shade and tones it simultaneously, per Behind the Chair, so you can accomplish the primary purpose of bleaching with significantly less damage. Speaking to PopSugar, Sierra Kener, a stylist at Nine Zero One, discussed the color-lift technique for balayage. 

According to Kener, "It's a gentler technique that shifts your natural hair color a level or two." She further added, "I love it for brunettes; it lifts to a very rich caramel color that doesn't fade to yellow." Different levels of lifts take your hair to lighter colors, so it's crucial to work with your stylist to pick the right level that makes your highlights really pop.