Matrix's top color experts are helping colorists celebrate National Balayage Week August 16-22. Matrix launched the national campaign for this special week in 2020. Here, Matrix Celebrity Colorist George Papanikolas (@GeorgePapanikolas), Artistic Director Michelle O'Connor (@MichelleOConnorBeauty), Artistic Director Nick Stenson (@NickStenson) and Brand Ambassador Rachel Bodt (@Rachel_Bodt) bring their expertise to balayage topics.

Why is the balayage technique is so popular?

Papanikolas: Balayage has a universal appeal since it can be dialed up for an edgy, high-contrast effect or dialed down for a softer, sun-kissed effect. It also can be adjusted warm or cool to suit the individual’s skin tone.

O’Connor: It is so popular because it’s a very curated look. No two balayage services are identical. It is truly the most artistic and organically executed technique available in hair color services.

Stenson: Balayage is a beautiful color technique for many different hair types. Done well, a great balayage can last for months and leave hair color softly blended and fabulous.

Bodt: I think people really love how soft and effortless it is. The grow-out is so much more forgiving because of this softness.

Favorite celebrity balayage look?

Papanikolas: My favorite celeb balayage looks have been seen on Hannah Jeter, Khloe Kardashian and Lily Aldridge. Their multi-tonal looks with depth at the root and high contrast “tips” have been the look’s poster girls.

O’Connor: Sarah Jessica Parker is truly iconic in terms of reintroducing the balayage trend to pop culture. This goes back to her Sex and The City days where she sported many versions of balayage, ranging from lighter blonde, sun-kissed, face-framing pieces perfectly situated next to darker brunette tones and all the way to a tone-on-tone lighter/darker blonde variation. She’s hands-down the queen of balayage.

Stenson: I must say, JLo always has a stunning and flawless balayage. The honey tones her colorist uses always complement her beautifully.

Bodt: I love looking at celebrity balayage looks, because most people think balayage is ombré but there are other great ways to use this technique. I love using Margot Robbie, Lily Aldridge and Selena Gomez as references.

Best hair types for balayage?

Papanikolas: Longer hair's long layers allow the color to play off the light and dark pieces. Styling it in waves really brings the dimension and ribbons of color to life.

O’Connor: Balayage really looks great on any hair type. However, balayage techniques that lift the hair to the lighter and sunnier golden blonde hues tend to be the most impactful.

Stenson: I truly enjoy balayage color for all hair types, perhaps because it’s such a customizable technique. Balayage is a great way to amp up curly and textured hair for even more definition, and it’s also perfect for seamless techniques with the straightest of hair. The only real must for balayage is to have enough hair length to paint on, to create a soft, blended effect.

Bodt: I think it really can look good on anyone. The technique itself can be contoured to almost any hair type or color.

Home-care maintenance tips and products

Papanikolas: With balayage, the ends of the hair can take a beating since they are usually the lightest color. Using products like Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde ensures that the bonds of the hair are protected and that the hair is thoroughly nourished and moisturized. I also suggest once a week using a blue-base shampoo such as MATRIX Total Results Brass Off Shampoo to neutralize any unwanted brassy tones.

O’Connor: I recommend the Total Results Unbreak My Blonde system for keeping the hair in optimum shape. These formulas help reinforce the hair bonds as well as leaving hair incredibly shiny and strong. All products are infused with citric acid, which is known to stimulate blood circulation on the scalp, making the hair glossy as well as balancing out the pH level in the hair.

Stenson: As with any highlighting service, at home care and maintenance is crucial for the hair’s integrity and polish to keep hair looking great. Reach for the Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s great for all hair types because it’s sulfate-free and will leave hair 3 times stronger than before.

Bodt: I always suggest color-depositing shampoos and conditioners to keep tones looking fresh and polished, such as the Total Results So Silver and Brass Off collections. I also like Total Results High Amplify Shine Rinse Lamellar Treatment, because it makes the hair look so polished and refined.