How to pronounce

balayage

Balayage is a French word that is often used in the hair and beauty industry. Pronouncing balayage correctly can be tricky for non-native English speakers. Here is how to pronounce balayage correctly:

Balayage is pronounced differently in British and American English.

American Pronunciation: \ˌba-lē-ˈyäzh, where the accent is on the final syllable. You begin with a soft "ba", as in "bat", followed by a light "lee", similar to saying "lee" in "leek", and then end with a "yazh" sound, which is like saying "zh" in "beige" with a "ya" before it.
British Pronunciation: The British pronunciation is quite similar, \ˌba-li-ˈyɑːʒ, with subtle differences mainly in the articulation of the vowels. The "ba" is soft, "li" is more like "lee" in "leek", and "yɑːʒ" ends the word with a more open "ɑː" sound compared to the American pronunciation.

To pronounce balayage correctly, combine all the syllables together and say them in one smooth, flowing motion. It should sound like "bah-lay-ah-geh". With practice, you'll be pronouncing balayage like a native English speaker in no time!

Definition of

balayage

Balayage is a technique for coloring hair, in which dye is painted on the hair to create a graduated, natural-looking effect. This method offers a more natural look compared to traditional foil highlights, as it involves painting the color onto the hair by hand, allowing for sun-kissed, natural-looking highlights.

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What does it mean

balayage

The word "balayage" comes from the French verb "balayer," meaning "to sweep." This is a direct reference to the sweeping motion the colorist uses to apply the color onto the hair. The technique itself originated in France in the 1970s. Since then, it has become popular worldwide, known for its ability to create depth and dimension in the hair while maintaining a natural look.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say balayage correctly?

To pronounce balayage correctly, break it into syllables: bah-lay-ahzh. Pay attention to the soft "zh" sound at the end, which resembles the "s" in "measure." You can use Pronounce AI for fine-tuning, and try recording yourself on getpronounce.com to get immediate feedback.

What are some synonyms for balayage?

While "balayage" is a specific French term meaning "to sweep," people sometimes refer to it as freehand hair painting or open-air highlights. The context usually involves hand-painting techniques, so any term that conveys a similar method of creating natural-looking highlights might be considered a synonym.

Are there alternative pronunciations of balayage?

Yes, balayage can vary by region. In American English, you might hear it pronounced as bah-lay-ahj, while in French, it often sounds closer to bah-lay-ahzh with a softer final consonant sound. Accents and dialects can further influence these subtle differences.