Hair Color
Creativity is at the core of what we do. To help you stay inspired, we created a hub with all your haircolor needs. Our blog covers the latest trends, formulas, professional tips and inspiration.
07.07.2020
Ryan’s 4 Fave Balayage Techniques
Hairpreneur podcast host and founder of Masters of Balayage, Ryan Weeden, has spent most of his hair career teaching other stylists about balayage. He created the largest online library for balayage education, including a certification program for hairstylists to become balayage certified in 90 days. Ryan listed his 4 favorite balayage techniques and the pros and cons of each.
1.TEASING THE HAIR (“TEASY-LITES”)
This technique of backcombing the hair results in a smoother blend than traditional foiling because the teased hair creates a soft, blended root when combed out.
PROS: Perfect for immediate blending on all levels. Great on dark levels to minimize warmth at the line of demarcation. Creates a high impact, blended finish.
CONS: Can’t take lightness all the way to the scalp. You will always have a root as a result.
2.FOILAYAGE (without Teasing)**
Similar to foiling although you are taking slightly thicker sections and feathering the lightener up toward the root, then encapsulated in a foil.
PROS: Creates brighter, highlighted pieces with a blended root, close to the scalp. Great for someone looking for a bolder, highlighted look, while maintaining a little bit of natural root.
CONS: Darker levels can show excess, unwanted warmth at the blend line, and may require a root smudge to blend further. Requires even saturation of product and practiced blending to avoid harsh lines or spots.
3.OPEN AIR PAINTING**
This is classic balayage at its best. Freehand painting the hair is fun, relaxing and looks great when processing.
PROS: Results in a beautiful, natural, sun-kissed look. Perfect for level 6’s and above that want a subtle update, as if they’ve spent the summer at the beach.
CONS: Hard to lift the hair passed 3 levels. Requires a very steady hand and solid technique to paint smooth lines with even saturation for a consistent lift. Advise against applying to level 5 and below. This technique will always pull warmth.
PRODUCTS: Freelights Lightener, Freelights 30 vol, Freelights 40 Vol
4.BABYLIGHTS**
Foiling at its finest. Literally. By taking sections thinner than traditional foiling, the results are a bright and blended look.
PROS: Perfect for adding seamless brightness close to the root. Wonderful grow out. Easy to lift to high levels because of the fine sections.
CONS: Time consuming and requires a lot of foils to create an impact.
PRODUCTS: Blondor Exra Cool, Welloxon 20 Volume, WellaPlex
Hopefully this short guide offers some helpful insight when determining which method of balayage is the best for you and your client.
Ryan’s advice, practice all of these techniques until you become a pro at each. It will only help you on your way to greatness.
Happy Painting,
Ryan