Balayage may still be the most popular color service in the salon, but AW19 is all about highlights. While it has gone through many transformations over the years, the must-have technique of the 90s is having a resurgence. Clients are on the prowl for something low maintenance, natural and luxurious to brighten up their spring step. Give them what they want with a few quick and easy tips below!
“Highlights are perfect for clients looking for a more multi-tonal, blended root effect,” explains Brooks & Brooks stylist, Marlon Hawkins. “While balayage is applied freehand, highlights are traditionally isolated with foils or meches. There are many different techniques and are great at achieving lightness through the hair.” So why are they becoming popular again? “People aren’t afraid to amp up their maintenance at home. I think many clients are starting to get bored with a softer regrowth and are missing lightness on top.”
Top three tips for creating brilliant highlights:
1. Don’t be afraid to put just a few highlights in – sometimes less is more. Face frames are popular services that don't take a great deal of time but make a big difference for the finished look!
2. Keep sections consistent. No matter how many foils you are placing, just make sure they are equally spaced out.
3. Bespoke toning works well on a diagonal for seamless results. Chat with your colleagues, read blogs, and follow artists on social media to learn their latest toning formulations!
The five highlight techniques every salon should know:
1. Foil highlights
Foil highlights are the traditional highlighting technique, using foils to separate each colored section. These give a fresher, brighter look to the overall finish.
2. Balayage highlights
Balayage literally means to paint. This freehand technique is usually applied through the ends rather than the roots for a grown-out, casual finish. It’s ideal for clients looking for a natural color, with no regrowth. It’s incredibly low maintenance, which makes it a favorite among low-maintenance clients.
3. Babylights
Soft, super-fine highlights placed around the face add a sun-kissed effect. They add a multi-dimensional feel and are perfect for more mature clients.
4. Ribbon highlights
These thin sections of contrasting colors are placed around the roots for added depth and are perfect for fine hair and curly textures.
5. Lowlights
Lowlights create depth within one-shade color, adding multi-dimensional tones. Use a few shades darker than the starting tone for a full finish.
