You’ve gone through the latest shades of the season and figured out which tones are best, so next, it is imperative to understand placement techniques for the desired outcome. Hair color has evolved so much from just picking a shade and deciding between a single process or highlights and we’re here to enlighten you about all of the options you have! Keep reading to understand more about what type of highlights you should be asking for in the salon.
Teasylights
If you’ve ever gone into the rabbit hole that is Instagram hair tutorials, you’ve probably seen this technique at one time or another. As stylists work foils or balayage a client, they will tease or backcomb certain sections of the hair at the root. They do this prior to applying bleach so that once the hair is combed out there is a soft blending effect where the color has been placing, it works like a natural diffuser for the hair color. This is a great option when you’re looking for a lived-in look.
Babylights
These are relatively small slices and weaves with very minimal space between sectioning. This technique is used to create an all over color change without a stark contrast. It is relatively low maintenance and is a great option for clients who want to lighten up all over without a harsh line or for grey clients looking to blend their base without performing a single process.
Foilyage
This is a blend of balayage and foils. It is the perfect choice for a client with a darker base who wants a balayage or “lived-in” look who couldn’t normally achieve as much lift with a traditional paint-on method. It is also a great way to achieve more control and the ability to blend different colors or strengths of bleach within the same section.
Color lights
One of the newest kids on the block, color lights are similar to any type of traditional highlight, but instead of natural shades, a stylist can use fashion shades to create areas of interest. Consider adding bright magenta shades to a medium brunette or soft slices of lavender to a bold blonde. Similar to the way you would highlight or lowlight, but with a daring shade instead!
Balayage
This technique has become increasingly popular in the past few years, especially with the advent of lived-in color and natural, effortless-looking styles. It is a French method of freehand painting slices or weaves of the hair to create an ultimately natural feel.
Lowlights
Lowlights have a similar placement to highlights but with a different purpose. Similar to the way you contour a face with makeup, lowlights contour highlights, and the overall hair color to create depth and dimension. They are traditionally placed in a foil to keep them from muddying or affecting the highlighted areas and can be an essential tool to getting brighter shades within your style to really pop!
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