6 Expert Tips for Stylists and Beauty Professionals to Perfect Their Balayage Technique

Balayage isn’t just a technique; it’s an art form that creates stunning sun-kissed, natural looks with an effortless vibe. Its become a favorite for clients seeking a low-maintenance style that enhances their natural beauty. For stylists, mastering balayage can elevate your skills and attract more clients. If you’re looking to refine your technique or get started, here are some essential tips to perfect this popular style. 

"Balayage isn’t just a technique; it’s an art form that creates stunning sun-kissed, natural looks with an effortless vibe."Courtesy of Jada Santi1. Advanced Consultation

• Deep Dive: Understand your client's hair history, goals and lifestyle.
• Color Analysis: Determine the perfect balayage shades based on skin tone, eye color and natural hair.
• Personalized Plan: Create a tailored approach to achieve their desired look and maintain it easily.

2. Artistry in Placement 

Add a personal touch to your balayage.

• Start at the Ends: Imagine the sun gently kissing the tips of your hair. Begin applying color there, and gradually blend upwards for a natural, sun-kissed look.
• Highlight Your Client's Features: Think about your client's face shape. Placing highlights around the temples or cheekbones can enhance their natural beauty. For example, if they have a round face, highlighting these areas can create a slimming effect.
• Avoid Harsh Lines: Remember, we're aiming for a seamless transition. Blend the color carefully to create a natural, effortless gradient.

By strategically placing highlights, you can create a balayage that not only looks stunning but also complements your client's individual features and hair texture.

3. Mastering the Art of Blending "By strategically placing highlights, you can create a balayage that not only looks stunning but also complements your client's individual features and hair texture."Courtesy of Jada Santi

Elevate your balayage skills with advanced blending techniques. Create seamless transitions between natural hair and highlights using:

• Air Touch: A delicate technique that mimics the natural way sunlight hits hair.
• Teasylights: A softer take on traditional highlights for a more subtle look.
• Color Melting: Blending multiple shades for a gradual, harmonious transition.
• Root Smudging: Creating a blurred effect at the roots for a natural, grown-out look.

These techniques will help you achieve a soft, diffused balayage effect that's truly stunning.

4. Dimension and Depth

Enhance the depth and dimension of your balayage. These are my favorite techniques to create depth and dimensions. 

• Lowlights: Adding lowlights can enhance depth and contrast.
• Shadow Roots: Leave a darker root area to create a more natural look.

"Beachy waves, loose waves or soft, natural curls are classic choices that highlights the balayage's sun-kissed effect."Courtesy of Jada Santi5. Color Selection 

• Choose complementary tones: Opt for colors that complement your client's natural hair color and skin tone. 
• Consider undertones: Warm or cool undertones can influence the overall look.
• Use a variety of shades: Create dimension by alternating between lighter and darker tones. Personalizing the balayage technique for each client ensures a bespoke and flattering result.

6. Finishing Touches 

Choose a hairstyle that showcases the beautiful highlights and complements your client's features. 

• Beachy waves, loose waves or soft, natural curls are classic choices that highlights the balayage's sun-kissed effect.

Additional Tips 

• Practice regularly: Balayage requires skill and practice to master.
• Stay updated on trends: Keep up with the latest balayage techniques and trends.
• Invest in quality products: Use high-quality color and tools for optimal results.

About the Author: 

Jada Santi is a hair color specialist and owner of Jada Hair & Balayage in Bloomingdale, IL. She is also one of the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Over 30 contest for 2024. You can follow her on Instagram @jadahairandbalayage or visit her website www.jadahairandbalayage.com/.