High Contrast Balayage: 7 Tips for Stylists

What is the balayage highlighting technique known for? We know balayage as being the perfect way to infuse color with natural-looking, sun-kissed highlights that look good on everyone. Since the balayage technique takes smaller strands of hair and uses a painting method to apply professional hair color, the highlights that clients get are a lived-in look that’s both low maintenance and stunning.

However, for clients who want natural-looking highlights with contrasting, deep roots, which style do they ask for? That’s where the term high contrast balayage comes into play. If you’re wondering what a high contrast balayage is or you’re interested in learning how you can perfect this high-in-demand hairstyle, keep reading! We will be sharing some must-know high contrast balayage tips for hairstylists.

What Is a High Contrast Balayage?

Usually, you will see balayage highlights seamlessly melt into the top or middle of the hair while gradually getting lighter toward the bottom. Typically, the balayage style looks more like a natural progression of color from medium-light to very light. However, with the contrast balayage style, the client will end up with dark roots and bright balayage highlights painted in. Hence the name contrast balayage, it creates quite the contrast and gives anyone a head-turning look. 

How this look is achieved depends largely on the condition and color of the client’s hair when they set foot into your salon. Does the client already have dark roots? Or, are they requesting to go darker in the roots and lighter everywhere else? While it may seem like a complicated task, creating a high contrast balayage can be simple if you follow a few strategic steps. More on that below!

7 Tips for Hairstylists

If you’re excited about creating more high contrast balayage, you have come to the right place. If you apply these tips, you will be on your way in no time.

1. 1. 1. Offer a ConsultationConsultations are absolutely necessary and critical when it comes to learning about your client’s hair goals and wishes, as well as finding out pertinent information about their hair’s condition, care routine, color history and more. Knowing and understanding the client’s hair before you begin coloring it or mixing salon developer is key in ensuring you and your client are on the same page, as well as setting clear expectations for what’s achievable.
      2. Color Correct Grow Out and RootsPrior to applying lightener to the hair, you may need to color correct your client’s hair in order to get it to the perfect color or condition to ultimately create the high contrast balayage. If you are going to add in a shadow root to boost contrast, save this step toward the end of processing.

         

      3. Determine Foil PlacementSince this balayage is going to be made with high contrast in mind, your foil placement may be a little different than what you’re used to doing with traditional highlights. For this treatment, you will want to paint larger chunks of hair toward the bottom and simplify foil placement to give your client bright blonde ends.
      4. Add in a Shadow Root or Some ContrastIf your client’s natural new growth or roots are dark, you can probably skip this step. However, if your client wants darker roots to boost contrast, you can add in a shadow root or lowlights that melt into the top of your balayage lights. You can weave in lowlights to create more contrast, as well.
      5. Tone to PerfectionIf you added a shadow root or lowlights, remember to rinse your client’s hair with cold water. And now, it’s time to tone to your client’s ideal shade of lighter color.
      6. StyleWhile a balayage looks great with any kind of hairstyle, we highly recommend styling your client with loose waves to show off the dimension and contrast you created! The waves will highlight your balayage painting skills beautifully while also adding shine and giving the hair a multi-dimensional feel.
      7. Inform Your Client of After CareWith any dye job, a client will need to take care of their hair after they leave the salon. This means sending your client home with deep conditioners and purple shampoo so they can keep their hair feeling and looking healthy, as well as keeping the color vibrant. You’re on your way to creating the most fabulous high contrast balayage hair — we can tell! Use these tips the next time your clients ask for a style as trendy and gorgeous as this one!