With so many different terms/names/twists and individual spins on techniques, i thought I'd put together some info to help educate you on how to talk to your Stylist.
1. BALAYAGE
What it means: Also called hair painting, this technique is where color is often applied freehand to the surface of hair. The color is “hand swept” by the colorist from mid-shaft to ends, which differs from traditional highlights that are applied from the base of the hair.
How it looks: Think more natural-looking highlights that are a bit easier to maintain.
2. PINTURA
What it means: Similar to balayage, but for curly-haired ladies. This technique paints color directly to the strands in specific patterns (depending on the desired effect).
How it looks: Since stylists can choose exactly where to place color, the final result adds dimension and light-reflecting qualities specific to each client.
3. OMBRÉ
What it means: This look is generally low-maintenance and uses the balayage technique to paint color onto the bottom half of the hair length. (Balayage is the technique; ombré is the look.)
How it looks: Hair is colored darker at the roots (or left alone if naturally dark) and fades to a lighter hue at the ends.
4. TORTOISESHELL
What it means: Colors ranging from gold to chocolate are added and blended through the hair to create a gradual shift from dark to light.
How it looks: The tortoiseshell appearance is a bit softer and more natural-looking than ombré, and begins with a darker root that softly fades to a warm blonde.
5. HAND-PRESSED COLOR
What it means: This technique uses a plate/slab (like an artist’s palette) to transfer multiple layers of color onto the hair. (If you haven’t heard of it yet, don’t worry--it’s going viral as we speak.)
How it looks: Multi-dimensional color that appears to change as the hair moves. Especially if styled with waves/curls.
6. PARTIAL HIGHLIGHTS
What it means: These highlights are placed around the face, though some stylists place the highlights on the top layers of the hair. Make sure to clarify which area the partial highlights you would like to see the highlights.
How it looks: The addition of face-framing color can add volume and body to hair, though may appear dramatic if lower layers are much darker than highlights.
7. FULL HIGHLIGHTS
What it means: Like it sounds, the color is applied to every section of your head, from the nape of your neck to your hairline.
How it looks: The highlight color usually appears in greater contrast to the original hair color and can look quite dramatic if a very light hue is chosen for dark hair. Also, they can appear the most natural--if similar colors are blended together.
8. LOW LIGHTS/REVERSE
What it means: A technique that darkens strands of hair (rather than lightening them).
How it looks: This can add depth to hair, which gives the illusion of more volume, and is often paired with highlights in order to add even more dimension.
9. BASE COLOR/GLOBAL
What it means: A color that the stylist applies all over the head, from root to tip. This step usually precedes other colors or highlights.
How it looks: One-dimensional color that looks uniform throughout--until you add other hues on top.
10. COVERAGE/REGROWTH
What it means: The measure of a hair dye’s ability to cover gray strands.
How it looks: More coverage means less transparency and fading over time.
11. GLAZE/GLOSS/SEMI
What it means: This liquid formula is applied all over and adds shine and semi-permanent color that typically lasts for up to two weeks. Some glazes are clear, which you can think of as a top coat for color. Glosses and glazes can also provide intense conditioning and often help repair damage to hair.
How it looks: Think super-shiny color that fades quickly.
12. TONER
What it means: A semi-permanent color is applied to damp hair to even out any unwanted hues (i.e., “brassiness”).
How it looks: Harmonizing colors are added, but they can fade over time. This is just a temporary fix for reviving color.
13. FILLER
What it means: A chemical that helps hair absorb color by filling gaps in the cuticle of the hair.
How it looks: Hair color is more evenly distributed throughout and remains more vibrant for a longer period of time.
13. CUSTOM
What it means: Where your stylist will design a special color placement to compliment you and your look..
How it looks: Hair color is customized to suit your style, shape, budget & more.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS WITH AN OPEN MIND AND WHEN YOU TRUST YOUR STYLIST, SO ASK FOR A FEW EXTRA MINUTES AND HAVE A CHAT TO SEE WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU <3
Proudly, we are partnered with Artego and use all their amazing products.
https://www.myartego.com.au/