How to create a dimensional balayage with a very bright natural finish

"Something that grows out nicely and it super low maintenance" is what I hear most when it comes to the balayages I do. The key to getting that blended, low maintenance balayage is the dark to light ratio in the hair. The more equal the ratio, the better and softer the grow out will be. When you have someone that wants an bombshell blonde balayage but has very dark hair they will have a much harsher grow out just because of the contrast from dark to light; however, if there is enough darkness left in the hair, it softens that and acts as a transition shade to help the blend. Sometimes it can be tricky to figure the ratio out without making it too light or not light enough. How I measure this is first determined on what the hair looks like when my client first sits in my chair. If the hair is all the same color, woo hoo!! You get to skip the first step! If the hair already has blonde in it or a previous balayage you then have to consider how much lightness is there, how much darkness is in there, what kind of a look they are going for, if the hair that would be left out (the hair between foils or balayaged pieces aka the dimensional pieces) is going to compliment the hair you are painting or foiling. If the hair that will be left out has spottiness, unwanted tones, harsh lines or just isn't providing enough depth, you will need to make adjustments for those pieces as well.

When I look at someone's hair prior to painting it, I like to ask them how much depth they like in their hair. A lot of people want to have the most depth at their root area to ensure soft grow out. Others like to have depth throughout the entire thing to create a more natural look. So first off:

1: Ask your client where they want depth. (All hair must have some depth because it makes the lighter parts appear brighter)

2: Ask them if they want to have and lightness around their face or around the perimeter of their hair so that way when they pull their hair up they will feel bright.

3: Ask if they want to be the brightest at their ends and if they want all of their ends to be light.

4: Ask them if they want to have depth underneath (so more of a partial) or if they want it all to be the same.

Asking these questions will then give you a better idea of how to approach doing their hair. You will then know exactly where to put the light parts so that it is the exact ratio that they want in the end.