At Home Balayage Touch Up
I recently posted a photo over on Instagram that displayed the results of my first foray into home balayage.
As a hairstylist, I have coloured my hair with professional product at home but never balayage or highlights. I still believe in the magic of being in the chair and typically trust my girl, Alysha Walker of @littleefforts with my mane. Alysha is currently with her family in Switzerland and I simply could not look in the mirror anymore. On my birthday which was this past December 2020, I decided that the first day of 2021 would be a hair transformation moment. I filmed everything as I have seen so many people take their hair into their own hands to great success. If you need to do your hair, I want to help you. It’s not for everyone but if you believe that you can do it, I believe that you can do it too!
Here are some tips and tricks to get you on your way. Some were mentioned in the video and some are extras because you’ve taken time out of your day to read this blog! YAY!
Remember the Rule of 3
3 sections of the head
3 foils/pieces per section
Everything on the diagonal / SOFT+BLENDEDSpritz in your bond builder of choice, if it is meant to be applied to the hair prior to the lightener. I used Joico Defy Damage in the Youtube video, it was applied to the hair before sectioning.
Mix your lightener to your desired consistency, I typically prefer 1 part lightener to: 2 parts developer (1:2). Use a kitchen scale or purchase a hair colour scale from a beauty supplier like Cosmoprof, Sally Beauty or Amazon.
Add-in your bond builder if it’s meant to be mixed into the lightener. Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder are two brands that require being mixed into your lightening product.
If you have very dark hair start with a lower developer at the darkest part of your head, usually the back. Gradually use a higher developer as you work your way to the front.
* Most people have more breakage at the front because it is more susceptible to breakage/damage. Be mindful of this if you start in the front.If you have second thoughts about your touch-up, you can just take free hand pieces around your face that will give a pick-me-up to your look without having to go full throttle. Simply weave or slice out the pieces around your face for that money piece look.
Weaves = Usually more blended and natural look. Depending on how full or fine the weave is.
Slices = Usually more dramatic and bold. Again, depending on how full or fine the slice is!A touch-up can just be half of your head, which is known as a partial in the salon. Don’t do your entire head if you aren’t feeling it. It’s better to make a small mistake that can easily be fixed rather than a full-on colour correction that will be costly and time consuming!
Have a clean brush and towel available. Use the clean brush to blend in excess product at the top of your foil. Continuously wipe the brush in-between sections so that it does not spread product onto other sections.
*My fav brushes are by FramarUse a Coo Board or other flat board that you may have on-hand to ensure accuracy! This makes it so much easier.
Don’t apply lightener on pieces that are already light enough. Keep those out of your foils and away from the lightener. Only go over previously lightened pieces if you really want them to be lighter.
SATURATE. SATURATE. SATURATE.
If you do not saturate, your hair will not lift evenly. Take your time and brush away!Be as light handed and feather your pieces as much as possible. Work up the hair shaft, against the grain of the hair as you’re blending the top of the foil in.
Use a “pop-up” or plastic bag on your head (as seen in my video lol) to capture the heat from your scalp to help evenly lift your hair. Think of it as those vintage hair dryers, they used the heat to set the hair. You’re using your natural body heat to set your lift!
Do a lift check. Pull a foil out from the first piece that you applied as well as the last piece. Make sure they look the same. If they don’t, spray down the foil that is lighter with water. Wipe it with a towel and leave it out. Keep the piece(s) that need more time in their foils and pop-up or use a blow dryer to add light heat to accelerate the lifting process. Be mindful, don’t use too much heat as it can be damaging to your hair.
Shampoo at least twice to remove all lightener from your hair. Give it a good scrub! Don’t use any other product until you are removing the toner (if you need it) from your hair.
Toning with a bowl and brush is usually seen as being professional. It’s okay to use an applicator bottle and gloved hand at home. I generally recommend utilizing the applicator bottle and a Wet Brush or wide toothed comb when applying toner at home.
You can also just use a toning conditioner instead of toner! Follow the instructions on your toning conditioner. Generally speaking, leaving the toning conditioner on for 20 minutes or so will produce ideal results.
Use your Olaplex / K18 treatment products after fully removing the toner from your hair. Always follow the instructions on the bottle/packaging.
Have fun and remember that it is completely fine if this takes you some time. Rome was not built in a day and precision is the name of the game!
Did you find these at home balayage hair tips helpful? Why or why not? Are you going to try and add colour to your hair during lockdown? How about a curtain fringe?
If you’re a licensed hairstylist would you add anything more?
Comment here or DM me on social and let’s continue the conversation.
Outfit details are available exclusively through the Like to Know it app! Download the Like to Know it app today.
Wherever you are, I hope that you know that you’re loved and that there are people out there who are longing to meet you. Keep forging your path and never settle for anything less than what your heart desires.
Love,
Victoria+Alpha