Balayage vs Foilyage: Formulas & Techniques

What’s Balayage? This popular free-hand painting technique is done by sweeping swaths of color or lightener onto the top surface of the hair; processing without foils and heat.
When do I use it? “Balayage is great for those clients who just want a little soft dimension and a very natural look; without committing to something high maintenance,” explains Mai. Your client should also be willing to embrace warmer tones with less lift.

What’s Foilyage? Like Balayage, this technique involves sweeping color onto hair; but the sections are wrapped in foil to conduct heat and deliver greater lift. Unlike regular foil highlights – which lighten hair from roots to ends with a consistent pattern — Foilyage is a softer technique, creating a more natural grow-out.
When do I use it? “I use Foilyage for those clients who want a more diffused look with maximum lift, or a lot of pops of blondes,” says Mai.

Client level: 3
“My client wanted very subtle dimension, so I created a look with rich caramel tones, using her dark natural base as the background for depth. I grabbed my Blonde Life Balayage Lightener and surface-painted light pieces where I wanted to see them. It’s a very natural look and low-maintenance…but produces a beautiful, expensive-looking dimensional brunette.”

Pro tricks:
Use plastic wrap to protect your painting work while it develops
“When doing Balayage, use 30 or 40 volume developer, otherwise you won’t get any lift,” says Mai.
“Don’t introduce external heat. Instead, trap the heat with a towel — it works wonders!”

Home Care Rec…
Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo and Conditioner:
Stocked with Tamanu and Manoi oils, this is the combo to reach for when you want a brass-neutralizing, sulfate-free formula that fights frizz, and takes a gentle hand with fragile, highlighted strands. Blonde hair becomes bright, brilliant, and gleamingly gorgeous.

Client level: 6
“I chose to do a baby-light look throughout, which gives her more highlights; but is still soft, natural, low-maintenance, and super diffused. This technique is ideal for those who want to stay more neutral in tone, or go into the cooler zone.”

Pro tricks:
“Detail all the hairline, all the way around — it’s just as important as the rest of the foiling.
“Start with a low developer when doing foil work; you’ll get better (and more even) lift without damaging the hair.”

Home Care Rec…
Blonde Life Brightening Shampoo and Conditioner:
Stocked with Tamanu and Manoi oils, this is the combo to reach for when you want a brass-neutralizing, sulfate-free formula that fights frizz, and takes a gentle hand with fragile, highlighted strands. Blonde hair becomes bright, brilliant, and gleamingly gorgeous.

Alternate with…
Blonde Life Violet Shampoo (once a month):
When you want to bring blonde hair back to that fresh-out-of-the-salon shade, turn to this sulfate-free cleanser that instantly kicks overly yellow tones to the curb; and finish with hydration that offers luxurious slip and detangling power.