Heavy, high-contrast looks are hotter than ever right now, so we rounded up some balayage education from a few of our favorite painters. Here are three useful tips from @paintedhair, @lizhaven and @jayrua_glam.

@paintedhair’s Tip to Avoid Muddiness 
When adding a lowlight to blonde hair, avoid going more than one shade darker than the natural base. “You need to have a neutral shade with a pinch of gold to fill the hair and keep it from looking muddy or gray,” she says. Watch her lowlight technique.