When we need our tough color questions answered—especially when it pertains to balayage—we know just who to ask: our resident hair painting expert Jamie Sea (@prettylittleombre). Our latest quandary? When lightening up a client’s locks, when do you use balayage and when do you foil?

“When you understand the amount of brightness you want to achieve on your guest is when you decide which technique to use,” Jamie says. Let's meet Jamie. 

Balayage Lightener: Used to Achieve Level 6 to 8

This type of lightener has a thicker texture so it stays precisely where…