For delicate, tone-on-tone highlights that uses a minimum number of foils, this two-step backcomb balayage technique is your best bet according to Matrix Celebrity Stylist George Papanikolas who works with celebs like Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Madonna and Hailey Baldwin.
“These looks are modern because they’re seamless, and they’re super low-maintenance. My girls only come in two-to-four times a year,” says George. “They’re also fast—I don’t use a lot of foils at all. I don’t want eight hour projects in the salon!”
STEPS
Create a horseshoe parting and clip away the top.
Working in large horizontal sections below the parting, apply Formula A in v-shaped sections. There should be hardly any product on the brush so that the lightener is applied only to the surface of the section without saturating the hair. The lightener should be the consistency of yogurt for easy distribution. Begin the application at the midshaft and feather upward, then apply more pressure and more product as work progresses along the sides to the ends.
On the sides, direct the hair straight back and feather a small amount of lightener gently across the surface. This is where the hair is pulled back, so it’s important for the highlights here to be subtle and well-blended.
Protect the bottom section with cotton and release the top.
Work around the top section as before, applying the lightener in v-shaped horizontal sections.
Cover the head with plastic and process with heat for 20 minutes.
Remove the plastic. At this point, the lightener will stop processing and the product will be powdery. Section the hair as shown.
Working in large horizontal sections once more, backcomb the base of each section to produce a finer end section.
Apply Formula B in a v-shape along the non-backcombed section and secure with foil.
Work in a bricklay pattern throughout the back. Release the top and continue. If you’re applying lightener to a section that has already been lightened, carefully blend the new application with the previous application. Process and gently comb out the backcombing at the shampoo bowl.
Backcomb Balayage Finished Look
