A Spotlight on Balayage Part 3: Brunette Balayage

The Consultation: When is a brunette balayage not achievable on a client?

Blonde and red shades

A brunette balayage is designed to add dimension and shine to hair that has a base level of 4-6. While it uses colour that’s a maximum of two shades lighter than the base, you shouldn’t really attempt it on a blonde or red base. If your client plans on getting their hair dyed brunette followed by a balayage with a lighter brown, be sure to inform them it may take several sessions depending on its condition.

Clients who have used at-home hair dye

While it is possible to perform a balayage on a client who’s used an at-home dye, you will need to remove it beforehand. Depending on the type, and your client’s past colour history, you can remove it using Colour Undo and perform their balayage on the same day without damaging the hair.

Porous hair

Porous brunette hair is susceptible to breakage, and bleaching it may cause further damage. Depending on the hair’s condition, you can repair its broken bonds during your client’s appointment by adding the Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier into your balayage dye. After the dye has developed, follow up with the Olaplex No.2 Bond Perfector as an additional backbar treatment.