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14 October 2021
Posted by in Hair

A Spotlight on Balayage: Part 2 Caramel Balayage

Caramel Balayage

In the second part of our Balayage series, we share the technical know-how and tips on how to give your brunette clients a sun-kissed caramel balayage.

Continuing our three-part series, we’ll now be exploring how you can give your clients the caramel balayage looks seen in their inspiration images. Bringing the seamless freehand technique of a balayage and the warm golden caramel colours together, this combination creates a soft sun-kissed look that adds dimension to dark and brunette bases.

Part Two: Caramel Balayage

Using some of our top colour brands, follow our guide on creating a luscious ‘Caramel balayage’, a versatile option that sits somewhere in the middle of the balayage spectrum. If you want tips on application and to learn about other types of balayage, check out our the rest of the series focussing on blonde and brunette balayage.

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

Blonde and red shades

A caramel balayage is designed to add dimension and shine to hair that has a base level of 6-8, so it won’t really work on clients with blonde and red shades. If your client plans on getting their hair dyed brunette followed by a caramel balayage, be sure to inform your client 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 dark and 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.

Be inspired by these sun-kissed caramel balayages

Caramel Balayage Recipe Guide (base level 6 or 7)

Step One

Using the V-section technique from part one of this blog series, lift your client’s hair to level 8 or 9 with your chosen bleach powder and developer. Leave to develop for the recommended time and wash out thoroughly.

Step Two (optional)

If there is still brassiness in your client’s hair following their bleaching, use one of the following toners to neutralise oranges. Mix in with the appropriate developer at a 1:1 ratio and leave to develop for 5 to 15 minutes before rinsing out.

Shop your caramel toners

Learn more about our colour ranges and switch and save offers that will help you create incredible Balayage looks. XP Colour is a great place to start; an easy to work with formulation, twice the product per tube and an incredible shade range for all shades. Next we talk about Brunette Balayage in Part 3 of out Focus on Balayage Series.

Learn more about our XP Colour Collection
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