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3 Steps to Perfect Blonde: Gabriel Samra’s Balayage Roadmap

Long wavy blonde balayage hairstyle with soft highlights, styled by Gabriel Samra, showcasing natural beachy waves and multi-dimensional color.
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Photo courtesy of BTC.

Gabriel Samra’s Step-By-Step Guide to Advanced Blonding

Stop what you’re doing—the ultimate custom blonde balayage technique is finally here. Gabriel Samra (@gabrielsamra) shares his new step-by-step method in this “Custom Blonde Balayagecourse breakdown from BTC University and TRUSS Professional. Get a sneak peek at his expert tips, learn common mistakes to avoid and follow his process for creating flawless blondes—from consultation to the final look. 

 

Want to master Gabriel’s one-of-a-kind technique? Become a BTC-U Member to get unlimited access to his class and a free downloadable guide!

 

 

Step 1: Map Out Your Sections for Depth and Light

Gabriel divides the hair using his signature five-section technique, carefully following the natural hairline to define the top section. If the hairline is even, begin by creating clean horizontal sections at the top of the head, following its natural shape for a balanced lift and natural-looking results.

 

However, doing this with an uneven hairline could lead to errors. “You could end up with some dark spots and lighter pieces,” he warns. “Avoid this by dividing the section into two parts: one on the right side, and one on the left.” This ensures the color blends naturally with the hairline’s shape and avoids harsh contrasts.

Step 2: Use Gabriel’s Teasing Ratio For Depth & Dimension

After sectioning the hair, Gabriel uses TRUSS Professional air.libre Bleaching Powder. “It has seven different ingredients to protect the hair during the lightening process and keep it hydrated,” he explains. 

 

The teasing percentage guides the depth and impact of each section. Wondering how to create the right amount of dimension? Gabriel breaks it down in the video with an easy-to-follow guide:

 

  • 25%: Tease just the first quarter of the section at the root, ideal for the contour area around the hairline and nape to maximize brightness and impact
  • 50%: Tease halfway up the section for a balanced and blended look
  • 75%: Tease three-quarters of the way up the section to build depth and dimension, especially as you work towards the back of the head in the top and side sections
  • 95%: Tease from the very bottom of the section to create maximum depth, especially at the crown for that lived-in look

 

Gabriel includes a downloadable roadmap detailing how to section and the teasing percentages for his new technique, offering a step-by-step resource to perfect your blonding skills.

 

Here’s how to avoid the No.1 backcombing mistakes stylists make:

 

 

Step 3: Customize Sections Like Gabriel for Any Color or Shade

How you section for a color melt depends on if you have a client with a lot of blonde or a brunette or natural color or natural blonde.

 

Here’s Gabriel’s take on how to section for both:

 

 

Gabriel says not to be afraid of this process; you’re not going to mess it up or ruin the lifting. “If you use the right product the right way, you won’t have any problem,” he says. “I apply shadow roots to all my clients.” He uses the TRUSS Professional Semi Permanent Color and TRUSS Professional 6-Volume Developer, and TRUSS Professional Deluxe Prime to rewet the hair if it starts to dry. 

 

To restore the hair fiber and protect the color, Gabriel applies the TRUSS Professional Stop Damage | No Metal Intensive Mask. “It closes the cuticle and makes the hair super shiny,” he says. “Brush the product through the hair to ensure every strand of hair is covered.”

 

Watch Gabriel’s tutorial and access his custom blonde balayage roadmap here!

 

 

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