Balayage: Point Application Technique

There is A LOT that goes into perfecting your balayage services—and L’Oréal Professionnel colorist Nancy Braun knows exactly how to help. We’re breaking down her tried and tested application technique below, so listen up and start perfecting this game-changing color service.

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DO THIS: Point Balayage Application

• Use a 1-point, 2-point (a V) or 3-point (a W) application process (shown in the photo above). Why? The point, whether you’re using a 1-, 2- or 3-point method, will always create a graceful growout. 
• Determine the working section, apply the lightener starting between the root and midlengths and then feather it up toward the root to create the point. Remember that feathering the lightener upward allows for a soft diffusion of color.
• After the new growth and points are created, start applying more product at the midlengths through to the ends.
• Keep the product consistent, blended and surface-level until reaching the last two to three inches of the hair. Then push the product through to saturate thoroughly.

REMEMBER THIS: Tips For Success

• Pull the hair very taut in order to get the lightener as close to the scalp as possible without actually touching the scalp when creating points.
• Be mindful of how even and consistent the product is when applying it. Pushing the product on too heavy in certain spots can create unwanted marbleizing in the end result.
• Know your product. Nancy says clay-based lighteners can dry on the hair in certain areas and stay wet in others, which can create inconsistencies.