Neutral Balayage: 6 Tips To Add Depth To Blondes

6 Pro Tips To Add Dimension Back To Blondes

Let’s get real about blondes. Instead of foils, foils and more foils, consider this—the best balayage blends use a balance of highs and lows to create dimension. It’s time to rethink the way you approach blondes by focusing on strategic placement and knowing where to add depth back into the hair. That’s why we’re sharing tips from balayage experts on how to paint bright, neutral blends. Just keep scrollin’!

#1: Formulation Trick For Adding Depth

When adding dimension back into blonde hair, Mallory Galusha (@hair_by_mallory_) avoids using permanent colors. Instead, she uses a demi-permanent color like Matrix SoColor Sync Pre-Bonded Neutrals to make darker tones last on previously lightened hair.

Here’s why: Instead of blasting the cuticle open, the demi color will actually seal the cuticle down to add a ton of shine. If a client decides to change their color later, it will be easier to lift through if they are transitioning back to a lighter color.  

Ready to try NEW SoColor Sync Pre-Bonded Neutrals?! Click here to shop at SalonCentric!

#2: Strategic Placement On Grown-Out Balayage

We all have those clients who come in twice a year for hair painting, and their grow-out looks amazing. Madison Fetterhoff (@hairstylist.madison) uses this as an opportunity to focus on strategically placing pops of brightness throughout the canvas.

For Example: The client below had grown-out shades of gold from past appointments, so Madison placed bright neutrals to add contrast. The secret to creating these blends is neutralizing the underlying pigment.

Here are a few of Madison’s favorite formulas:

• Neutral Jade to kick red tones
• 9NA + 10N for light, ashy blondes

#3: Soften Blondes With A Root Melt

The easiest way to make blondes look more lived-in is tapping the root! Watch the video below to see how it’s done by Mallory, and remember these tips and color formulas for seamless blends.

• Color Formula: equal parts SoColor Sync Pre-Bonded 7NV + 7NA
• Tap on damp hair and blend 1 inch down, leaving the money piece out for the very end
• Baby tap the money piece last
• Blend down with a brush

Watch The Quickie Video Below!

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Balayage✨Blonde Specialist (@hair_by_mallory_)

#4: How To Formulate For Neutral Gold Balayage

There is nothing better than a sun-drenched balayage that reflects neutral, gold and beige tones—and Mallery Share (@hellobalayage) does it like a pro! “This multi-dimensional balayage makes the color glossy and lived-in,” says Mallery.

Pro Tip: For the client below, Mallery only toned with Formula B for less than 7 minutes to neutralize excess warmth.

Tap The Beaker For The Color Formulas!

• Formula A (balayage)

  Matrix Light Master Bonder Inside + 30-volume developer

• Formula B (toner)

  Matrix SoColor Sync Pre-Bonded 7NV + 9NA

Instagram via @hellobalayage

#5: Getting Warm Results? Try This!

Blonde clients who are looking to go darker still don’t want to see warmth in their balayage. To prevent the color from pulling warm or looking too harsh, Mallory lowlights with ColorSync Pre-Bonded 7NV + 7NA. She feathers halfway down the hair to keep the ends nice and bright while adding depth to the crown.

Swipe To Watch The Lowlight Technique

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Balayage✨Blonde Specialist (@hair_by_mallory_)

#6: The Secret To Creating Dimension

Say it with us: Brightness needs darkness to pop against! Pockets of depth give the blonde something to sit next to which will create that dimensional pop, says Mallory. That’s why negative space, or depth, is KEY to achieving the balayage look.

Pro Tip: Don’t over foil the hair, otherwise you will lose dimension. Instead, use strategic placement to create brightness where it counts. For example: Money piece, face frame and nape.