How-Tos > Hair Color > How-To: Sultry Balayage
Last updated: May 24, 2018

How-To: Sultry Balayage

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  • Formula A (Base Color):

    L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse 1/4 tube of 4.3 + 1/4 tube of 6.8 + 1/2 tube of 5 + 2.6 oz. 15-volume developer   

  • Formula B (Balayage):

    Eugene Perma Solaris Poudr6 + 40-volume developer. Mix to create a very thick consistency. Pro tip: Use a comb to fold the product together.

Diamonds ARE a girl’s best friend! And they are the secret to this *perfect* rooty balayage created by Dre LeFevre @drelefevre from The Lab A Salon in San Diego. Dre, who just happens to be a balayage/hair painting specialist (obviously!) and an educator, transformed her client’s look from sweetheart to sultry with an on-point A-line cut and a darker root. Since those hot summer nights are a-comin’ and we know your clients will want to be stunners, we asked Dre for her secrets. She generously delivered all of the goods— get the cut and color how-tos below!

 

Total Price
Haircut: $99
Balayage/Hair Painting: $200
Base Color: $75

Colorist: Dre LeFevre
Manufacturer: EUGENE PERMA Professionnel; L’Oréal Professionnel, @lorealpro

COLOR FORMULAS

  • Formula A (Base Color):

    L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse 1/4 tube of 4.3 + 1/4 tube of 6.8 + 1/2 tube of 5 + 2.6 oz. 15-volume developer   

  • Formula B (Balayage):

    Eugene Perma Solaris Poudr6 + 40-volume developer. Mix to create a very thick consistency. Pro tip: Use a comb to fold the product together.

HOW-TO STEPS

  • open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (Base Color):

      L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse 1/4 tube of 4.3 + 1/4 tube of 6.8 + 1/2 tube of 5 + 2.6 oz. 15-volume developer   

    • Formula B (Balayage):

      Eugene Perma Solaris Poudr6 + 40-volume developer. Mix to create a very thick consistency. Pro tip: Use a comb to fold the product together.

    1

    Create a horseshoe pattern from the recession to the occipital and section away for later. 

  • 2

    Next, cut hair on bare skin at zero-degree elevation to create the dramatic, A-line shape.

  • 3

    Continue shaping the back by working in vertical sections behind the ear while using a deep channel-cutting technique. Overdirect the front sections to behind the ear to maintain length and weight.

  • 4

    Last, create inversion layers through the horseshoe section on top while using a deep slice-cutting technique. Intentionally leave the top longer to create a disconnection with the cut.

    Pro Tip: This haircut was done on dry hair, prior to the color service.

  • 5

    Starting in the back, section hair down the middle.

  • 6

    Next, take vertical sections and apply Formula A to the root area and feather the product down to the midshaft. Pivot around the head while applying Formula A. 

    Pro tip: When coloring hair darker and hair painting, always apply your base color to the back first, and keep the base color further down the hair shaft in the back and not as much color toward the face. This will mimic a sun-kissed, natural look.

  • open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (Base Color):

      L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse 1/4 tube of 4.3 + 1/4 tube of 6.8 + 1/2 tube of 5 + 2.6 oz. 15-volume developer   

    • Formula B (Balayage):

      Eugene Perma Solaris Poudr6 + 40-volume developer. Mix to create a very thick consistency. Pro tip: Use a comb to fold the product together.

    7

    Now, take diamond sections at the back of the head and comb Formula A through the midshaft.

  • open color formula
    close formula
    • Formula A (Base Color):

      L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse 1/4 tube of 4.3 + 1/4 tube of 6.8 + 1/2 tube of 5 + 2.6 oz. 15-volume developer   

    • Formula B (Balayage):

      Eugene Perma Solaris Poudr6 + 40-volume developer. Mix to create a very thick consistency. Pro tip: Use a comb to fold the product together.

    8

    Apply Formula B in a soft, sweeping manner, working the product up while blending the two formulas together. Use a balayage paddle to keep hands clear of lightener. Continue working from side to keep the color balanced.
    Pro tip: Use 50-volume developer with lightener for maximum lift or on virgin hair.

  • 9

    Determine your client’s part or natural fall, and work on a diagonal back triangle section. Apply formula B slightly closer to roots in the triangle sections closest to the face. Work from side to side to keep color balance.

  • 10

    Process for about 15 to 30 minutes, and rinse when the desired color is achieved.  
    *Note: No toner was needed for this particular client.