Painting and placement
Balayage is a freehand surface-painting technique, while pintura adapts deliberate painted placement for curls. Ombré describes the darker-to-lighter result rather than the application technique itself.
- Balayage — hand-swept colour from mid-lengths to ends
- Pintura — curl-specific painted placement
- Ombré — a darker root fading into lighter ends
- Tortoiseshell — a softer blend of gold, chocolate and warm blonde
Highlights and depth
Partial highlights concentrate brightness around the face or upper layers. Full highlights extend through the whole head. Lowlights or reverse colour add darker strands to create depth and an impression of volume.
Finishing language
A base or global colour is applied throughout. Regrowth coverage focuses on the root area. A gloss or glaze adds temporary tone and shine, while toner balances unwanted hues. Filler helps colour distribute through porous hair. Custom colour combines techniques around the person, condition, budget and desired finish.