Cynthia M. Valdez (@cynlovesbalayage) of Blush at Bishop Arts, Dallas and an educator with The Business of Balayage, shares the details for this lovely upgrade from flat to subtle dimension: 

Hair History: Natural level 3 with a minor amount of lightness from babylights a year ago. She wears her hair straight mostly so a smooth blend is important which often takes me more time.

The Plan: Creating subtle dimension that would pop and still remain low maintenance.

Open air balayage: Jack Winn Color (balayage lightener) paint w/40 vol developer
Gloss: Redken Shades EQ-6n/6gn in zones 1&2 - 8n/clear zone 3 (Olaplex in the gloss always)

Execution: I painted high slants taking 2-3inch wide, 1inch in depth diagonal subsections around the face. A few smaller slants at the back of her part line and low v's underneath. My preference for less is more was the plan for this low maintenance mom of 3.

Timing: 3 hrs start to finish. Included detailed consult, process, haircut, style and photo session. A little extra for nursing a newborn.

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