MENU
SEARCHOne expert shares five instances when NOT to balayage the hair.
Balayage expert Eva Scrivo shares her top 5 reasons NOT to balayage.
Balayage highlights are great for just about everyone looking for dimension, a seamless melt, tasteful highlights, and an on-trend color design – an application that offers a truly modern ombre.
Although many people refer to it as a style, balyage is not the result, but the technique. According to Dictonary.com:
“A technique for highlighting hair in which the dye is painted on in such a way as to create a graduated, natural-looking effect.”
MODERN frequently reaches out to color and balayage expert, Eva Scrivo, who has mastered the technique and is one of the top balayage experts in the world. “I frequently hear that colorists cannot get sunny and bright highlights with balayage,” Scrivo says. “That is not true. If formulated and applied properly, as well as choosing the right product, anyone can get as much lift as desired.”
Here Scrivo shares the 5 reasons NOT to balayage:
COATED HAIR: “If the hair has any kind of coating, you may get spotty results,” Scrivo says. “Has it been henna-ed? Has your client had multiple demi’s or any heavily pigmented color that has built up or even banding from overlapping?” Scrivo suggests that foils may be necessary for this client. “You may need to use foils to break through the existing color.”
BRASSY HAIR: Hair that is perpetually brassy, no matter what you do, is another time you may want to use foils instead of balayage. “The foils will work as a pre-lightener and allow you to get lighter and brighter,” Scrivo says. “But keep in mind once lifted, return to balayage the next time you color the hair for perfect results.”
DEPTH AND DIMENSION: If your client does not want to see depth at the root, she is NOT a good candidate for balayage. “Balayage will leave a shadow root, as well as depth and dimension throughout the hair,” Scrivo adds. “Some clients do not want to see any of their natural or base color or are looking for a solid finish. Single process is best for them.”
TIME COMMITMENT: In a hurry? Balayage does take time. “If your client needs to get in and out, balayage is not for her. It is a technique that cannot be rushed. Don’t think you can use heat to speed it up, that may result in bleeding and spotting.”
LACK OF KNOWLEDGE: Scrivo says you must stay on top of your game. “Balayage is a technical craft,” Scrivo says. “It requires practice and understanding. If you’ve never taken a class to know the actual step by step for proper application and formulation, you may not be ready for some of the challenges that may come up.”
Scrivo holds workshops at the Eva Scrivo Academy held in her Fifth Avenue, NYC salon, right in the heart of the Flat Iron district. Balayage is always part of the program. She also holds private immersion classes held once each month. For more information, go to www.EvaScrivo/Academy.com.
Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Carly Zanoni shares the express color and treatment services helping stylists deliver great results in under 30 minutes while creating new opportunities for client retention and revenue growth.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
From gray blending to glossing services, stylists are redefining low-maintenance hair color and building more consistent, profitable salon business.
Neutralizing the damaging effects of water benefits the hair from texture to shine to color longevity, and it’s the science behind Malibu C products.
Sponsored by Malibu Wellness
Craft with confidence, challenge your creativity, work from inspiration. Prepare your chair for every canvas with Moroccanoil's expanded color lines and advanced technology.
Sponsored by Moroccanoil
Create a look of quiet luxury with this modern take on ombré, featuring beautiful dimension and depth with strategic pops of blonde around the face and ends. The initial effect is bright and beautiful, with purposefully placed depth creating longevity as the hair grows out.
A master colorist on why great hair color is never “simple.”
Meet the next generation of lightening with cleaner lift, less breakage, and built-in Metal Purifier Technology.
Sponsored by Wella
Oligo Professionnel, the Montreal-based hair color powerhouse, expands beyond the salon with a new routine-driven system designed specifically for blondes and those with highlighted hair.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Alysa partnered with St. Louis–based color specialist Kelsey Miller to elevate her DIY bleach work into clean, high-contrast halo placements.
PRAVANA Sugarcoated expands the ChromaSilk VIVIDS line with two new pink shades, Juicy and Crush.
Blonde hair is as All-American as baseball, apple pie, and Stars and Stripes forever. And as America approaches her 250th birthday next year, we celebrate the birth of the Global Blonde.
Two reds that get raves, these looks were designed using Alfaparf Milano. Get all the steps, processing, and expert tips to add these recipes to your rotation.
Many colorists and blonde specialists have been enthusiastic about Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, creating some of the purest platinum looks in celebration of the pick. Check out some of our favorite Cloud Dancer creations and collections.
To kick off the year fresh, actress Emma Roberts has undergone a major 7-hour color transformation going from Copper Red back to her iconic Iridescent Golden Blonde. The transformation was created by Wella Professional Global Ambassador Nikki Lee.
