Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Baliage: Not Just for Blondes!

Sal Marchese of Salon Marsal (salonmarsal.com) shares his tips and techniques for baliage, a technique where a colorist uses a brush to paint a thick mixture of lightener onto a section of hair in one of three paint designs. These designs—singles, slants, V and W use a “sweeping” motion to apply lightener from thin at roots to thicker towards the end.

July 11, 2011
2 min to read


Sal Marchese of Salon Marsal (salonmarsal.com) shares his tips and techniques for baliage, a technique where a colorist uses a brush to paint a thick mixture of lightener onto a section of hair in one of three paint designs.  These designs-singles, slants, V and W use a "sweeping" motion to apply lightener from thin at roots to thicker towards the end.


Ad Loading...

Baliage-afterback-resize

Baliage-afterfrontresize


Finished Looks.

Baliage-gina-before-resize


Before.

Baliage-step1resize


Step 1: "First, I section the head into four sections," says Marchese. "Then I begin at the bottom of the back hairline for row one, painting singles, ensuring that I work from ear to ear."

Baliage-step2resize


Step 2: "For rows two and three I paint slants.  Following into the crown, when painting rows four, five, and six, I paint Vs and Ws."

Baliage-step3resize


Step 3: "Moving to the sides of the heads, for rows one and two I paint slants and Vs and Ws on row three."

Ad Loading...

Baliage-step4resize


Step 4: "When painting around the front hairline, I will paint singles or doubles depending on the look the guest is trying to achieve."


My recommendations for the tools I use are: mixing bowl, paddle, color brush, talc powder, clips and Eugene Perma Compacte Bleach, which can only be purchased through TruBeauty Concept out of Pennsylvania(888-371-5040).

Sal Marchese travels throughout the United States teaching the baliage technique. To inquire about these classes, visit the salonmarsal.com or via e-mail at salonmarsal@verizon.net.




Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

Beautiful Careers Happen Here

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!

Sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Ad Loading...