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Color How-To: Painted Blush
Learn how Sebastian Langman-Kirtley (@sebastiancolorist) expands on the artistic possibilities of balayage by combining several application techniques.
December 6, 2018
Rose gold balayage highlights bring this textured bob up to a new level of chic.
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2 min to read
Balayage has always been a highly artistic technique—after all, the lightener or color is freehand-painted onto the hair. Sebastian Langman-Kirtley (@sebastiancolorist) expands on the artistic possibilities of balayage by combining several application techniques. “To add softness and tonal variety to my balayage,” he explains, “I use a feathered application on some subsections and a heavier, more traditional application on others. That way, I can control the amount of lift through the saturation of the product.” Langman-Kitley adds that L’Oréal Professionnel’s Blond Studio Multi-Techniques Powder is his lightener of choice in many instances because “it works quickly and has lifting power that cuts through the brassy underlying pigment.” He adds, “Mixing Smartbond into the formula is a no brainer. It protects the hair throughout the lightening process and leaves it feeling amazing!”
Here’s how Sebastian Langman-Kirtley uses his favorite techniques and favorite products on a textured bob to produce an on-trend, rose gold balayage result.
Formulas
Formula 1:L’Oréal Professionnel Blond Studio Multi Techniques Powder + 30-volume Majicreme developer (1:3) + Smartbond Step 1
Formula 2: L’Oréal Professionnel DIA Richesse Metals .24/rose gold + 9-volume DIActivateur developer + Smartbond Step 1
Application
Because the haircut is a heavily textured bob, work in wide sections, focusing mostly on the surface of the hair.
In the crown, paint a few multi-point pieces, working with the natural growth pattern of the hair.
Moving to the front, begin the application on the dominant side of the part. In the first subsection below the parietal ridge, over-direct the back and paint a four-point on the hairline.
Work up the head towards the natural part, alternating diagonal back and horizontal subsections and utilizing a multi-point application to produce pop in the perimeter and softness behind it.
Repeat the application on the “weak side” of the part.
Process 35 minutes without heat, remove the lightener and tone with DIA Richesse Metals .24.
Discover more tips and how-tos from the balayage leaders at L’Oréal Professionnel.
Explore Café Au Lait Balayage by L’Oréal Professionnel Artist Min Kim.
Check out classes on the French Balayage technique at the L’Oréal Professionnel academies on the East and West Coasts at www.lpregister.com/balayage.
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