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SEARCHIt’s hard to imagine there will ever come a time when a good balayage will be dated. The trend for bold, chunky or streaking highlights may come and go, but a seamless, gently highlighted blonde is timeless.“Balayage is so hot right ...
It’s hard to imagine there will ever come a time when a good balayage will be dated. The trend for bold, chunky or streaking highlights may come and go, but a seamless, gently highlighted blonde is timeless.
“Balayage is so hot right now because it is a more modern take on blonding,” says Justin Isaac, global Redken artist. “Foils are structured making it hard to create softness,” which he says is key for the new blonde. According to Isaac, “For a great blonde you need lightness and shadow. So many blondes hate lowlights, but we haven’t found a way to put back shadows without looking cheap.”
Balayage, with V-sectioning and surface coloring, creates a built in shadow. “I love the movement it offers,” he says. “It’s soft and natural. The light dances on the shadow.”
To best capture that light, Isaac takes special effort in his placement in what he calls his “5th Avenue Service” technique. “I call this placement points of light,” he says. “It’s important to place the color where the light would naturally hit the hair. If done properly, balayage is one of the most beautiful color designs, creating a timeless finish.”
For this look, Isaac chose to use Red- ken’s new Free Hand Lightener, which he says is perfect for balayage. “It’s great for free-hand coloring because it is clay- based and offers the perfect texture and more control.”
Isaac also places the color on his hand as a reserve for his brush. “Each time I go to take lightener I mix it up,” he says. “I do not want or need to keep dipping my brush in the bowl.”
Haircolor: Justin Isaac
Hairstyling: Lindsey Olson
Assistants: Kris Sorbie, Sid Ra’oof
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Makeup: David Maderich for MAC Cosmetics
Fashion Styling: Rod Novoa
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