Ask the expert: How to Make Balayage Work for Brunettes

Think Balayage is just for blondes? Think again!

Brunette beauties Lily Aldridge, Jessica Biel & Chrissy Teigen are all advocates of this technique and with summer almost in full swing, balayage is a great way to add warmth and dimension into sultry brunette shades.

We spoke to former winner of theBritish Hairdressing Business Award Salon Stylist of the Year, Chloe Ascott, colour director at HARE&BONE, for her top tips on how to make this work for your clients.

‘The key to any good colour technique is in the foundation. Regardless of season, hair should be treated to be in optimum condition prior to colour being applied. The weather and central heating can cause hair to dry out which is not ideal prep work for any colour appointment.

There is a preconception that balayage is only suitable for blondes but brunettes such as Alexa Chung, Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria continue to prove this is not the case. Balayage means ‘sweeps of colours’ and the whole concept is about offering low maintenance colour. To achieve this you need to avoid colour placement at the roots.

However, adding delicate tones that bring warmth and depth to the roots can be applied in winter. The contrast from root to end tends to be softer than summer placements, when clients can get away with being a little more dramatic due to the natural impact created by the sunlight.’