Balayage for Redheads: Enhancing Your Fiery Locks with Subtle or Bold Highlights

September 26, 2023

Do you have a redheaded client looking to add subtle dimension and depth to their hair? Or perhaps a client that’s ready for a new vibrant look? Then it’s time to recommend a red Balayage! 

What Is Red Balayage?

Red Balayage is a technique that involves painting lighter shades onto specific sections of red hair following one of the most sought after color techniques. The lightened sections are strategically placed to mimic the natural way the sun would lighten hair, creating a sun-kissed effect. This technique is ideal for redheads who want to enhance their natural color without going for a full color change. With red Balayage, you can add depth, dimension, and movement to red hair, making it appear more vibrant and dynamic. The result is a beautiful, multi-dimensional look that complements your client’s unique red hair color or creates a bold statement with a striking makeover.

 

How to Achieve Red Balayage: A Step-by-Step Guide

To achieve red Balayage, the first thing is to thoroughly consult with your client. What are their favorite shades? What is their natural base? Do they want subtle hues or vivid fashion shades?

Check the hair history and, last but not least, skin test and share inspo pics! Believe us when we say that there is a huge variety of reds out there so it’s important to be on the same page as your client!

Once you have assessed your client’s hair color and texture it’s time to have fun! Here is a step-by-step guide for achieving Balayage red:

  1. Consultation: Discuss the desired look with your client, considering factors such as the shade and intensity of red, placement of color, the overall desired effect, and if it will be achieved in one session or more.
  2. Color Selection: Select the shades of red that will complement your client’s natural hair color and decide if the base color will need to be revised. This can be done using permanent shades that blend seamlessly with pre-lightener to create the desired look and contrast.
  3. Hand-painting or foilayage: Will you opt for a classic freehand Balayage technique or will you go for a foilayage technique for extra lightness? This will depend on the client’s desired results and on the starting base color, color history, and the vibrancy required. The Balayage will highlight specific sections of hair focusing on areas where the light would naturally hit or focusing on key areas.
  4. Processing Time: Depending on the results, develop to the required undertone. The beauty of red Balayage is that a red-orange undertone creates a beautiful hue and this will keep the hair healthy and strong. The look can also be achieved using the sunset shades with ammonia free vegan hair color from Revlon Professional. These beautifully blend different tones with red hair.
  5. Gloss: Depending on the desired outcome, a color gloss can be applied over the Balayage to create and enhance certain tones in the red highlights. We recommend Revlonissimo Colorsmetique™ Permanent Hair Color Mixers in shades C50 Purple Red, C60 Fire Red, and 600 RED mixer that will create personalized and long-lasting color results intermixable with all Revlonissimo Colorsmetique shades.
  6. Longevity: To ensure longevity until the next salon visit, be sure to recommend Nutri Color™ Filters Fashion Filters – Revlon Professional as homecare or use in-salon to create luminous fantasy color results using the corresponding tones 500 Purple Red and 600 RED.
  7. Styling and Finishing: To showcase the Balayage red look, style using Revlon Professional® hair care products and ensure a color safe range is used such as RE/START™ Color Protective Gentle Cleanser – Revlon Professional to prevent fade and protect the hair while styling.

Maintenance Tips for Balayage Red Hair: Advise Your Clients Wisely

 

After achieving the perfect red Balayage, it is essential to provide your clients with maintenance tips to keep their hair looking vibrant and healthy. Here is some advice for maintaining red Balayage hair:

  • Use color-safe and sulfate-free care and styling products specifically formulated for red hair to preserve the longevity of the color.
  • Minimize heat styling and use heat protectants when necessary to prevent color fading and damage.
  • Recommend clients to book regular touch-up appointments to maintain the vibrancy of the Balayage red highlights and ensure a seamless blend with their natural hair color.
  • Protect hair by recommending that your client wears hats in the hot sun and uses UV-protectant sprays to prevent color fading.
  • Recommend deep conditioning regularly and using products that nourish and hydrate the hair to keep it healthy and vibrant such as the RE/START PRO-Care System Color & Shine Sealer Shot in salon and RE/START™ Color Protective Jelly Mask – Revlon Professional for home use.

By providing your clients with these maintenance tips, you can help them enjoy their Balayage red hair to the fullest.

 

Feeling inspired? Join our 24/7 #AlwaysON platform (for clients only) and become part of our pro community! There you can discover exclusive tips and promotions that will inspire your creativity and help you create breathtaking Balayage red looks. You can also stock up on your favorite products at any time by heading to our Revlon Proshop.

 

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