The "AirTouch" hair colouring technique is being praised for its subtle, low-maintenance look. Leading hair colourists share their top tips.
What is the AirTouch Technique?
The AirTouch technique is an advanced hair-colouring method using a hairdryer's airflow, rather than traditional backcombing or teasing. By blowing away shorter and fragile baby hairs, colourists isolate the longest strands to paint. This creates a seamless, ultra-blended and low-maintenance gradient
This creates a beautifully soft, seamless blonde with no harsh lines of regrowth, says Nikki Clifford, Wella Guest Artist and owner of NJ Salon. "When it’s done well, the finish is incredible."
Similarly, Danilo Bozic, Redken Pro Global Ambassador and Olaplex Pro Collective Team member, describes the AirTouch technique as creating a "perfectly blended, melted finish". This means the look is "easy to re-create and redo it with minimal damaging".
Tips for Getting the Best AirTouch Results
Nikki suggests:
- Sectioning is everything. If your sections aren’t clean, your result won’t be either.
- Slow down. AirTouch isn’t a race. Precision always beats speed.
- Choose the right client. Hair density, texture, previous colour and maintenance all
matter. - Hair must be freshly washed.
- Protect the integrity of the hair. A beautiful blonde should still feel like healthy hair.
- Master the basics first. No technique replaces great consultation skills, colour
knowledge and placement.
Meanwhile, Danilo recommends intructing your clients to come in with clean, straight hair, as this will provide "seamless and easy separation from internal texture" for the long pieces being coloured. He continues that it's vital to understand when and how to place the blow dryer for separating shorter internal pieces and colouring longer pieces.
Just like any other technique, AirTouch might not be for everyone. For example, Tim Scott Wright, Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador, explains his preferred approach for achieving blended and natural results is through babylights and balayage.
Likewise, Nikki advises explains: "The best colourists don’t build their careers around one technique; they build them around understanding hair – and Airtouch isn’t for every hair type."
Danilo says that if your client's hair is all one length, you won't have any internal pieces to push down and use this technique. People who are most suitable are the ones that have texture, such as internal layers.
FAQS: AirTouch
What is the AirTouch Technique?
AirTouch is a colouring technique that uses a hairdryer's airflow to separate shorter hairs before lightening, creating a soft, seamless blend.
Is AirTouch Suitable for Everyone?
Not always. Hair density, texture, previous colour history and your desired level of maintenance all play a role in whether AirTouch is the right choice for you.
Do I Need to Wash My Hair Before an AirTouch Appointment?
Yes. Freshly washed hair helps colourists achieve the most precise and seamless results.
Is AirTouch Damaging to the Hair?
When performed correctly, AirTouch prioritises the health and integrity of the hair, delivering beautiful blonde results without compromising condition.
Image credits: nikkiclifford_hair
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