Jack Howard Shares How To Keep Balayage Exciting For Clients

Balayage is still one of the most popular services in the salon, with clients continuing to love the natural, understated colouring technique. However, keeping the service new and exciting for clients is essential, so that every hair appointment feels like a first. L’Oreal Professionnel UK & US Colour Ambassador Jack Howard says the key to a successful balayage business is not offering a one-size-fits-all service. “I’ve discovered there are a lot of nuances between LA, New York and London; LA clients want their balayage to look lived in; in New York they want the colour painted right up to the scalp, and in London it’s somewhere in between. As colourists we need to understand what our clients want and incorporate that into our service menus.”

Here are Jack’s Tips for Keeping Balayage Exciting

1. What I love about balayage is the fact that it is still fresh, it still feels so modern. As a colourist there are so many ways you can apply it for different modern looks and more classic looks. If you are excited about it, your clients will be too. I teach four types of application, which allows you to create looks that you and your clients want.
2. It’s not just for long hair; it’s a great technique for all lengths of hair, and many salons are missing out on this. Have you thought about it for bobs, shags, mullets - all you have to consider is that the haircut dictates the placement. It’s perfect for grey blending and a few pieces can be a great add-on service.
3. Balayage is great for our tinted clients. Often ignored on social media, but a few pieces painted on whilst the tint is on gives a really fresh look that is super soft. Remember you have to respect the timing of the tint, so a few pieces is all you can really do at the same time, but the dimension is superb - think about it for your brunette clients.
4. There are regional differences - I find what my London clients want compared to my NYC clients want is different to what they want in LA, so really zoom in on what’s happening around you and make sure you can offer the desired looks in your market.
5. Finally, painting a face frame at the basin is a great conversation starter, along with being quick and inexpensive. And don’t forget the guys - it’s spring so a few bits can really make them look fresh.

You can find more information on L'Oréal Professionnel colour here. From babylights to balayage and more, you can brush up on your highlighting techniques here.