The french balayage technique: take balayage back to its roots
Published
01st Apr 2021
by laurahusband
This is a sponsored post by L’Oréal Professionnel Paris.
Excite your clients as you prepare to reopen with the L’Oréal Professionnel Paris French Balayage technique. This go-to pro service will give your clients a beautifully bespoke result from their first visit, while encouraging them to return to your chair time and time again.
Born in Paris, balayage is now much more than a trend for many – it is a lifestyle choice. With both loyal and new clients alike eager to sit in your chair when you reopen to refresh their colour, now is the time to explain how you can make their natural and subtle balayage dreams come true.
The original technique was never intended as an annual trip to the salon – it was a journey and one that a client can only embark on with a hairdressing professional.
Sally Montague, Sally Montague Hair Group director says future appointments need to be part of the constant conversation from initial consultation onwards and then booked before the client leaves the salon. Sally always aims to book at least two appointments in advance.
She says:
*instrumental test before and after application on bleached hair.
This is a sponsored article by L’Oréal Professionnel Paris. For more information about the French Balayage service go to lorealprofessionnel.co.uk.
What is the French Balayage journey?
The L’Oréal Professionnel Paris French Balayage epitomises what balayage was always intended to be. It requires regular appointments to maintain the perfect shade, tone and seamless blend from season to season. Balayage is not the nemesis. Instead, it should be a business and loyalty driver – if you are promoting it in the right way to your clients. Plus, balayage is a technique that requires your professional hands to bring it to life with the artistry of freehand painting and colour placement perfection.
L’Oréal Professionnel Paris helps you make the most of your client’s obsession with balayage by giving them a hair journey over a number of appointments alongside exciting new products that will help you to achieve an even more seamless result!
The new L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder, which is available on the L’Oréal Partner Shop, has been designed to help you achieve this soft and natural French Balayage technique.
Lightening up to 7 levels, with a controlled steady level of lift, the Clay provides you with a tool to give your clients a subtle result and something that is predictable. Therefore, you can feel confident about satisfying your client’s balayage desires, with no unexpected surprises!
With a 19% clay formula, this new addition to the Blond Studio family provides a stretchy, stay put texture, allowing for easy application with little drop or transfer. At a time when a client’s luscious locks may be slightly longer than usual, this tool can really help to keep your balayage application clean and professional. And what’s even better – this formula is ammonia-free, making it the perfect recruitment tool for those damage-conscious clients who are looking for a subtle change.
Harriet Stokes was a die hard fan of the L’Oréal freehand powder for years she says she was nervous to try something new but she was really impressed by the new L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder.
She says:
What is the French Balayage technique?
Our secret to welcoming your clients back into your chair with a natural-looking French Balayage result is a two-step technique featuring the new L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder.
Step 1: Lighten with L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder
Lighten with L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Blond Studio using the new L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder
Step 2: Neutralise and tone with L’Oréal Professionnel Paris DIA Light
The acidic-based technology delivers hair radiance and closes the cuticle of the hair post lightening. Plus, the gel- cream texture provides up to +30% more conditioned hair.*
What do you need in your kitbag?
The new L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder, which is available on the L’Oréal Partner Shop, has been designed to help you achieve this soft and natural French Balayage technique.
Lightening up to 7 levels, with a controlled steady level of lift, the Clay provides you with a tool to give your clients a subtle result and something that is predictable. Therefore, you can feel confident about satisfying your client’s balayage desires, with no unexpected surprises!
With a 19% clay formula, this new addition to the Blond Studio family provides a stretchy, stay put texture, allowing for easy application with little drop or transfer. At a time when a client’s luscious locks may be slightly longer than usual, this tool can really help to keep your balayage application clean and professional. And what’s even better – this formula is ammonia-free, making it the perfect recruitment tool for those damage-conscious clients who are looking for a subtle change.
What are the benefits of using L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder?
Harriet Stokes was a die hard fan of the L’Oréal freehand powder for years she says she was nervous to try something new but she was really impressed by the new L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Clay Powder.
She says:
The consistency of the new Blond Studio Clay is perfect for freehand balayage and the 7 levels of lift means I can create gorgeous colours on clients with natural hair. I also love that this product is ammonia free as I feel this is something clients are now looking for when coming to see a professional.
How to put together a French Balayage appointment plan
It’s time to take this two-step technique and transform it into a bespoke four-step balayage journey. During your client’s first appointment, consult with them and outline their bespoke balayage plan, discussing the benefits of embarking on this hair journey to maintain the elegance of their balayage à la Française.
Appointment 1: The art of consultation and the French Balayage approach
This appointment is about discussing the client’s aspirations and setting out the French Balayage journey you will be taking them on so your client is ready to book appointments 2 and 3. This is the longest appointment where you will create the initial French Balayage look.
Appointment 2: Blend and tone
French Balayage is all about a polished perfection and maintenance – not stretching out appointments. All colour needs a tonal refresh to keep it looking fresh and healthy-looking.
Appointment 3: Refine and contour
In line with the seasons, have the client return for bespoke French Balayage contouring, either lightening or deepening the French Balayage look to lift for spring/summer or enrich for autumn/winter. Remind your client their balayage will need refining at all times of the year.
Appointment 4: What next?
Go back to the beginning again. Maintenance is a continuous journey so take your client with you by showing them how the service will keep their hair looking beautifully natural.
How will French Balayage improve your business?
Sally Montague, Sally Montague Hair Group director says future appointments need to be part of the constant conversation from initial consultation onwards and then booked before the client leaves the salon. Sally always aims to book at least two appointments in advance.
She says:
Clients visit us for our expertise and that’s why we need to share the importance of this colour journey and a care plan for their hair. It really shows that we care about our long term relationships with clients. Our team plan the hair journey at every appointment but this is even more crucial with balayage. Clients need to be excited about this journey and have a wishlist that we can work towards and adapt with the seasons. Everyone should be looking at the next step in the plan and this is why rebooking is so important.
