*This* New Technique is the Answer to Sun-Kissed Hair

To understand Illuminage, first you need to ask yourself, ‘what is balayage?’. Let us shed some light: the clue’s in the name, as balayage is the French word for ‘sweeping’. That’s exactly the gesture you should use when you’re applying balayage, stroking hair with a freehand pre-lightener, like Blondor, through sections of hair that need a little extra glow.

However, there are two key differences between Illuminage (above left) and balayage (above right), and the first is in the placement of those lighter, brighter ribbons. While a traditional balayage technique starts closer at the root and creates an overall lighter look, Illuminage is designed to lend a more luminous, lit-from-within, sun-kissed effect. How, exactly? By using Blondor to contour and accentuate the face-framing layers, as well as gradually lighten the lengths and ends for a softer halo of brightness.

The second key difference lies in the products you use. Both team beautifully with Blondor Freelights, which is a freehand lightener that stays exactly where you want it, giving you or your colorist control. However, while balayage can be completed with a classic toning or glossing service, the final step of Illuminage should always be light-reflective, Illumina Color from our permanent hair color range. It’s this beautifying formula that helps to enhance the natural highs and lows in the hair, taking those face-contouring ‘lights to even more dazzling heights.

Are you a colorist creating Illuminage for your client? Follow these top tips to get a flawless finish every time…

1. Add Just a Few Foils

Typically, balayage is processed open-air, which results in a slightly softer lift. However, you can add foils for brighter highlights in a technique called ‘foilyage’. Nobody’s coined the term for Illuminage + foils just yet (foilluminage, perhaps?), but they make a great combination around those face-framing layers. Add just a few foils to up luminosity, creating a multi-dimensional look that goes the extra mile.

2. Lighten the Perimeter

Getting a halo effect from Illuminage is all about brightening the perimeter of the face, so make sure you focus pre-lightener in this area. Start a few inches down from the root and set those mid-lengths and ends aglow. You could also snip in some graduated layers to really help contour your client’s features.

3. Create Tension

In the hair, that is. When you’re lightening sections around the hairline, elevate the hair slightly up and away from the face to create tension, which allows you to apply color more evenly. Then, sweep the color in fine motions for highlights that truly sparkle.

4. Keep the Crown Natural

For the softest finish, sweep Blondor away from the crown, so the roots here remain natural. This ensures Illuminage looks sun-kissed and seamless without changing your client’s color too dramatically.

5. Build the Brightness Up

Gradually layer up Blondor through each strand. Go light and gently feather the pre-lightener onto the hair instead of loading on too much at once.

We’ve already covered why Blondor Freelights is the perfect pre-lightener for balayage, and how Illumina Color can make highlights look even brighter. To mark the introduction of Illuminage, we’re also launching four new, cool blonde shades of Illumina Color: Arctic Blonde, Icy Beige, Raspberry Blush and Boho Blonde. Here’s why you’ll love them…