Jack Howard: Keeping Balayage Exciting
Balayage is still one of the most popular services in the salon. However, keeping the service new and exciting for clients is essential to make sure your column is full, and you retain your client base.
Jack Howard, L'Oréal Professionnel Paris Artist, 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 Los Angeles, New York, and London. Los Angeles clients want their balayage to look lived in; in New York they want the colour painted right up to the scalp: in London it’s somewhere in between. As colourists we need to understand what your client wants and incorporate that into your service. What I love about balayage is the fact that it is still fresh, it still feels 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, so will your clients be.”
Here are Jack’s top tips for keeping balayage exciting…
- Think beyond long hair: It is a great technique for all lengths of hair and many colourists are missing out on this. Have you thought about it for bobs, shags, mullets? Look at the haircuts in your client base and consider both the opportunities and how the haircut dictates the placement.
- Pair with grey services: For clients with first greys or want to blend existing in, balayage is perfect for grey blending. Adding a few pieces can be a great add-on service.
- Options for the root area: Traditionally balayage goes to the root with a soft effect like freehand and using shadow. After more than 15 years of that rooted feel it’s about to change! Painting to the root for a more impactful look is back. Whether that is placement or with highlighting techniques. Plus, it keeps clients coming back!
- 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 fresh look that is super soft. Remember you must respect the timing of the tint so a few pieces are all you can really do at the same time, but the dimension is superb - think about it for your brunette clients.
- There are regional differences: I find what my London clients want compared to my American clients is different. You need to zoom in on what’s happening around you and make sure you can offer the desired looks in your market.
- Quick but fresh: Painting a face frame at the basin is super quick and a conversation starter that’s inexpensive. It’s spring, so a few bits can really make them look fresh.
Want to learn more from Jack? Join the masterclass...
Foil It: Lightening for Dark Bases – Online Masterclass 16th May
£29 – 90 minutes live
For more information visit www.lorealaccess.com