minardi

I find it fascinating that Balayage--the technique in which highlights are painted onto hair strands rather than foiled--has practically become a household term these days. Most salons now list the service on their menu of offerings, and I’ve noticed clients across the country routinely asking for this popular look. And rightly so: If done correctly, you end up with those same, beach-y highlights that Drew Barrymore has made famous.

The technique, however, is not without its problems…namely, the method is free form, and even the best experts run the risk of dripping color onto hair they didn’t intend to lighten. And that’s exactly why I’ve one-upped the method by creating a technique I call, American Balayage—a hybrid of foiling and painting that results in the best of both worlds. I use 14-inch pieces of foil to wrap those long, painted strands, so they’re not resting against hair that’s meant to remain dark while the others are processing. Done correctly, you get those same coveted sun streaks dancing through the hair, but with the control necessary to pull off perfection.