I keep seeing stylists skip the tension step when they're doing a balayage

I mean, maybe it's just me but I feel like a lot of people new to the technique just paint it on without really holding the hair taught. I saw a video from a big account the other day where they just slapped the color on a loose section. That's how you get muddy lines and uneven saturation, idk. I was taught you have to hold that tension so the lightener sits right on the surface. Anyone else notice this or have a good way to explain it to assistants?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_anthony9d ago

Tension isn't always needed for a soft blend.

thomas_young9d ago

Found that out the hard way with my last project... tried to force it and just made a mess. Letting the brush do the work with almost no pressure gave me a way smoother fade. Sometimes you just have to get out of the way and trust the materials.