Foiling vs balayage for highlights, which actually saves more time?

I used to do full foils for every highlight client, spent like 45 minutes just sectioning and wrapping. Then about 6 months ago I switched to hand-painted balayage for most people and cut that time down to maybe 25 minutes. But I'm finding the balayage fades faster on some hair types, especially fine hair. Anyone else deal with this tradeoff or found a better middle ground?

2 comments

2 Comments

lisaf3816d ago

Oh come on, partial foils with a balayage face frame is basically the same amount of work if you are doing it right. I tried that route and still wound up spending 35 minutes because you have to switch up your technique halfway through. The real time saver is just mastering your balayage application so the fade out is more consistent. I stopped fighting fine hair and started using a softer lightener formula with a lower volume developer for the ends, and now my balayage lasts just as long as foils on most people. The fade out on coarse hair is still better with foils though, so I just pick my battles depending on the client's hair type.

christopher_wells416d ago

Switched to partial foils with a balayage face frame, shaved 15 minutes off.