If you managed to get through 2016 without hearing the word 'balayage' mentioned every time you entered a hairdressers then frankly, we're impressed. And a little surprised. It was one of the most googled beauty questions of 2016, after all.
Transforming even our muggle hair into natural-looking caramel locks worthy of a VS runway, balayage was the game-changing hair technique everyone was talking about.
Until now.
There's a new hair technique in town and it involves getting down and dirty, and more than a little hands on, with the hair dye. We're talking about Palm Painting.
What Is Palm Painting?
Think Balayage but without the brushes. Technical Artistic Director at TONI&GUY Georgie Mathers explains:
'Palm Painting is a progressive play on the balayage technique, allowing colourists to be 100% free hand, melting colouring into the hair with a smoother surface of the palm, allowing the blend to be soft in result.'
The man behind the innovative new technique? Marcos Verissimo, colour director at Neville Hair And Beauty.
'The technique creates a beachy, summery, sexy look. It's what I call an imperfect symmetry', says Marcos. 'It can refresh traditional highlights and can brighten block or plain color, but in a symmetrical way.'
So How Is The Result Of Palm Painting Different To Balayage?
'Unlike balayage, the colour is applied freehand and does not follow any structure. This therefore avoids harsh lines you seen when highlights are applied. This technique allows a much more natural sun kissed finish', says Georgie.
In layman terms? That effortless French girl hair that somehow makes you an understated brunette and a post-St Tropez blonde at the same time is now totally achievable.
What Are The Pros Of Palm Painting?
According to Georgie there's three main reasons why palm painting is the hair technique you need to try:
1. Healthy Hair
'The first, and in my opinion most important pro of this technique is it's better for your hair. The traditional foil technique weakens hair follicles as the process is quickened, this is why you get a much lighter colour. Palm painting involves colour being applied straight onto the hair, and therefore the hair takes to the colour organically.'
2. You Can Save Big Bucks
'As the colour isn't applied to the roots, you won't need to visit the salon as much for a touch up. The only reason you'll need to return is to top up any colour-fade.'
3. It Looks Très Au Naturel
'Over the past few years, we've seen a transition from a harsh dip dye to a more gradual balayage effect. This technique is perfect for those that want a natural, sunkissed look that feels very 2017.'
