{"id":127,"date":"2021-01-26T17:21:38","date_gmt":"2021-01-26T22:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/chapter\/6-2-blending-techniques\/"},"modified":"2021-02-19T14:57:41","modified_gmt":"2021-02-19T19:57:41","slug":"blending-techniques","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/chapter\/blending-techniques\/","title":{"raw":"6.2 Blending Techniques","rendered":"6.2 Blending Techniques"},"content":{"raw":"Whichever hair-painting technique you choose to use on your client, chances are you are aiming to achieve a blended transition from the root to where the colour or lightener begins. Most clients who want this technique would like a low-maintenance colour that can last a few months or more before they must have it touched up.\r\n\r\nSo what can you do to make sure the result is as seamless as possible? Use any or a combination of:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Angles<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Projection<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Saturation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Backcombing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1>Angles<\/h1>\r\nThink back to <a class=\"internal\" href=\"\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/chapter\/angles\/\">Chapter 5.2<\/a> where we discussed angle of foil placement. A vertical placement will be most defined, horizontal will be diffused, and diagonal will be somewhere in between. But also keep in mind how section size and saturation play a role.\r\n\r\nWith foils, it is best to use thin subsections to get maximum saturation of product in each foil, and you will generally be applying the product up to the regrowth.\r\n\r\nWith hair painting, the subsections and saturation can vary in size depending on what kind of result the client would like, and you will typically leave some natural hair in-between the lightened sections and at the root for depth and contrast.\r\n\r\nSo why is this distinction important? A horizontal placement will only be diffused if it is a thin layer with light saturation, such as surface balayage, and a vertical placement will only be defined if it is wide enough to provide contrast, such as a ribbon effect achieved with classic hair painting.\r\n\r\nWhen painting hair, because section sizes vary throughout the head, a diagonal placement is your safest go-to for the best of both worlds. You can saturate\u00a0with product for a defined pop of colour without a harsh line of demarcation.\r\n\r\nDiagonal placement can be determined by the actual partings in the hair, or by the angle of application, as seen below:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-120\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two sections of hair. One is parted on an angle and the other shows an angled application.\" width=\"566\" height=\"350\" \/>\r\n\r\nFor optimal diffusion, you can combine the two by using a diagonal parting with a diagonal colour application.\r\n<h1>Projection<\/h1>\r\nAnytime that you move the hair out of its natural fall, you are creating projection. Just as projection can be used with hair cutting to create an increase in lengths or a soft layer, [pb_glossary id=\"187\"]projection[\/pb_glossary] can be used in hair painting to create a soft colour line.\r\n\r\nFor example:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-857 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/projection-revised.jpg\" alt=\"Four pictures showing how a line moves depending on the angle that a section of hair is pulled at.\" width=\"2182\" height=\"774\" \/>\r\n\r\nNote how if the hair were to be projected straight up and painted in a straight line, the angle of the line would change dramatically as the hair fell back into natural fall. This is diffusion from projection, and although you will likely not project the hair this dramatically while hair painting, the same principle can be applied at a lower angle of projection, combined with a diagonal application, as seen below.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-367\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/side-projection.png\" alt=\"A section of hair on the side of the head is projected at a 90 degree angle. A diagonal applciation is used.\" width=\"618\" height=\"259\" \/>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-463\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0942-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"A section of hair on the side of the head is projected at a 45 degree angle. A diagonal applciation is used.\" width=\"228\" height=\"343\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hair that is not painted on the bottom of your section becomes the depth that makes the colour pop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h1>Saturation<\/h1>\r\nIf you are in a position where you cannot easily project the hair to create diffusion (if you want to put the hair in foils for maximum lift, for instance), you can also use brush pressure and saturation to create a seamless blend:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When you are lightening hair<em>, <strong>more saturation = better lift.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\nSo, how can that principle be applied to creating a diffused result in hair painting? Increasing brush pressure and saturation as you move down the hair strand will create more lift towards the ends!\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-124 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"A section of hair painted with increasing saturation towards the ends.\" width=\"231\" height=\"350\" \/>\r\n\r\nKeep in mind that using this method may not be ideal if your goal is a neutral or cool result. The hair that is less saturated will not lift as far, which means the hair will have more underlying pigment and more warmth in those areas! This is also why you must make sure your saturation is even. A blotchy and uneven saturation will result in a blotchy and uneven lift!\r\n<h1>Backcombing<\/h1>\r\nBackcombing, when done correctly, is a great method for creating a blended and diffused line of colour.\r\n\r\nBackcombing should be done by holding the strands loosely between thumb and forefinger, while a comb is used to <em>push <\/em>the hair from midway down the hair up to the root in one sweeping motion. This gently moves the hair behind the teeth of the comb up towards the scalp, as portrayed in the image below:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-125\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3.png\" alt=\"A demonstration of backcombing.\" width=\"572\" height=\"350\" \/>\r\n\r\nYou can see how the hair has been evenly moved by the reduction in density in the ends. Painting straight across the backcombed section would now result in a beautifully diffused colour line:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-126\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"572\" height=\"380\" \/>\r\n\r\nYour chosen method of hair painting, and method of diffusion will change from client to client (and sometimes section by section!) depending on the client\u2019s hair and their desired result. Don\u2019t be afraid to switch up your application methods, because with hair painting, as with anything else, practice and experience is what will make you a master at your craft!\r\n<h3>Media Attributions<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>All images in this chapter are by A. Magtiza and are under a <a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 4.0 Licence<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","rendered":"<p>Whichever hair-painting technique you choose to use on your client, chances are you are aiming to achieve a blended transition from the root to where the colour or lightener begins. Most clients who want this technique would like a low-maintenance colour that can last a few months or more before they must have it touched up.<\/p>\n<p>So what can you do to make sure the result is as seamless as possible? Use any or a combination of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Angles<\/li>\n<li>Projection<\/li>\n<li>Saturation<\/li>\n<li>Backcombing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Angles<\/h1>\n<p>Think back to <a class=\"internal\" href=\"\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/chapter\/angles\/\">Chapter 5.2<\/a> where we discussed angle of foil placement. A vertical placement will be most defined, horizontal will be diffused, and diagonal will be somewhere in between. But also keep in mind how section size and saturation play a role.<\/p>\n<p>With foils, it is best to use thin subsections to get maximum saturation of product in each foil, and you will generally be applying the product up to the regrowth.<\/p>\n<p>With hair painting, the subsections and saturation can vary in size depending on what kind of result the client would like, and you will typically leave some natural hair in-between the lightened sections and at the root for depth and contrast.<\/p>\n<p>So why is this distinction important? A horizontal placement will only be diffused if it is a thin layer with light saturation, such as surface balayage, and a vertical placement will only be defined if it is wide enough to provide contrast, such as a ribbon effect achieved with classic hair painting.<\/p>\n<p>When painting hair, because section sizes vary throughout the head, a diagonal placement is your safest go-to for the best of both worlds. You can saturate\u00a0with product for a defined pop of colour without a harsh line of demarcation.<\/p>\n<p>Diagonal placement can be determined by the actual partings in the hair, or by the angle of application, as seen below:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-120\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two sections of hair. One is parted on an angle and the other shows an angled application.\" width=\"566\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-1024x633.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-768x475.jpg 768w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-1536x950.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-2048x1266.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-65x40.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-225x139.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0784-2-scaled-1-350x216.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 566px) 100vw, 566px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For optimal diffusion, you can combine the two by using a diagonal parting with a diagonal colour application.<\/p>\n<h1>Projection<\/h1>\n<p>Anytime that you move the hair out of its natural fall, you are creating projection. Just as projection can be used with hair cutting to create an increase in lengths or a soft layer, <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_127_187\">projection<\/a> can be used in hair painting to create a soft colour line.<\/p>\n<p>For example:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-857 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/projection-revised.jpg\" alt=\"Four pictures showing how a line moves depending on the angle that a section of hair is pulled at.\" width=\"2182\" height=\"774\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Note how if the hair were to be projected straight up and painted in a straight line, the angle of the line would change dramatically as the hair fell back into natural fall. This is diffusion from projection, and although you will likely not project the hair this dramatically while hair painting, the same principle can be applied at a lower angle of projection, combined with a diagonal application, as seen below.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-367\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/side-projection.png\" alt=\"A section of hair on the side of the head is projected at a 90 degree angle. A diagonal applciation is used.\" width=\"618\" height=\"259\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-463\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0942-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"A section of hair on the side of the head is projected at a 45 degree angle. A diagonal applciation is used.\" width=\"228\" height=\"343\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The hair that is not painted on the bottom of your section becomes the depth that makes the colour pop.<\/p>\n<h1>Saturation<\/h1>\n<p>If you are in a position where you cannot easily project the hair to create diffusion (if you want to put the hair in foils for maximum lift, for instance), you can also use brush pressure and saturation to create a seamless blend:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">When you are lightening hair<em>, <strong>more saturation = better lift.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>So, how can that principle be applied to creating a diffused result in hair painting? Increasing brush pressure and saturation as you move down the hair strand will create more lift towards the ends!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-124 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"A section of hair painted with increasing saturation towards the ends.\" width=\"231\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1.jpg 1690w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-198x300.jpg 198w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-676x1024.jpg 676w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-768x1163.jpg 768w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-1014x1536.jpg 1014w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-1352x2048.jpg 1352w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-65x98.jpg 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-225x341.jpg 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/DSC_0857-scaled-1-350x530.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that using this method may not be ideal if your goal is a neutral or cool result. The hair that is less saturated will not lift as far, which means the hair will have more underlying pigment and more warmth in those areas! This is also why you must make sure your saturation is even. A blotchy and uneven saturation will result in a blotchy and uneven lift!<\/p>\n<h1>Backcombing<\/h1>\n<p>Backcombing, when done correctly, is a great method for creating a blended and diffused line of colour.<\/p>\n<p>Backcombing should be done by holding the strands loosely between thumb and forefinger, while a comb is used to <em>push <\/em>the hair from midway down the hair up to the root in one sweeping motion. This gently moves the hair behind the teeth of the comb up towards the scalp, as portrayed in the image below:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-125\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3.png\" alt=\"A demonstration of backcombing.\" width=\"572\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3.png 554w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3-65x40.png 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3-225x138.png 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/backcombing3-350x214.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You can see how the hair has been evenly moved by the reduction in density in the ends. Painting straight across the backcombed section would now result in a beautifully diffused colour line:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-126\" src=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"572\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused.png 557w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused-65x43.png 65w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused-225x149.png 225w, https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/329\/2021\/01\/diffused-350x232.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your chosen method of hair painting, and method of diffusion will change from client to client (and sometimes section by section!) depending on the client\u2019s hair and their desired result. Don\u2019t be afraid to switch up your application methods, because with hair painting, as with anything else, practice and experience is what will make you a master at your craft!<\/p>\n<h3>Media Attributions<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>All images in this chapter are by A. Magtiza and are under a <a class=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY 4.0 Licence<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_127_187\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_127_187\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>The degree to which the hair is lifted off the curve of the head.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":90,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-127","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":119,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":426,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/127\/revisions\/426"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/119"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/127\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=127"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=127"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/haircolourforhairstylistslevel2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}