Airtouch dyeing technique: what is it, step-by-step air touch hair highlighting for beginners

The modern AirTouch staining technique has become increasingly popular lately. You can often see photos of popular models with this new coloring on social networks. And for good reason, because it gives luxurious volume to the hair and looks quite expensive.

What is AirTouch staining

Translated from English, "air touch" means "touch of air." With such a complex and multi-colored dyeing, smooth and gentle play of tones is created on the hair, which allows you to achieve the appearance of volume and depth of color. Coloring is gaining popularity, as lightness and naturalness are in fashion.

It replaces outdated techniques such as highlights, ombre and solid color hair. In this case, the hair is not completely colored, but 30% -50% of the total volume. To begin with, some strands are selected from all hair in a special order (there are several schemes).

Then each strand in turn is blown by a hairdryer so that all the shortest and thinnest hairs fall out, because only those that are not "blown out" will be colored. With such lightening of hair, hard and abrupt transitions are excluded, while with other dyes there is a huge risk of getting them.

Who is AirTouch for?

The AirTouch dyeing technique is suitable for almost all hair types, except for very short haircuts. On short hair, it will not be possible to create smooth and beautiful transitions.

Coloring can be performed on any, colored hair or natural:

• dark;
• light brown;
• light;

  

• redheads.

To add originality to your hair, you can add a cool or warm shade.

The most advantageous and respectable will look on the owners of long and straight hair.

Coloring is universal: it will look good both at work and on vacation, it will attract attention at any event. After all, AirTach can be combined with any style of clothing, be it sporty, classic, youth or casual.

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Contraindications

As such, there are no contraindications for the AirTouch technique, however, it is not recommended to lighten hair if it is severely damaged.

Hair is damaged if:

1. Already dyed, discolored many times. In this case, the hair shaft is destroyed and softened, as well as split ends.
2. Extension is often done.
3. A hair dryer and various irons, curling irons and other hot tongs at the maximum temperature are constantly used. As a result - split ends, microcracks along the entire length, strong vulnerability to any mechanical action with hair.
4. Often and carelessly combed, twisted tightly on curlers, hairstyles are done daily that tighten hair (ponytail, tight braids) or using varnish.As a result of all this, the hair easily breaks off and splits along its entire length.

Advantages of the method

Stylish coloring has many advantages:

• suitable for any hair color and length;
• the most natural result (absolutely imperceptible transition from natural to discolored with blurred borders);
• giving visible volume and versatility to hair, shining effect;
• gentle procedure - the roots are not lightened;
• the result is rejuvenating due to color contrasts, the face looks fresher. This will be the best solution for the visual elimination of gray hair;
• long-lasting result - there is no need for frequent staining (lasts from six months to 8 months), and, as a result, saving your money;
• looks very stylish and modern;
• even if you are allergic to hair dye, you can afford this technique. The contact of the coloring agent with the scalp is minimal;
• after staining, no special care is needed, minimal effort is expended to maintain the color.

Cons of the technique of painting curls

However, painting curls in this way has several drawbacks:

1. Price. You will have to pay enough for the quality execution of such staining.
2. A long process - it takes from four to five hours, it depends on the length and color of the hair.
3. Minor damage due to discoloration.

Difference from other hair coloring methods

The AirTouch staining technique is very similar to balayazh / shatush, and if you are not a colorist, then, indeed, with the naked eye you may not distinguish one from the other. But in fact, these two techniques are quite different, at least in that they use different methods of applying dye to the hair.

When performing balayage, all the hair is divided into strands, and then each is combed. On the remaining hair, a bleaching dye is applied. Shatush is often done on dark hair, the color is “stretched” along the length of the hair from dark to lighter. Unlike the highlighting familiar to everyone, when performing AirTouch staining, the selected strand is painted over completely.

Therefore, a more delicate image is created, while when highlighting, clear stripes are visible - strands of a different shade. When performing ombre, the hair in the lower part is completely dyed, it differs noticeably in color from the upper part. This creates a gradient effect from roots to tips and vice versa.

Bronding - coloring the strands in darker tones, mainly in bronze and brown shades. The volume and relief of the hair is also created and this technique can be performed on the shortest hair.

Californian highlighting - the effect of burnt hair, assumes maximum naturalness, does not create sharp transitions. In this case, about 6 shades are used (both light and dark tones).

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Used paints

To choose the right paint, you need to take into account the following nuances: the original hair color, face shape, color type, as well as personal wishes for the final result. The client decides whether he wants to get barely noticeable highlights, or a bright, saturated blond.

In order to get a noble cold shade, you should tint already bleached hair with a special tool. It is required to add a violet or blue color to the dye mixture, which in the end will make your hair a really pleasant ash shade.

You can experiment with your own image. In the summer, in the brightest season of the year, there are many variations on how to add zest to your style by tint your hair in any bright color. For example, pink, purple, or even mint color. It all depends on personal preference. In any case, it will be quite gentle coloring, since only half of the hair is affected.

Before using the dye, it is advisable to take into account the condition and type of hair. It is also necessary to strictly follow the instructions supplied with the coloring agents.

Required tools

For staining you will need:

• hairdryer;
• brush and comb for drying hair;
• apron;
• lightening paint / powder, oxidizer, paint bowl and brush;
• tinting agent and oxidizer (optional);
• gloves;
• foil;
• 2 mirrors;
• hairpins

How to color AirTouch at home: a step-by-step tutorial for beginners

It is quite difficult to repeat the staining at home, it is a very long and painstaking process. Since this procedure lasts long enough in the salon, then those who have decided to do the staining on their own, it is advisable to stock up on free time and patience. It is advisable to already have some experience in dyeing your hair on your own, because even the masters sometimes fail to do it perfectly.

Dye application

First, you need to divide all the hair into several large parts, 4-5.

Then, dividing each part into small strands, start working:

1. Separate the strand with a comb about 1 centimeter thick and “blow out” it with a cold hairdryer so that all short and thin hairs fall out.
2. Place foil under the remaining strand and apply a bleach dye liberally with an indent of 3-5 cm from the roots (taking into account the length of the hair), especially carefully paint over the ends to achieve a shine effect (do not touch the blown part). With a dry brush, blend the border so that you get a smooth transition.
3. Wrap a strand of foil. Leave the blown hairs between the locks in the foil. To paint over the back, you need to look in the mirrors that are located opposite each other.
4. Thus, process the entire head.

Holding time

The time depends strictly on the instructions. According to the intensity of paint application and the number of strands, focus on the desired result. Everything is individual - who wants light highlights, and who wants a bright blond. Usually the paint is kept for about 40 minutes.

Wash off

After the lapse of time, carefully remove the foil from the hair. Rinse off under warm water. Be sure to apply a nourishing balm - conditioner at the end to fix the color. If desired, you can give your hair any shade with a toning agent.

Everything must be done in accordance with the attached instructions. At the end, rinse off under warm water and apply a balm. Finally, dry your hair with a warm hairdryer and style in any way.

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Can the AirTouch technique be combined with others?

To extend the intervals between visits to the salon, you can combine the AirTouch staining technique with the ombre technique. In this case, the hair roots darken a little (4, 5, 6 tones are good), and the line of transition from dark to light is made as blurry as possible to avoid clear stripes and contrasts.

By combining these two techniques, you can achieve the effect of naturally sunburned, slightly regrown hair, or by adding a little more color (soft pink, light purple), you can get a youthful and fresh look.

Rules for caring for strands after highlighting

The AirTouch dyeing technique is harmful to the hair in any case, especially if you carry it out yourself. Fortunately, this is fixable. Nowadays, many professional products have been developed for the care of damaged hair.

The following products significantly improve the quality of hair:

• Olaplex;
• Wellaplex by Wella Proffessional;
• Bond Ultim8 from Marix, Niophlex.

Hair Company Inimitable lotion combines both care ingredients and a good neutralizer of yellowness. The Kaaral brand also takes great care of hair (shampoo, conditioner and Royal Jelly Cream mask).

For recalcitrant hair, we recommend using Wella's EIMI Perfect Me Cream. It perfectly removes the so-called fluff, smoothes, fixes and provides protection against sudden temperature changes. For the ends, you can use Oil Reflections from Wella.

With frequent use, it helps to leave a respectable look of hair for a long time, smoothes them and creates a noble shine.

It is recommended not to get carried away with homemade masks containing oils, because most of them only yellow hair and make them look like straw (especially coconut oil).

3 best mask recipes for colored hair

Yeast mask for strengthening

Composition:

• dry yeast - 1 tbsp. l .;
• egg - 1 pc .;
• water - 50 ml.

Recipe:

1. Dissolve yeast in 50 ml of water.
2. Then add the egg.
3. Stir the mask until thick.
4. Apply to the entire length of the hair, keep for half an hour, at the end, wash your hair under warm water.

Chamomile mask

Composition:

• 1 tbsp. l. - chamomile;
• 1 glass of water;
• 1 egg white.

Recipe:

1. Brew chamomile in boiling water, leave to infuse for 3 hours.
2. Beat the egg white.
3. Add protein to the strained broth, stir.
4. Apply the mask to the hair with light massage movements.

Keep the mask until it dries completely, then wash your hair well. For best results, you should apply the mask once a week.

Sea buckthorn mask

Recipe: mix sea buckthorn and vegetable oils in equal proportions. Apply to hair and keep for an hour. Regularity - 2-3 times a month.

Prices in the salons of Moscow, St. Petersburg and other regions

It's definitely not worth chasing a low cost for such a staining technique. Professional and high-quality highlighting from the masters of their craft cannot be cheap.

Airtouch painting prices are made up of 4 bases:

• costs of materials (powder for clarification, oxides, tinting composition, stabilizer, care, etc.);
• master's qualification;
• brand of funds;
• hair length (short, to the shoulders, to the shoulder blades, to the waist).

The result of hair coloring using the AirTouch technique will be worth all the time and money spent.

Author: Vakushina Elizaveta

Article design: Oksana Grivina

Airtouch staining technique video

Master class on this technique from the stylist: