Europeans and Americans have a different approach to hair color. In America, it’s often all about new highlights, perfectly placed colors and strict appointments every four to six weeks to prevent the dreaded root growth. However, in Europe, people tend to have a less-is-more attitude regarding their hair color.
“The European approach to hair color is known for its classic and clean look, avoiding excessive highlights,” says Abby Haliteworld-renowned master of the contemporary European technique of French balayage and founder of Abby Halite Color studio. “One of my favorite techniques, which is popular in Europe, is balayage. This technique originated in France and is known for its natural and sun-kissed results.”
Balayage is a free painting technique that does not use foils like traditional highlights. Haliti explains that when using the European method, you can achieve a more personalized look using balayage because you can tailor it specifically to a person’s hair. “It’s like creating a work of art on the hair, where the colorist has more control and artistic freedom,” she says.
Although balayage is popular in the United States, it’s the hyper-adjustments and understated placement that make the European color different. Every time someone comes into Haliti’s studio, she assesses the perfect hair color for that person based on their skin tone, natural hair color, eye color and lifestyle. From there she tailors the perfect hair color to their needs.
Haliti even applies “hair contouring,” which is exactly what it sounds like: it uses highlights or color to enhance a person’s face shape and features. “Hair contouring involves placing color or highlights in specific areas of the hairline to accentuate and lift the brows and cheekbones,” says Haliti. “By strategically placing color, the brows and cheekbones can be visually lifted and emphasized, improving the overall appearance. Contouring of the hair takes into account the client’s face shape, skin tone and desired outcome. Darker Shades are used to create shadows and depth in specific areas, while lighter shades are applied to emphasize and bring out certain features.”
Keep reading for inspiration photos to take with you to your next color appointment for the Euro look.