Foilyage Is the Key to Low-Maintenance Hair Colour

"The foilyage hair-colouring technique offers sun-kissed, natural-looking highlights," Rosario Rokinz, a master colourist at Warren Tricomi Salon, tells POPSUGAR. "No foil lines, just seamless blending for a stunning low-maintenance look." You can achieve a softer root blend than with traditional foil highlights, making the colour look effortless.

At the salon, your hairstylist should be able to concoct the perfect shade for you, marrying your desired result and what will look the most flattering with your skin tone and eye colour with what's feasible on your base colour. "All colour services are customised to meet different clients' wants," Rokinz says.

From there, the name itself gives you a big clue as to how it's done. "The hair is lightened following the same process used in the balayage technique, and the only difference is that the hair is wrapped up in aluminium foils."

As Rokinz mentioned, foilyage looks similar to balayage, but it differs slightly in the application. Here's a quick refresher on balayage: the hair is hand-painted and left to process in the open air, or occasionally lightly wrapped in cling film. Foilyage, on the other hand, utilises foil — as the name suggests. "The hair is lightened following the same process used in the balayage technique, but wrapped up in aluminium foils, creating a warmer environment for the hair to lift," Rokinz says.

Each method delivers a slightly different result. "I find that the balayage technique lifts the hair level more slowly and achieves a warmer shade, while foilyage allows you to get more lift, making the hair shade lighter and brighter."

We have good news if you're on the hunt for a low-maintenance colour. "I find foilyage to be less maintenance than a balayage," Rokinz says. In between salon visits, using a colour-safe shampoo and the occasional at-home gloss treatment should keep you looking fresh.

Rokinz says you can typically tell when you need a little touch-up and should book an appointment with your colourist. "Typically, anything after five weeks is normal if you'd like a refresh." Granted, your natural starting colour may affect this timeline. "In my opinion, foilyage on naturally lighter hair will always be less maintenance than for those with darker hair." It's easier to keep lighter bases looking bright, while dark hair colours will need to put in a little extra effort to combat unwanted warmth.

Ultimately, it's always best to consult with your colourist before diving into a new look to ensure it's compatible with not only your hair but your lifestyle, too.