Here’s Why Curlyage Will Be Your Go-To Color Technique This Season

As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer, guests are looking for the best way to refresh their haircolor. Curlyage, a new spin on the classic balayage technique, allows clients to style curly or straight hair while maintaining a soft, beautiful haircolor blend. 

Source: Courtesy of Redken

Created by Redken Brand Ambassador, #ItTakesAProTeam Artist and texture expert Jamal Edmonds, this technique creates soft color results that can be customized by curl and texture type. “This technique is different from classic balayage because you can customize it based on texture type. You have to be mindful that the light will reflect differently on straight hair versus textured hair, which makes customized placement of the lightener so important,” says Edmonds. “Curlyage is unique because of the customized placement and focus on protecting the integrity of the curls.” In the video below, see how Jamal structures the Curlyage technique in the salon. 

FORMULA: 

Highlight Formula 
- 3 pods Flash Lift Pods Bonder Inside
- 3 oz. 30-volume Pro-Oxide Developer

Gloss Formula 1: 
- 1 oz. Shades EQ Gloss 07CC Urban Fever 
- 1 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution 

Gloss Formula 2: 
- 2 oz. Shades EQ Gloss 06AA Bonfire 
- 2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution

Curlyage Technique Tips: 

1. Separate the front from the back with a vertical parting from the top of the head to the top of the ear 
2. Repeat on the opposite side. Divide the back equally with a vertical parting from the top of the head to the center of the nape, and from the top of the head to the front hairline. 
3. Divide the front two sections with a diagonal forward parting starting from the top of the head to the middle of the front section.

When it comes to the Curlyage technique, Edmonds says that there are three important factors to consider in order to guarantee beautiful results. “To customize my approach for each client and their specific hair type and needs, there are three factors I keep in mind: density, porosity and elasticity.” explains Edmonds. “These three factors shape where I place the highlights, how I formulate the lightener and what level of developer or lift I use for the lightener formula. My rule of thumb when lightening textured hair is to use a low developer and lift slowly. After lightening, I will gloss with Redken Shades EQ Gloss because it helps to seal the cuticle after lightening and provides beautiful shine, tone and conditioning. All of these factors combined and a customized color approach to each client helps me ensure that the integrity of the curl is maintained and the result is beautifully blended, so my clients have the option to wear their hair curly or straight as they please.”