Axcelr8 Academy : Balayage, Hairpainting and Corrective Color

What’s the real difference between balayage and modern foiling? This class provides a comprehensive introduction to balayage and surface painting techniques, covering who it’s best for, what results to expect, and how to communicate realistic outcomes with your clients. You’ll learn hands-on techniques that are simple, effective, and easy to implement behind the chair.

From brush selection to application tools, from classic full painting to modern "peaks and valleys" patterns, this class breaks down the methods that make balayage both artistic and functional.

• What Is Balayage?
• • Definition, history, and evolution in the salon
  • How it compares to foiling
• Pros & Cons of Balayage
• • When it works beautifully — and when to avoid it
  • Realistic client expectations and maintenance
• Ideal Hair Types for Balayage
• • Texture, density, porosity, and previous color history
• Client Consultation from Photos
• • How to identify techniques in inspiration photos
  • Language to manage expectations
  • Setting you and your client up for success
• Tools Overview
• • Brushes for balayage vs. foil work
  • Power lighteners for surface painting
  • Paddles, film, and saturation tools
• Techniques & Application
• • “Peaks and Valleys” painting
  • Full painting vs. weaved or sliced application
  • Creating dimension through gradation
• Hands-On Segment
• • Apply one or more balayage looks on mannequins
  • Practice clean blending, saturation, and placement

• Tail Combs
• 10 Sectioning Clips
• Favorite Color Tools (brushes, bowls, paddles, film, etc.)
• Blow Dryer
• Styling Brush

To be a true blonding expert, you must go beyond foils. This class focuses on global lightening and the essential skills needed to correct or lift previous color. You’ll learn the chemistry of bleach, how it behaves differently on virgin vs. previously colored hair, and how to handle retouches and rebalancing.

We'll also dive into corrective color theory, including bleach washes, color balancing, and how to identify when and how to tone for an even, healthy finish. This class emphasizes hands-on practice, formulation confidence, and real-world application.

• Bleach Chemistry
• • How bleach works on the cortex
  • Developer strength, timing, and porosity effects
• Global Blonding Applications
• • Full-head bleach on virgin hair
  • Scalp bleach retouches: sectioning, timing, overlap control
• Corrective Color Principles
• • When to bleach wash or color balance
  • Neutralizing unwanted tones post-lift
  • Understanding bands, uneven lift, and compromised hair
• Client Consultation from Photos
• • Identifying corrections and expected results
  • Key phrases for guest education and consent
• Hands-On Practice:
• • Lift swatches for visual learning
  • Full-head bleach application (mannequin)
  • Tone and gloss based on observed level and condition

• Tail Combs
• 10 Sectioning Clips
• Favorite Color Tools (bleach, bowls, brushes, foils if needed)
• Blow Dryer
• Styling Brush

Also check out other Arts events in Saint Paul, Workshops in Saint Paul, Fine Arts events in Saint Paul.