Red Seal Hairstylist Practice Exam

Which hairstyling technique is known for creating a graduated highlight effect?

1. Lowlights

2. Balayage

3. Ombre

4. Chunking

The correct answer is: Balayage

Balayage is a technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, resulting in a soft, graduated effect that mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun. The technique allows for a more blended and natural appearance, with lighter sections placed throughout the hair in a way that creates depth and dimension without stark lines. This gradual transition in color is what makes balayage particularly sought after for achieving a highlight effect that enhances the overall look of the hair while maintaining a sense of softness. Other techniques such as ombre involve a more distinct color gradient from dark to light, producing a more noticeable change between the roots and the ends of the hair. Lowlights are used to add depth by darkening some sections, but they do not create highlights. Chunking refers to taking larger sections of hair and applying color, which results in more dramatic and separated color contrasts rather than a blended highlight effect. Thus, balayage stands out as the technique specifically known for creating a subtle graduated highlight effect.