Combo variation. Ombré with balayage in the front.
Balayage is a French free-handed painting technique that has been a fashion forward look since the 1970s. I first tried balayage 30 years ago (as a mere newbie) after seeing a demo at the International Beauty Show (IBS) at the Jacobs Javits Center in NYC. I tried it on a girlfriend with little success. In fact, it was a blotchy mess!
Balayage requires finesse and hours of practice to make perfect. Back in the day, I wasn’t interested in doing the necessary work so I let it go. Then about 10 years ago I started seeing the technique resurface. The hottest celebrities were wearing a popular variation of balayage known as ombré. It was then that I realized I needed some serious education. I began my search locally, looking for quality education that featured balayage. Unfortunately, I was not able to find cutting edge or advanced color training in Maine and at that time, no one had even heard of ombré. My frustration grew.
I decided to extend my search nationally and sought out education from a team that featured a single, basic balayage technique and my journey began. From there, I spent a boatload of time practicing on mannequins, eventually moving on to trusting friends, and finally, my skills were ready for primetime -- my clients. After years of sharpening my craft, I started to develop my own application techniques using combs, brushes, and even my own hands to create different color results.
In 2005, I began teaching regularly at the American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH) Energizing Summit in Los Angeles, CA. Four years ago, ABCH President, Andre Nizetich, asked if I’d be interested in teaching the Intro to Balayage & Ombré class. My response, “HELL YES!” I was thrilled to shift gears and focus on balayage/ombré.
I am getting ready to head out to LA to teach at the 2016 ABCH Energizing Summit on June 12 and 13, 2016. It's a fabulous event that features over 40 educators from the US and abroad. We share our expertise and teach skills to hundreds of stylists from all walks of our industry--from big cities to small towns; 20-year veterans to industry newbies. The Intro to Balayage & Ombré class that I teach features basics and variations like sombré, melting, and ecaille (tortoiseshell). My classes (in both LA and Maine) feature demos, videos, and hands-on practice time that allows students to apply what they’ve learned. I focus on helping stylists achieve success in their own salons and am delighted to see the confidence stylists take home with them when they leave. And occasionally, I even get to witness a real “lightbulb” moment. I love what I get to do!
Related Article: Ombré Tips from the ABCH 2015 Energizing Summit
About Monica
Monica Byrne, owner of Monica Byrne Studio LLC, is an American Board Certified Colorist (ABCH) and ABCH Educator, and recently earned the Chromastics Master Colorist certification presented by her mentor, Tom Dispenza. Byrne is an artist; she starts with the basics and creates innovative methods, better techniques, and reaches new heights with color. Unafraid to explore, her curiosity and creativity have made her a recognized leader in the industry, one whose expertise is sought-after and whose techniques are emulated with confidence and predictable results. Her eager manner, enthusiasm for teaching, and mastery of haircolor opens up new possibilities to those who share her passion for color. Always a believer in giving back in order to inspire the next generation, Byrne leads by example as one who continues to learn, test and look for new and reliable ways to create beauty.