Have you ever noticed that some hairstyles appear to have more texture and depth than others—almost as though they are standing out? That is the secret to volumetric hair coloring, a style that has recently gained a lot of popularity. It’s important to create a dynamic look that accentuates your hair’s natural movements and contours rather than just adding color.
What then is the issue with this method? Applying various hues and tones to your hair in a way that gives it depth and richness is known as volumetric coloring. Your hair appears fuller and more vibrant with highlights and lowlights that play with light and shadow, as opposed to just a flat color.
This method is ideal for anyone who wants to update their appearance with a little more flair. It’s similar to giving your hair a makeover to make it stand out in terms of texture, style, and color. Volumetric coloring is something you should definitely try if you’re ready to play around with something that offers more than one color.
- What is relief hair coloring?
- Pros and cons
- Who is suitable for relief hair coloring?
- Blondes
- Brunettes
- Blondes
- Redheads
- Relief coloring taking into account the length of the hair: photo ideas
- Short hair
- Medium-length hair
- Long hair
- How to do relief coloring: step-by-step technique
- Popular questions about relief coloring
- Which coloring to choose for light brown hair in 2024 – relief or balayage?
- I want to do relief hair coloring – please share photo examples (for brunettes)!
- Is the relief method of coloring suitable if the base is pink blond?
- Can we call relief hair coloring for blondes a trend of this season?
- Video on the topic
- How to create relief coloring. Read the description
- Instructions – a new coloring technique – relief coloring. Want a recipe? Write a comment #colorist
- Coloring for those who are afraid of drastic changes 😍
What is relief hair coloring?
Is it theoretically feasible? Or are we referring to a visual effect, an optical illusion? Let’s discuss each topic one by one.
Thus, relief hair coloring is a lightening technique that only uses thin strands.
In order to achieve optimal lightening and prevent the colored strands from coming into contact with one another, the exposure is done under foil.
© tamarachachina_hairstylist | online communities
Warm color type representatives look particularly good with light highlights. Furthermore, only girls with natural hair color should rely on the sun’s predictable work. This is another important point to keep in mind.
On the other hand, colored curls may fade when exposed to UV light. Additionally, it is generally preferable to stay out of the direct sunlight, so remember to use SPF-containing products and wear hats. By the way, relief coloring looks great on both light and dark hair, so you can do it after returning from the sea. This does not mean that you should refuse it.
© hair.artstudio | online communities
Pros and cons
One benefit of coloring in the relief technique is not limited to beautiful highlights. What else should you pay attention to, according to experts?
© ninayourhairdresser | online communities
- We consider one of the main advantages of relief hair coloring to be the ability to disguise individual gray hairs – this is, of course, convenient, because it allows you to color less often.
- Lightening even part of the strands hides the manifestation of unwanted yellowness.
- Styling with this coloring does not look flat, texture and visual volume appear.
- Relief coloring, unlike such a technique as highlighting, allows you to achieve smoother color transitions.
Similar techniques like balayage and shatush can be compared to relief coloring. The primary benefit of these techniques is that the roots do not require frequent touch-ups.
It would be appropriate to discuss the drawbacks. First of all, coloring damaged hair with relief coloring—or any coloring, for that matter—is not advised. As you are aware, the process lightens the hair strands, which dries the hair. Second, coloring in a salon is far more expensive than buying hair dye, and it is difficult to replicate relief highlighting on your own (sometimes these ideas are combined).
Who is suitable for relief hair coloring?
Experts predict that in 2021, relief hair highlighting will become even more fashionable. Depending on the original color of the hair, we will explain to you (and display in the photo) what the outcome looks like.
Copyright © Olga Lozenkova | Social Media
Blondes
Relief blond alleviates the agony that many blondes experience when trying to conceal a yellowish tint or update a light hair color.
Social networks © kristina_buzaeva
It should be noted that blondes with textured hair coloring have an excellent chance to achieve a cooler color without having to completely repaint their curls.
Copyright 2021 tvoimaster35 | social media
Paint in pearl or platinum will handle this kind of "cooling."
Brunettes
For brunettes with warm color types, textured hair coloring is thought to be the most beneficial; however, anyone can dilute dark curls with light inclusions, in our opinion. I also wonder what paint to use for this. If your hair is brown, go for a close shade that is a few tones lighter.
But we suggest going with ash and dark copper hues for black hair and curls of cold brown tones.
Social networks © irinakosenko_studio
Blondes
Experts in color correction understand that relief coloring light brown hair is an excellent solution for those who want to update the color of their curls without completely changing their natural tone.
| social networks © bryukhanova_alena_hair_stylist
Light brown hair tones can look very lovely, so you should take your time choosing the paint to color your relief. Ash, light, and creamy blondes are some of the in-style hair colors.
Redheads
Red hair can also benefit from relief coloring. It is frequently applied to curly hair to mellow its fiery hue. The image demonstrates how interesting red hair looks following this intricate coloring process.
© jamilya_stylist | platforms
It is challenging to duplicate this at home because the masters use multiple shades at once, both from the blond and red palettes. As a result, the hair has incredibly creative highlights.
Relief coloring taking into account the length of the hair: photo ideas
The length of the hair and the haircut have a major influence on the relief coloring technique. We’ve gathered some options that are sure to inspire.
Social networks © gulevich.vladimir
Short hair
A base of moderately short hair works well for textured coloring. For instance, color stretching looks very stylish on a bob haircut.
© balayageombre | networks social
Textured coloring of the entire hair mass is not common with pixie cuts, but a few highlights on the bangs (along with the shape of the bangs themselves) do not go against this style.
© Short hairstyles that are trendy | social media
Medium-length hair
The easiest hair to work with is medium (shoulder length). However, since there is a chance of having an outdated hairstyle, we do not advise doing textured coloring on a ladder haircut. If the hair is the same length, the outcome will be the most favorable.
© social networks | i.a.leyla
Bangs can be made if desired, and they will still be included in the overall color scheme.
© social networks | colorist.olesya.74
Long hair
Long-curly girls are more likely to use the relief hair coloring technique. This coloring technique is very popular because it suits people who prefer cascading haircuts, those who can’t imagine their lives without bangs, and it looks great on both straight and curly hair.
© larisaklochkova | online communities
* keunestudio.com | social media
Selecting the area on which to concentrate is crucial.
Is the volume at the roots insufficient? Next, each light strand should be "let" all the way down the hair.
Ends of liquid? In this instance, the hair is dyed to ⅔ of its length, with the roots being ⅓ (or even less) away.
Social networks | © agnessa_beauty_centre
The goal of volumetric perception in hair coloring, which is frequently observed in relief or dimensional techniques, is to give the appearance that your hair has more depth and volume. Colorists can add dimension and fullness to hair by strategically applying different shades in patterns that make the hair appear lively and three-dimensional. This method is a popular choice for people seeking a modern, dynamic style because it not only improves the overall appearance but also helps to flatter different face shapes and hair types.
How to do relief coloring: step-by-step technique
Relief coloring is a difficult technique to master on your own, so it makes sense to limit who can attempt it at home to coloristics experts with extensive training.
© social networks | vip.zhelyabina
How is the coloring done here? We won’t address the importance of checking the dye for potential skin allergies separately. It should go without saying that this kind of test is conducted 48 hours prior to the procedure.
- 1 The most important moment is dividing the hair into zones. It is convenient to do this with a comb with a thin tail. Often, only the hair of the top layer is dyed. They are divided into not very wide sections and work begins with each of them. Others are removed and pinned with hairdressing clips so as not to interfere with the work.
- 2 Take the first section into work. There should be intervals of 1-2 cm between the strands to be dyed. Lay the strands on foil and apply cream dye. Wrap the dyed strands in foil. Do the same with the remaining sections.
- 3 Strands closer to the back of the head can be wrapped in a double layer of foil and worked with an iron (about 30 seconds, temperature – about 140 degrees) – this will speed up the process of dye action.
- 4 After keeping the dye for the required time, remove the foil and wash off the dye. If you have time and energy left, you can tone your hair before washing.
© struk_style | social media
Popular questions about relief coloring
There are many questions because this is not an easy topic. We’ll respond to the most typical.
Which coloring to choose for light brown hair in 2024 – relief or balayage?
From a trends perspective, balayage is more important. However, a lot relies on your personal tastes. In balayage, a greater quantity of strands are colored, and they are chosen in an erratic manner. The relief coloring exhibits greater clarity and texture due to the periodic lightening of extremely thin strands. When coloring at home, using the balayage technique is undoubtedly more convenient and simpler.
I want to do relief hair coloring – please share photo examples (for brunettes)!
With delight. You can really play around with colors on brown hair, using both light and dark hues.
Is the relief method of coloring suitable if the base is pink blond?
Why not? Selecting the right shade may not be as simple, but pink curls also look stunning with highlights and shimmers. Ensuring that the paint’s tone "by temperature" corresponds with the color of the main hair mass is crucial. Platinum blonde works well for bright pink curls. And a subdued creamy blonde for the delicate powdery ones.
Can we call relief hair coloring for blondes a trend of this season?
Though they are undoubtedly relevant, neither this color scheme nor the related handtouch technique can be said to be topping the fashion charts. One of their advantages is that they can be colored in both warm and cold tones.
Aspect | Explanation |
Volumetric Effect | Relief hair coloring adds dimension and depth, making hair appear fuller and more textured. |
Natural Look | The technique mimics natural hair color variations, enhancing the overall appearance without harsh lines. |
Relief hair coloring, also known as volumetric perception, gives your hairstyle more depth and dimension, which makes it seem more alive and colorful. This method gives your hair a natural and dynamic look by combining different shades and tones to create a play of light and shadow.
To accentuate their natural features and create a more unique and attractive style, relief coloring is a popular choice among people. It’s a popular option for people looking to update their appearance because it’s adaptable and works well with a variety of hair types and lengths.
Relief hair coloring offers countless options, whether you want to create a dramatic effect or add delicate highlights. It’s a fantastic way to play around with your appearance without sacrificing sophistication or style.