Airtouch coloring technique: what is it, step-by-step air touch hair highlighting for beginners

The popular hair coloring method known as "airtouch" has swept the beauty industry off its feet. This technique, which is well-known for its gentle color transitions, produces a gorgeously blended effect devoid of sharp edges. It’s perfect for people looking for a gorgeously grown-out low-maintenance style.

The way Airtouch is used is what makes it special. Only the healthiest and longest hairs can be colored using this method, which uses the air from a hairdryer to separate the shorter strands. This gives the hair a more subtle, gradient appearance that accentuates its organic movement.

We’ll walk novices through the steps of Airtouch highlighting in this tutorial. You will easily learn how to achieve this sought-after style, from choosing the appropriate tools to mastering the air technique.

Step	Description
1. Preparation	Start by washing and drying the hair completely. Section the hair into smaller parts for easier handling.
2. Blowing hair	Use a hairdryer to blow strands of hair. The goal is to separate shorter strands from the longer ones for a more natural look.
3. Applying bleach	Apply bleach to the longer strands left behind after blowing. Make sure to cover evenly for consistent color.
4. Wrapping in foil	Once the bleach is applied, wrap the sections in foil to let the color develop without mixing with other strands.
5. Processing time	Let the bleach sit for the recommended time based on the hair"s condition and the desired lightness.
6. Rinsing and toning	Rinse the bleach out, apply toner if needed to neutralize any unwanted tones, and rinse again.
7. Final styling	Blow-dry and style the hair to reveal the finished look. Adjust as necessary for a smooth, blended result.

Using a stream of air to divide hair into sections, airtouch coloring is a contemporary hair highlighting technique that produces a more seamless, natural-looking color blend. Because it softens transitions between shades and minimizes harsh lines, it’s ideal for beginners as it makes it simpler to achieve results that look professional. This technique is particularly effective for giving the hair dimension and depth while maintaining a delicate, low-maintenance overall style. Anyone can learn how to perform Airtouch at home or in a salon with the appropriate instructions and equipment.

What is AirTouch coloring

"Air touch" is defined as "touch of air" when translated from English. You can achieve the appearance of volume and depth of color by creating smooth and gentle shades on the hair with such a complex and multicolored coloring. Since lightness and naturalness are in right now, coloring is becoming more and more popular.

It takes the place of outmoded methods like ombre, single-color hair coloring, and highlighting. In this instance, only 30% to 50% of the hair’s total volume has been dyed. First, from all of the hair, a few strands are chosen in a particular order (there are multiple schemes).

The shortest and thinnest hairs are then "blown out" one by one with a hairdryer, as only those that remain after this process will be dyed. Harsh and abrupt transitions are not permitted with this type of hair lightening, but they are highly likely with other coloring.

Who is AirTouch suitable for?

With the exception of extremely short haircuts, almost every hair type can benefit from the AirTouch coloring technique. With short hair, it is impossible to achieve elegant and seamless transitions.

Any hair, colored or natural, can be colored:

• dark;
• blond;
• light;
• red.

You can add a cool or warm shade to the hair to give it some uniqueness.

Those with long, straight hair will look the most respectable and advantageous with it.

Colors are universal; they look good at work and on vacation and draw attention at any gathering. After all, AirTouch looks good with all outfits, whether they are casual, youthful, classic, or sporty.

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Contraindications

Therefore, the AirTouch technique is safe to use; however, if your hair is very damaged, it is not advised to lighten it.

Damage to hair occurs if:

1. Already dyed, bleached many times. In this case, the hair shaft is damaged and softened, and there are split ends.
2. Extensions are often done.
3. A hair dryer and various irons, curling irons and other hot tongs are constantly used at maximum temperature. As a result – split ends, microcracks along the entire length, strong vulnerability to any mechanical actions with hair.
4. Comb frequently and carelessly, tightly curled with curlers, daily hairstyles are done that tighten the hair (ponytail, tight braids) or with the use of hairspray. As a result of all this, the hair easily breaks off and splits along the entire length.

Pros of the method

The benefits of stylish coloring are numerous:

• suitable for any color and length of hair;
• the most natural result (absolutely invisible transition from natural color to bleached with blurred boundaries);
• giving visible volume and versatility to hair, radiance effect;
• gentle procedure – the roots are not lightened;
• the result is rejuvenating due to color contrasts, the face looks fresh. This will be the best solution for visually eliminating gray hair;
• long-lasting result – no need for frequent coloring (lasts from six months to 8 months), and, as a result, you save money;
• looks very stylish and modern;
• even if you are allergic to hair dye, you can afford this technique. The contact of the dye with the scalp is minimal;
• after coloring, no special care is needed, minimal effort is spent to maintain the color.

Disadvantages of the curl coloring technique

However, coloring curls in this manner has a few drawbacks:

1. Price. You will have to pay quite a bit for high-quality execution of such coloring.
2. A long process – it takes from four to five hours, it depends on the length and color of the hair.
3. Small harm due to discoloration.

Difference from other hair coloring methods

If you are not a colorist, you might not be able to distinguish between balayage and shaush and the AirTouch coloring technique. The two techniques are extremely similar. However, these two methods are actually very different from one another, at least in terms of how the hair dye is applied.

All of the hair is separated into strands for balayage, and each strand is then combed. The remaining hair is colored with a bleaching solution. Shatush is frequently applied to people with dark hair; the color is "stretched" from a dark shade to a lighter one along the length of the hair. When using AirTouch coloring, as opposed to the more common highlighting, the chosen strand is fully colored.

As a result, a more delicate image is produced, but with highlighting, distinct stripes—strands of varying shades—are visible. When doing an ombre, the lower hair is completely discolored and has a distinct color difference from the top portion. It produces a gradient effect from the tips to the roots and vice versa.

Dyeing hair in darker hues, primarily brown and bronze, is called bronzing. The shortest hair can benefit from this technique, which also gives hair relief and volume.

Burnt-out hair has the effect of Californian highlighting, which assumes maximum naturalness and avoids abrupt transitions. About six shades—both light and dark tones—are used in this instance.

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Dyes used

The original hair color, the shape of your face, the color type, and your preferences for the outcome are all important factors to take into account when selecting the appropriate dye. The customer chooses between a bright, rich blonde and barely perceptible highlights.

A specialized tool should be used to tone already lightened hair in order to achieve a noble cold shade. To make your hair a really lovely shade of ash, you must add a purple or blue color to the dye mixture.

You can play around with your picture. The brightest time of year, summer, offers a plethora of options for spicing up your look with a bright color hair tint. For instance, in shades of mint, purple, or pink. Everything is based on individual preferences. As only half of the hair will be colored, it will be a fairly gentle process anyhow.

It is advisable to consider the type and condition of hair before applying the dye. Additionally, the dyes’ instructions must be strictly followed.

Necessary tools

To color, you will require:

• hair dryer;
• brush and comb for drying hair;
• apron;
• lightening paint/powder, oxidizer, bowl for paint and brush;
• tinting agent and oxidizing agent (optional);
• gloves;
• foil;
• 2 mirrors;
• hairpins

AirTouch dyeing at home: a step-by-step lesson for beginners

The dying is a laborious, time-consuming process that is hard to duplicate at home. For those who choose to do the dying themselves, it is advised to have plenty of spare time and patience because the process takes a while in the salon. It is best to have some prior experience dying your own hair, as mistakes can occasionally be made by experts.

Dye application

First, you must part all of the hair into four or five large sections.

Next, begin working by breaking each component into small strands:

1. Separate a strand with a comb about 1 centimeter thick and “blow” it with a cold hair dryer so that all the short and thin hairs fall out.
2. Under the remaining strand, put the foil and abundantly apply a bleaching dye with an indentation of 3-5 cm from the roots (given the length of the hair), especially thoroughly paint the tips to achieve the effect of the radiance (at the same time do not touch the blown part). Use a dry brush to shade the border so that a smooth transition is obtained.
3. Wrap the strand with foil. Leave the blown hairs between the strands in the foil. To paint the back part, you need to look in the mirrors that are located opposite each other.
4. Treat the entire head in this way.

Holding time

The time is determined solely by the guidelines. Concentrate on the intended outcome, taking into account the amount of strands and the intensity of paint application. Everybody is different; some prefer bright blonde hair, while others prefer light highlights. The paint is typically left on for forty minutes or so.

Rinse

Once the allotted time has passed, gently take off the foil from the hair. Wash with warm water. To fix the color, use a nourishing balm or conditioner at the very end. You can use a tinting agent to give your hair any color you want.

The instructions that are attached must be followed in full. Lastly, use a balm and wash off with warm water. Finally, use a warm hairdryer to finish drying your hair and style it however you like.

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Is it possible to combine the AirTouch technique with others?

You can use the ombre technique in conjunction with the AirTouch coloring technique to increase the time between salon visits. In order to prevent obvious stripes and contrasts, the hair roots in this instance are slightly darker (4, 5, and 6 tones are good). The transition line from dark to light tone is also as blurry as possible.

Combining these two methods will give you the appearance of naturally sun-bleached, slightly grown-out hair, or a more youthful, fresh look by adding a little more color (soft pink, light purple).

Rules for caring for strands after highlighting

In any case, the ARTOUCH staining technique damages hair, particularly when done incorrectly. Thankfully, there is a fix for this. Professional products have been developed in large quantities these days to address hair damage.

The hair quality is greatly enhanced by the following products:

• Olaplex;
• Wellaplex from Wella Proffessional;
• Bond Ultim8 from Marix, Niophlex.

Hair Company Unique Lotion mixes anti-yellowing properties with caring ingredients. The Kaaral line of hair care products, which includes shampoo, conditioner, and mask Royal Jelly Cream, is also very good.

It is advised to use Wella’s EIMI Perfect Me cream for unruly hair. It smoothes, fixes, and perfectly eliminates the so-called fluff while shielding against abrupt temperature changes. You can use Wella’s Oil Reflections oil for the ends.

When used frequently, it smoothes and gives hair a noble shine while assisting in maintaining its respectable appearance for an extended period of time.

It is advised not to overdo it with homemade oil-based masks, as most of them (especially those containing coconut oil) just cause the hair to turn straw-colored.

3 best recipes for masks for dyed hair

Yeast mask for strengthening

Make-up:

• dry yeast – 1 tbsp. l.;
• Egg – 1 pc.;
• water – 50 ml.

How to Cook:

1. Dissolve yeast in 50 ml of water.
2. Then add an egg.
3. Stir the mask until thick.
4. Apply to the entire length of the hair, keep for half an hour, and finally wash your hair with warm water.

Chamomile mask

Make-up:

• 1 tbsp. l. – chamomile;
• 1 glass of water;
• 1 egg white.

How to Cook:

1. Brew chamomile in boiling water, leave to infuse for 3 hours.
2. Beat the egg white.
3. Add the white to the strained broth, stir.
4. Apply the mask to your hair with light massage movements.

After giving your hair a thorough wash, leave the mask on until it dries entirely. You should make a mask once a week in order to get the greatest results.

Sea buckthorn mask

Recipe: equal parts sea buckthorn and vegetable oils. After applying, leave on hair for one hour. Timing: two to three times per month.

Prices in salons in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other regions

For this coloring technique, it is most definitely not worth chasing a low cost. Expert and superior highlighting from artisans of the highest caliber is not inexpensive.

There are four bases for Airtouch coloring prices:

• costs of materials (lightening powder, oxides, toning composition, stabilizer, care, etc.);
• qualification of the master;
• brand of products;
• hair length (short, shoulder-length, shoulder-length, waist-length).

City	Cost of service
Moscow	10-20 thousand. rub.
Saint Petersburg	8-10 thousand. rub.
Nizhny Novgorod	6-7 thousand. rub.
Yekaterinburg	5-10 thousand. rub.
Novosibirsk	2.5-6 thousand. rub.
Kazan	3-6 thousand. rub.
Chelyabinsk	3-8 thousand. rub.
Astrakhan	4-6 thousand. rub.

The outcome of hair coloring with the AirTouch method will make the time and money invested worthwhile.

Writer: Elena Vakushina

Oksana Grivina designed the article.

If you want a soft, natural look, the Airtouch coloring technique offers a contemporary, understated approach to hair highlighting. It is a low-maintenance option because it ensures a seamless blend and less noticeable regrowth by incorporating airflow to separate sections of hair.

Although learning Airtouch may require some practice for novices, the benefits are well worth the time. Anyone can create gorgeous highlights that give hair depth and dimension with the correct tools and patience.

Airtouch is a great way to achieve sophisticated, natural highlights that suit every hair type and color, whether you’re experimenting at home or looking to incorporate this technique into your salon services.

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