Here’s our idea for summer: Quick highlights that look like you’ve just spent a month at the beach. Colorist Tina Deeke recommends Express Balayage, which breaks the base color and adds softness. The balayage component means these highlights aren’t structured or predictable.

During Express Balayage, after the base color sets and is rinsed out, Deeke, still at the bowl, combs through the wet hair and paints on 10 to 12 highlights. After 15 to 20 minutes the color is set, no heat required.

Before Express Balayage, the old way to liven up base color was time-consuming. First hair had to receive the single-process color, or tint, and then it was washed, rinsed and dried. Foils came next. Or the entire head was covered in foils to achieve a balance of lowlight and highlight colors. Deeke says the results never looked natural.

“I love balayage because it looks random, yet the placement is specific,” says Deeke. What makes balayage look so natural is that within a single stroke, the highlight goes from thin to thick. “It’s hair painting – it flows,” she adds. And because balayage creates a softer grow-out, it helps extend the time between color appointments.

So try Express Balayage on your next visit. Add a little self-tanner to go with your new highlights, and you’re all set for summer.