Washington Cosmetology License Practice Exam

What technique is commonly used to blend hair colors in a graduated style?

1. Ombre

2. Balayage

3. Highlights

4. Chunking

The correct answer is: Balayage

The technique commonly used to blend hair colors in a graduated style is balayage. This method involves hand-painting the hair strands to create a soft transition between colors, allowing for a natural-looking gradient effect that is less uniform than traditional highlighting. Balayage not only provides dimension to the hair but also offers a more personalized and tailored outcome, making it a favorite among clients seeking a low-maintenance, sun-kissed look. Other methods like ombre, highlights, and chunking, while they do incorporate blending techniques, function differently and often yield distinct results. Ombre typically involves a more dramatic color transition from dark to light, creating a stark contrast rather than the seamless blend that balayage provides. Highlights focus on adding lighter pieces throughout the hair but can be more structured and predictable. Chunking creates defined sections of color, which does not blend as smoothly as balayage does, making it less suited for achieving a graduated effect. Therefore, balayage is the ideal technique for achieving a blended, graduated style in hair coloring.