Arizona Cosmetology Practice Exam

Which technique is commonly used for highlighting hair?

1. Perming

2. Foiling or balayage

3. Flat ironing

4. Bleaching

The correct answer is: Foiling or balayage

Highlighting hair is a technique designed to add dimension and brightness by lightening specific strands or sections. The method of foiling or balayage is particularly effective for this purpose. Foiling involves placing sections of hair in aluminum foil with a highlighting product, allowing for a controlled application and ensuring that the color develops evenly. This technique can create a more defined look with distinct highlights. Balayage, on the other hand, is a freehand technique where the colorist paints the highlights onto the hair, creating a more natural, sun-kissed appearance. This approach results in soft and blended highlights, often without the stark lines associated with traditional highlighting methods. While perming, flat ironing, and bleaching may alter the hair's texture or color, they do not specifically target the process of highlighting, which focuses on strategically lightening certain portions of hair to create visual interest.