What hair color technique involves using multiple shades to create depth?

Balayage is a hair coloring technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair, allowing for a more natural and soft transition of color. This method uses multiple shades of color, which can vary in tone and intensity, creating depth and dimension in the hair. The technique is designed to mimic the way that sun naturally lightens hair, resulting in a sun-kissed look that adds volume and character to the style. This differentiation from other methods, such as single-process coloring or ombre, is significant as those techniques typically involve a more uniform application of color, rather than the nuanced layering achieved with balayage.

In single-process coloring, a uniform color is applied to the entirety of the hair, which does not create the depth that multiple shades can provide. Color stripping involves removing existing color, which is focused on correction rather than enhancement. Ombre refers to a gradient effect from dark to light where the colors transition from one to another but typically does not incorporate as many shades and can appear more stark in contrast. Balayage stands out in its ability to create a soft, dimensional look through the use of multiple shades, making it the ideal choice for achieving depth in hair color.