What technique is commonly used for highlighting hair?

Foiling is a widely recognized technique used for highlighting hair. This method involves applying lightener or color to specific sections of hair that are wrapped in foil. The foils not only help to isolate the hair being highlighted from the rest of the hair, but they also trap heat, which allows the color to process more efficiently. This ensures more vibrant and precise highlights.

In foiling, the stylist can create a variety of effects, such as subtle highlights for a natural look or bold streaks for a more dramatic appearance. The technique can be tailored to suit the client's preferences, whether they desire fine highlights close to the roots or larger sections for a more pronounced contrast.

While other techniques like balayage, ombre, and color melting can also be used for highlighting hair, they each have distinct applications and outcomes. Balayage involves a hand-painted approach, ombre features a gradient effect from dark to light, and color melting blends multiple shades seamlessly. Each technique serves different aesthetic goals but does not typically utilize the same method of isolation and processing that foiling does. Thus, foiling is especially valued for its precision and versatility in highlighting hair.