It's hard to keep track of all the latest hair trends, right? But fluid hair painting is definitely something to keep on your radar, because it's completely gorgeous. And wait until you see how it's done!
It can result in a gorgeous, dreamy mermaid hair look.
[code]
[/code]
Oooooh.
[code]
[/code]
Or the most awesome balayage-like effect ever.
[code]
[/code]
"Fluid hair painting is color that is hand-painted directly to the hair," explains Matrix SOCOLOR STYLEINK celebrity stylist George Papanikolas. He says it requires the client to lie down with her hair separated on a flat surface, while the stylist paints the color onto the hair.
More from The Stir: Everything You Need to Know to Get Galaxy Hair on Fleek (PHOTOS)
"It's literally a work of art, because there's no structure," he says. No foils!
[code]
[/code]
According to Papanikolas, this technique creates more of a gradient effect than balayage, another hand-painting technique.
[code]
[/code]
It's great, because it gives the hairstylist complete control over placement, explains Papanikolas.
"It makes it very easy to emulate what the sun would do to your hair color," he says. "The way I approach it is by doing very fine, delicate highlights at the roots, gradually getting thicker and heavier towards the mid-shaft and ends ... much like the sun will do to your hair!"
Here's a cool video where you can see the process in action.
[code][/code]
Rachael Urrico, colorist at Devachan NY, says that hair painting allows you to preserve your hair's overall integrity, by never overlapping previously colored hair.
Also, she says, it's awesome if you have textured hair. "It doesn't change the curl pattern of the hair, which is always a concern with naturally curly girls looking to color," Urrico says. "It is by far the least damaging technique out today."
[code]
[/code]
However, a word to the wise ... Urrico adds you really should NOT try this at home: "Leave this to the professionals," she advises. "Taking on a freehand painting on your own head is risky because you do not have a full view of all angles." Good point!
More from The Stir: How to Get the Perfect Party Hairstyle: The Stacked Topsy Tail Braid (PHOTOS)
If you do want to try this out, look for somebody who specializes in freehand balayage, recommends Papanikolas. And before booking your appointment, you should definitely check out a potential new stylist's Instagram account. "That can usually give you the best representation of their work."
Image via heydaylab/Instagram