Pennsylvania Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Balayage refers to a freehand technique for highlighting hair, where color is painted onto the hair in a way that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. This method allows for a more personalized application, enabling the stylist to strategically place highlights to enhance the client's features and add depth and dimension to the hair. Unlike traditional highlighting techniques that use foils—which can create a more uniform and sometimes stark look—balayage produces a softer and more blended effect that grows out beautifully, making it a popular choice for many clients seeking a low-maintenance hair color solution.

The other options represent different techniques that do not align with the definition of balayage. For example, foiling is a distinct technique that involves wrapping sections of hair in foil to achieve highlights, while achieving a solid color refers to all-over color application without any highlighting. A permanent hair straightening technique is unrelated to coloring methods and is focused instead on altering the hair's texture.