Choosing the right technique for your dream blonde.
Achieving the perfect blonde isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. From icy platinum to sun-kissed, lived-in blondes, the technique and products used can completely transform the final result.
At SANDY, our blonde specialists are experts in customised techniques that enhance your natural features, suit your lifestyle, and keep your hair healthy. Whether you’re after high-impact brightness, soft blends, or effortless sun-kissed dimension, here’s a deep dive into the most effective blonde techniques—and how to choose the right one for you.
Below, we feature five of our favourite blonde hair techniques:
- Blonde foils – Maintain shine and hair health.
- Blonde balayage: Effortless, lived-in blonde.
- Blonde freehand balayage: For that sunlit glow.
- Blonde basin balayage: The perfect refresh.
- Malibu blondes: Detox your blonde.
Blonde foils: Maintain shine and hair health.
Blonde foils remain our go-to technique for most clients. Why? Foiling allows for maximum lift and precision, making it the most effective method to achieve clean, bright blonde results compared to techniques like balayage.
Unlike freehand balayage with clay lightener, which offers a softer, more diffused effect, traditional foil lightener provides a higher level of lift. The foils isolate the lightener to prevent transfer and trap heat for a more powerful and controlled lightening process.
In some cases, we also use tint lightener, where permanent tint is applied instead of bleach. This is ideal for achieving warmer, golden tones or reducing damage while still adding brightness. We often combine tint with powder lightener to create soft, dimensional blondes.
Tint foils are also a great option for clients with weaker or more fragile hair, helping to maintain shine and health while delivering a polished blonde finish.
Blonde balayage: Effortless, lived-in blonde.
If you love the look of low-maintenance, natural sun-kissed blonde, blonde balayage is your perfect match. This technique creates soft, blended highlights that grow out seamlessly, perfect for those who want dimension without regular touch-ups.
Blonde balayage is best for:
- Clients who love a soft, natural blonde that blends seamlessly
- Those seeking a low-maintenance blonde that grows out beautifully
- Adding depth and brightness in an organic way
How it works: Balayage uses freehand painting, allowing for a gradient blonde effect with no harsh regrowth lines.
Blonde freehand balayage: For that sunlit glow.
Want to enhance your blonde with extra glow and softness? Freehand balayage is a subtle way to elevate your colour and add natural dimension.
This add-on technique involves hand-painting lightener onto the ends between foils, then wrapping the sections in foil to ensure optimal lift and hair health.
Blonde freehand balayage is great for:
- Clients after a natural, beachy blonde
- Those seeking a more blended, multidimensional blonde
- Anyone wanting to brighten ends while softly lifting roots
Blonde freehand balayage is the perfect middle ground. It is more natural than traditional foils, but not as bold as full balayage.
Blonde basin balayage: The perfect refresh.
If your blonde needs a pick-me-up between full services, basin balayage is an ideal way to refresh your colour without a full appointment.
The blonde basin balayage is best for:
- Clients who want a quick blonde refresh
- Brightening dull blonde hair
- A subtle lift without the full foil or balayage commitment
How it works: Lightener is applied at the basin in a fluid, less structured way, targeting areas that need brightening without major regrowth.
Malibu blondes: Detox your blonde.
Product buildup, minerals from water, and pollutants can dull your blonde. Malibu Blondes treatments offer a powerful detox to keep your colour bright and brass-free.
Malibue blonde treatments are perfect for:
- Dull blonde hair due to mineral buildup
- Clients living in hard water areas
- Anyone wanting to maintain clarity and vibrancy
How it works: Malibu treatments gently remove chlorine, minerals, and impurities, leaving your blonde clean and fresh.
L’Oréal Blonde Studio: Our ultimate lightening system.
At SANDY, our blonde specialists use L’Oréal Blonde Studio to deliver the best results while protecting your hair. Many salons rely on one lightener – we use five, ensuring we have the perfect product for every blonde.
All lighteners contain a built-in bonder to protect the hair during the lifting process—something many salons charge $80+ for. At SANDY, it’s included in every service.
Why we love L’Oréal Blonde Studio:
- Blonde Studio 9 Levels Powder – For high-lift blondes and balayage
- Blonde Studio 8 Levels Powder – Ideal for on-scalp lightening
- Blonde Studio Clay Lightener – Perfect for freehand balayage
- Blonde Studio 7 Levels Powder – A gentler option for subtle brightening
- Blonde Studio Cream Lightener – Ammonia-free and ultra-hydrating
Which blonde technique is right for you?
Your ideal blonde depends on your lifestyle, hair goals, and maintenance preference.
- Bright, bold blonde? Go with foils.
- Soft, lived-in look? Try balayage.
- Beachy dimension? Choose freehand balayage.
- Quick refresh? Basin balayage is perfect.
- Colour looking dull? Book a Malibu Blonde detox.
Book a consultation with one of our blonde specialists today
Whether you’re going blonde for the first time or updating your current shade, our specialists at SANDY are here to help. Your blonde specialist will design a tailored transformation using only the best products and techniques—so your hair stays strong, healthy, and beautiful.
SANDY is a boutique hair salon located at North Curl Curl on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (near Dee Why and Manly). Our expert hairdressers, stylists and colourists deliver spectacular results with the goal of assisting our clients to achieve their best hair.