
Are you searching for a fresh, layered hair color that looks effortlessly natural, but you’re over the balayage trend? You’re not alone. While balayage and ombre ruled the hair world back in 2018, there’s a new coloring method in town that delivers seamless, blended results—without the harsh two-toned effect. Enter AirTouch, the latest innovation in hair highlighting. If you haven’t yet heard of AirTouch, don’t worry—we’re here to fill you in on everything you need to know, including why this might just be the perfect highlighting method for your hair.
What Is AirTouch?

AirTouch is a unique highlighting technique that uses air, rather than traditional backcombing or weaving, to create a smooth blend of colors. Here’s how it works: Hair is sectioned and highlighted using foil or clear film, in contrast to the freehand approach of balayage or ombre. Unlike the typical linear highlights we’ve seen in recent years, AirTouch employs a diagonal application method, resulting in a more natural, flexible look.
Here’s the real game-changer: instead of manually teasing sections of hair, a stylist uses a blow dryer to push out shorter or finer hairs. Only the longer strands are left to be highlighted. This means that the more fragile parts of your hair are left untouched, minimizing potential damage. It’s a win-win for anyone looking to maintain healthy hair while embracing a beautifully blended color.
Where Did AirTouch Come From?
The AirTouch technique can be credited to Russian hair colorist Vladimir Sarbashev. Frustrated with the limitations of balayage, particularly during retouches, Sarbashev set out to create a method that would cause less damage while saving time. His solution? AirTouch, a technique that’s now a global phenomenon for its ability to deliver natural-looking results with minimal damage.
Why AirTouch Outshines Traditional Methods

AirTouch isn’t just about aesthetics; it also solves one of the biggest challenges with traditional highlighting methods—retouches. Traditional retouching often involves backcombing and weaving, which can be time-consuming and damaging. AirTouch, on the other hand, uses a blow dryer to separate shorter hairs from longer ones, ensuring that only the new growth is highlighted. This approach reduces overlap, prevents further damage, and saves you precious time in the salon chair.
Another major perk? The level of customization. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a brighter pop of color, your stylist can adjust the technique to suit your exact preferences. The result is a seamlessly blended, natural look that grows out beautifully.
Why You Should Choose AirTouch
- Gentler on Natural Hair: Unlike traditional retouch methods that can weaken your hair, AirTouch is designed to minimize damage by focusing on longer, healthier strands.
- Time-Efficient: The process is quicker, often taking less than 45 minutes, so you can enjoy a stunning transformation without spending hours at the salon.
- Natural Results: AirTouch delivers a soft, blended finish that mimics the look of natural highlights, making it perfect for low-maintenance beauty lovers.
- Comfortable Process: Say goodbye to the discomfort of backcombing! The blow dryer does all the work, making the process easier on your scalp.
- Customizable Brightness: Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a bold statement, AirTouch allows for precise control over the level of brightness and tone.