Back-to-Back Foils vs. Normal Foils

There is no better hairstyle for those after a dramatic change to their overall look than putting hair in foils. Using foils, be it textured or smooth, is a classic salon technique for adding brightness, dimension, and personalized color to any type of hair.

In this blog post, we compare back-to-back foils vs normal foils to help you understand each for a more informed decision during your salon appointment. These are very trendy and versatile hairstyling methods that you will definitely love, so let’s get right into it!

Classic Foiling Techniques in Beauty

Traditional hair foiling basically involves selecting sections of hair to be lightened or colored while leaving other sections untouched. The hairstylist separates the selected strands from the rest of your hair, paints with lightener or hair color, then wraps them in foil to process separately from the surrounding hair.

A full head of foils usually means that highlighted hair sections are distributed throughout the entire head to create an all-over lightened effect. This method is quite appealing for those who want to add some brightness and additional dimension to their natural hair color, and avoid single-process all-over color.

If you have a darker base, a full head foils on brown hair can create an eye-catching dimension and movement in your hair. The contrast created between your natural depth and lightened strands can create a multi-tonal effect that brings to life an otherwise one-dimensional hair color.

You might be asking, “How long does a full head of foils take? “The answer is typically between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the length of your hair, its thickness, and the technique the stylist uses. You will definitely get dividends in appearance from your time investment!

Why Back-Back Foils Are Trendy

In recent years, back-to-back foils (or double-processed foils) have become quite trendy among those who are looking for a dramatic change to their hairstyle. But what exactly sets this technique apart from standard foiling?

While traditional foiling leaves space between foiled sections, back-to-back foiling involves placing foils immediately adjacent to one another with minimal or no natural hair left in between. This creates a more concentrated effect and allows for greater coverage and brightness.

The back-to-back method can be quite appealing for clients seeking:

• Maximum brightness and lift.
• More noticeable contrast and dimension.
• Quicker transition from darker to lighter shades.
• More dramatic results with fewer salon visits.

This method requires quite some precision and expertise from the stylist. The placement of each foil directly impacts how the style will look at the end. If they do it well, back-to-back foils create a blend whole maintains the dimensional quality that will make your foil highlights even more appealing to look at.

How to Choose Between Back-To-Back Foils Vs Normal Foils

The choice between back-to-back foils vs normal foils usually depends heavily on your hair type. Different hair types respond in different ways to the foiling techniques. Factors to consider when making the choice between the two include:

For fine hair, traditional spaced foiling often works best as it prevents over-processing and creates the illusion of fullness through dimension. The space between foiled sections ensures that the hair maintains strength and integrity.

Medium-to-thick hair can often handle the intensity of back-to-back foils better, as these hair types generally have more natural structure and strength. The concentrated processing area allows for more dramatic results while still maintaining hair health.

Curly or textured hair may benefit from strategically placed traditional foils that work with your natural curl pattern to create dimension without disrupting your texture. However, back-to-back foils can create stunning results when placed to accentuate your natural movement.

How to Achieve the Perfect Sun-Kissed Look

By far, the most requested hairstyle in Australian salons is the sun-kissed look. This is a natural-looking gradient made of lighter pieces mimicking the effect of time spent outside. It is a beachy, lived-in look that can be achieved with either back-to-back foils or normal foils, based on your desired intensity.

If you are after soft sun-kissed highlights that look like they developed naturally during summer, go for traditional foiling. For a more pronounced brightening effect while still maintaining a natural hair appearance, back-to-back foils concentrated at the face-framing sections and crown can create that “lit from within” glow while still looking effortlessly natural.

Choosing Hair Colors for Both Techniques

The hair color you choose will be a significant factor in the foiling technique used. Generally, traditional foiling techniques are best for multidimensional hair color with soft variations. On the contrary, back-to-back foils are used to achieve more dramatic lighting and contrast.

If you are considering a full head transformation, think about the following:

• Your starting color and its underlying pigments.
• Your desired level of lift and brightness.
• The maintenance level you’re comfortable with.
• How frequently are you willing to visit the salon for touch-ups?

Back-to-back foils mostly require more careful maintenance as the regrowth line can be more noticeable due to the concentrated placement of lightened sections.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, the foiling technique you will choose will deliver the results you are looking for if done correctly. This is why it is important to only work with a professional hairstylist who understands and has experience using foil in hair coloring. Enjoy your new style!