Which hair coloring technique involves applying color only to specific sections of hair?

The technique that involves applying color only to specific sections of hair is balayage. This method is characterized by its hand-painted approach, allowing for a more natural and sun-kissed look. With balayage, colorists strategically place color onto the hair, creating soft transitions and contrasts rather than a uniform application typical of global color. This technique's freedom of placement means it can accentuate certain sections or layers, giving the hairstyle depth and dimension.

Other options involve different methods of coloring. Global color refers to applying color to the entire head of hair, while highlights typically involve using foils or a cap to lighten selected strands, which may not have the same casual gradient effect as balayage. Ombre, on the other hand, features a more pronounced transition from dark to light along the lengths of the hair rather than focusing just on specific sections. Balayage uniquely combines artistic application with the creation of highlights in a way that looks very organic, making it a popular choice among clients seeking subtle color changes.