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Balayage Formula
Powered by AI

Stop guessing lightener strength and toner shade. Upload a photo of your client's hair and ColourKey reads the base, undertone and porosity — then builds the complete balayage formula for your brand.

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7-day free trial · No credit card required

Built for Every Balayage Service

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Base Level Detection

AI reads level 1–10, warm or cool undertone, and existing banding — all from a single photo.

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Lightener Formula

Correct lightener product, volume and timing for the level of lift needed — not a blanket recommendation.

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Toner After Lift

Toner formula calculated against the expected lifted result — warm gold, cool ash, champagne or rose.

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Multi-Session Planning

If more than one session is needed, ColourKey plans each step with the right formula per visit.

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Porosity & Bond Care

Flags compromised hair and adds bond care to the formula automatically when needed.

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Works in Browser & App

No install needed — use ColourKey in Safari, Chrome or the native app on iOS and Android.

From Photo to Formula in 30 Seconds

1

Upload Client's Current Hair

Take a photo or upload from gallery. Natural light gives the most accurate read — but ColourKey compensates for salon lighting too.

2

Upload Desired Result

Add a reference photo of the target colour. ColourKey compares current vs desired and maps the exact transformation path.

3

Choose Your Brand

Select from Wella, Redken, L'Oreal, Schwarzkopf, La Biosthétique or Goldwell. Switch between brands instantly.

4

Receive the Complete Formula

Lightener, toner, developer, timing, mixing bowl amounts and application notes — all in one screen.

Balayage Formula Questions

Can the AI tell me which lightener strength to use for balayage?

Yes. ColourKey recommends developer volume based on the existing level, the target lift and whether the hair is porous or previously coloured — not a generic 20 or 30 vol.

Does it handle grown-out balayage (refresh services)?

Yes. The transformation mode compares current vs desired and detects banding, grown-out sections and previous colour history to plan the refresh formula.

What if my client has been box-dyed?

You can flag box dye history in Hair History. ColourKey adjusts the formula and may recommend a strand test or a corrective pre-treatment step.

Which toners work best for balayage finishes?

ColourKey selects from deposit-only glosses (Shades EQ, Color Touch, Dia Richesse, Colorance) for balayage toning — products designed for use over lifted hair without further lift.

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