What is Airtouch?
Airtouch (from the English air touch - "touch of air") is a complex hair coloring technique that creates a smooth, diffused transition of color from natural roots to light ends.
To understand what airtouch is from a technical perspective, it's important to consider the colorist's process. The stylist takes a thin strand of hair and blows it through with a hairdryer. Short and fine hair is blown out, and the lightening solution is applied only to the remaining long strands.
The technique was developed by Russian colorist Vladimir Sarbashev and quickly became a global standard in the beauty industry due to its incredibly natural results. Unlike classic highlights or ombre, Airtouch doesn't leave clear stripes, spots, or sharp color transitions.
Distinctive features
The key feature of this technique is its seamless transition. The line between the dyed and natural hair is blurred, making root growth virtually invisible. Thanks to this smooth gradient, touch-ups are rarely required—on average, once every 6–12 months.
This method is gentle on the hair structure. Fine, young, and damaged hairs are blown out by the air stream and are not exposed to the bleach. This helps maintain the overall healthy hair structure.
Alternating light and dark strands of varying depth creates a multidimensional effect and visual thickness. The technique is versatile: it can be used on hair of any length, from bobs on up, and allows you to create both cool ash and warm caramel blondes.
How to wear
Airtouch coloring works best on straight hair and styles with soft, beachy waves. In these textures, the play of light maximally highlights the multidimensionality of the color. The technique pairs perfectly with haircuts with a straight cut, long bobs, and layered shapes.
To maintain the aesthetics of your coloring at home, use toning masks or shampoos. For example, products with violet pigment help neutralize unwanted yellow tones, as the bleached base loses its intended hue over time.
In everyday hairstyles, such as messy buns or ponytails, airtouch creates a beautiful textured pattern. This is achieved by contrasting the dark roots at the crown with the light ends, gathered in a ponytail.
