Fresh, natural-looking highlights are trending everywhere from LA and NYC to Sydney and Dubai, but one thing that does differ is the execution and technique.

Introducing AirTouch — the latest way to foil colour that will have you waving bye-bye to traditional balayage. Hair artist and colour correction specialist at Dubai's Cut Above Salon, Maryia Sorokina, uses the technique and believes there is no better way to create fluid shade changes in all hair types and colours. The talented colourist is also offering all Choithrams.com readers a free cut and blow-dry, worth Dhs350, for every AirTouch colour booked until May 31st.

The AirTouch technique uses air, versus backcombing, to create a seamless blend of colour. Attributed to Vladimir Sarbashev, Maryia takes a section of hair with tension on the longest lengths and uses a blow dryer to push the shorter hairs and internal layers down and out of the way. Colour or lightener is then applied in a similar manner to traditional foils on the remaining hair.

The result? Absolutely blended colouring with natural-looking effects, paired with a soft, dimension that will survive the grow-out for far longer. We caught up with Maryia to find out more.

What is AirTouch technique and how does it differ from other hair colouring techniques?

It's a new way of thinking about classic highlights and creating a flawless result. This technique uses the airflow of the hairdryer to create the most seamless integration of colour with your natural hair growth pattern alike an identical fingerprint, which cannot be replicated by the classic weaving techniques with tail combs or other tools.

Is it suitable for all hair colours and types?

It's ideal for fine hair, but can be used on any hair type or colour direction. First, you'll need an assessment of your hair condition to identify your colour history. It is not advised to use lightener on henna processed hair, hair that been straightened with re-bonding or with any other lightening process. I can look at the hair and offer solutions before we begin.

What are the benefits?

AirTouch foils are placed through very fine hair sectioning and normally with double the amount of foils used for classic highlights. This process allows for the closest root to tip application and lightening up to 80% of an entire head of hair. Only a maximum of up to 60% can be achieved with classic highlight techniques. But most importantly, the finer the section the safer the lightening process. More lift can be achieved for those who really desire that pure clean blonde look. It is commonly used for new generation colour correction services. Over processed hair from previous products overlapping, causes dehydration, especially in hair that has been chemically treated several times. AirTouch is also ideal for mature salon guests with grey hair, that want to go back to a more natural look after the years or permanent tint dyes. The result is multi-dimensional tones, natural-looking effects with depth in roots that create a visual volume that will survive the grow-out.

Are women still following hair trends after lockdown or are they opting for more natural-looking hair?

In general, all lightening hair trends are focusing on seamless blending with a variety of tones with depth on the roots, without hair looking "stripy". Lockdown definitely affected spending capacity, but when it comes to the colour options, I believe it's all in hands of the hairstylist to offer the correct maintenance plan explaining how not to overspend. I never offer the same full service on the next visit. In fact, the majority of my clients normally have a 6-9 month gap before they have to commit to spending the same amount they have spent on initial colour correction. 

What are the hair trends for summer 2021?

Globally, it's the return of the '70s with a host of varying lengths, shapes and shades. Cool tones are being pushed back and replaced with sun-kissed, summery blonde shades. Rich, bold brunettes with loads of shape and movement are popular. Shaggy cuts on messy straight and wavy hair textures, various lengths, bangs, long, short, you name it. And don't forget about fantasy shades, there is still room for creative colour, pinks in pastel colours will be very popular.

What are your three top tips on maintaining healthy, strong hair?

#1 I always say it's important to choose a shampoo your scalp needs, even if there is some hair concern as well. A healthy scalp will allow healthy hair growth. While a conditioner/mask should be chosen according to the hair needs, this is not a scalp application product and has nothing to do with hair growth. 

#2 While commonly forgotten, a good leave-on protection product is very important. It's a common mistake to buy oils to treat dry and damaged hair. Oily products are not good for all hair types and dry hair is "thirsty", which means it needs water. The right leave-in product will help with this and is essential. 

#3 Expensive hair care products are not a complete remedy for problems you may face. If you have any issue with scalp such as extra sebum production, sensitivity, dandruff, allergies, hair loss, then get advice from a medical professional. Summer is the right time to detox. Watch your diet and rid you body (and hair) of toxins and radicals.

Find Maryia Sorokina and discover the wonders of an expert colourist at Cut Above Hair Beauty & Nail Salon, located on the first floor of the Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah 1, in Dubai.

www.cutabove-salon.com