Which method of applying color involves painting it directly onto the hair?

The method of applying color that involves painting it directly onto the hair is balayage. This technique is characterized by its freehand application, where the stylist uses a brush to sweep color onto the hair in a way that creates a natural, sun-kissed effect. Balayage allows for a more personalized approach to coloring, as it emphasizes the natural movement and texture of the hair, leading to a softer, more blended look compared to traditional methods.

In contrast, foiling involves placing sections of hair into foils and applying the color in a more systematic way to create specific highlights or lowlights, while ombre typically refers to a gradient effect where the hair gradually transitions from one color to another, usually darker at the roots and lighter at the ends. Single process coloring usually involves applying a single color all over the hair or roots, providing a uniform color without the artful element found in balayage. Thus, balayage is distinctive for its technique of painting the color directly onto the hair to achieve a naturally blended outcome.