Both AirTouch and traditional highlights aim to add depth and light to hair — but the way they get there changes everything about the result, the maintenance, and how the colour grows out over time.
Foils isolate sections of hair for a controlled, even lift. The colourist separates strands with foil, applies lightener, and processes each section independently. The result is precise and predictable — but it can create a visible line of demarcation between colours, especially as hair grows out, which is why traditional highlights typically need touch-ups every 6–8 weeks to stay looking fresh.
AirTouch uses air, not foil, to separate the hair before colouring. A blow-dryer blows away the shorter, weaker, and finer strands, leaving only the strongest hairs to be coloured. This creates a soft, natural gradient rather than a hard line — the colour looks like it grew that way, rather than being applied. Because there's no harsh line to grow out, AirTouch typically lasts longer between salon visits, often 3–4 months, making it noticeably lower-maintenance.
Neither technique is objectively "better" — it depends on your hair, your colour history, and how low-maintenance you want the regrowth to be. AirTouch tends to work best on hair that hasn't been heavily colour-treated already, since it relies on natural texture variation to separate strands. Traditional highlights can be more predictable on hair that needs a very specific, controlled placement of colour.
Is AirTouch more expensive? It's generally more time-intensive to apply, which is reflected in the service time and price, but the longer-lasting result often balances out over several months.
Can I switch from highlights to AirTouch? Yes — we'll talk through your colour history at your consultation to see how your hair will respond.
We talk through this at every colour consultation before picking up a single strand. See our Hair ritual for more, or book your consultation through Salonkee.
