AirTouch, balayage and shatush are the three most requested advanced colouring techniques. All of them give a soft colour blend and a natural look, but they are done differently and look different a couple of months later. Here is, in plain words, how the techniques differ, who each one suits and how to keep the result with Tashkent's water and sun.
How the techniques differ
- AirTouch. The stylist divides the hair into sections, blows the shorter hairs out of each one with a hairdryer and lightens only the longer hairs left behind. This gives the smoothest blend, with no visible stripes, and regrowth is barely noticeable.
- Balayage. Lightener is painted on freehand, in loose strokes over the surface of the sections, closer to the face and the ends. The effect is sun-kissed hair: lighter where light would naturally fall.
- Shatush. Sections are backcombed and whatever remains after backcombing is lightened. The result is a fade from darker roots to lighter ends, softer than a classic ombré.
- Highlights. The classic: even light strands all over the head. They add more brightness, but the line at the roots is more visible.
Who each one suits
People choose AirTouch when they want to go noticeably lighter, without harsh lines and with fewer salon visits. Balayage looks great on wavy hair and medium lengths, where the play of strands shows. Shatush suits those who want to keep their own colour at the roots and add light only to the ends. Fine or weakened hair often does better with a delicate balayage that lightens a smaller area. On very dark hair, any cool blonde will take several stages. The exact choice depends on your starting colour, previous colouring and hair condition, so your stylist decides at the consultation.
Making colour last in Tashkent
- Hard water. Salts and metals in the water turn lightened strands brassy and dull. A shower filter and a shampoo for coloured hair help.
- Sun. In summer strands fade and dry out, so wear a hat and use products with UV protection.
- Heating. In winter dry air draws out moisture: use a mask once a week and a leave-in treatment on the lengths.
- Toning. The tone washes out over time, so between colourings it is refreshed with toning to keep the colour clean.
The process and the price
It starts with a consultation: the stylist looks at your hair, goes through photos of the result you want and tells you up front if it will take several visits. Advanced colouring usually takes a few hours, followed by toning and a treatment. At BOSCO all techniques — AirTouch, balayage, shatush, blonde and highlights — cost the same, from 1,600,000 UZS; your stylist will confirm the final price based on hair length and thickness. Prices for all services are on our hair services page, and for help choosing a shade, read our article on hair colour for autumn 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which technique goes longest without a touch-up?
AirTouch and shatush: the blend from the roots is soft, so regrowth is barely visible. They are usually refreshed less often than classic highlights, with toning in between visits.
Can AirTouch be done on dark hair?
Yes, but a cool light blonde on a dark base is often reached over several visits so the hair is not overloaded. Warm caramel and beige shades can usually be achieved in one go.
Does advanced colouring damage hair a lot?
Any lightening dries hair, but these techniques lighten only part of the strands. With care during the service and at home, hair stays in good condition.
Book at BOSCO
15 Elbek Street, Tashkent — we will choose the colouring technique that fits your hair and the result you want.
- Address: 15 Elbek Street, Tashkent (Yashnabad district)
- Opening hours: daily, 10:00–20:00
- Phone: +998 95 120 70 20