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At Glide we started up our foil component of our business and over the years we have seen many trends come and go, clients diversifying from thicker foil to more flexible and convenient options.
We were the first company in Australia to bring PopUp foil to Salons in 2011 and over the years that have developed into a big part of our business.
The question we constantly are asked is, please explain microns & alloys and how does it affect the choice of foil. Well foil micron and foil alloy are two crucial factors that determine performance, usability, and the overall colouring experience. Below is a detailed breakdown of both concepts and their impact on hairdressing.
Foil micron refers to the thickness of the foil. This measurement directly influences the foil’s strength, flexibility, durability, and heat conductivity, which are all essential factors in professional hair colouring.
Why Micron Thickness Matters in Hairdressing
The thickness of a foil affects:
· How easily it folds and stays in place – Thicker foils hold their shape better, making them ideal for precise applications.
· How resistant it is to tearing – If a foil is too thin, it can rip when folding or during application, especially with thicker hair sections.
· How well it retains heat – Thicker foils help hold in heat better, which speeds up the processing time for colour and bleach.
Common Micron Thicknesses for Hairdressing Foils
| Micron Thickness | Characteristics | Best Use Cases |
| 10-15µm (Lightweight Foils) | Very thin, easy to fold, but prone to tearing | Budget salons, quick applications, low-maintenance highlights |
| 15-18µm (Standard Foils) | Flexible yet durable, retains heat moderately well | General hair colouring, balayage, highlights |
| 18-20µm (Heavy-Duty Foils) | Strong, holds heat well, resists tearing | High-lift bleaching, thick or long hair, colour corrections |
How to Choose the Right Micron Thickness
· If you do a lot of foil highlights and need something easy to work with, 15-18µm foils are the most common choice.
· If you specialize in thick hair or high-lift bleaching, consider 18-20µm foils for added strength and better heat retention.
Foil alloy refers to the metal composition of the foil. While aluminium is the primary metal used, it can be combined with other materials to enhance durability, flexibility, and heat retention.
Why Alloy Composition Matters in Hairdressing
· Flexibility vs. Rigidity – Some alloys make foils softer and easier to fold, while others add strength for better hold.
· Tear Resistance – A good alloy blend prevents foils from ripping when applying or repositioning.
· Heat Conductivity – Certain metal combinations help distribute heat more evenly, crucial for bleaching and lightening services.
Common Foil Alloys in Hairdressing
| Alloy Type | Characteristics | Best Use Cases |
| Pure Aluminium | Soft, easy to fold, may be prone to tearing | Quick colour applications, budget-friendly salons |
| Aluminium-Magnesium Alloy | Stronger, more durable, better tear resistance | Thick hair, intense colouring, longer processing times |
| Aluminium-Silicon Alloy | Flexible, smooth, prevents cracking | Balayage, freehand painting, intricate foil work |
How to Choose the Right Foil Alloy
· If you prefer soft foils that mold easily, pure aluminium or aluminium-silicon is a good choice.
· If you need extra durability for thick hair or high-lift colouring, aluminium-magnesium alloys are better.
· For balayage or freehand techniques, a more flexible alloy (like aluminium-silicon) prevents cracking and allows smooth application.
To get the best performance in hair colouring, the micron thickness and alloy type should complement each other. A thin foil with a weak alloy is more prone to tearing and may not hold colour well. Conversely, a thick foil with a stiff alloy might be harder to fold and manipulate.
Ideal Combinations for Different Hairdressing Techniques
| Colouring Services | Recommended Micron Thickness | Best Alloy Type |
| Standard highlights | 15-18µm | Aluminium-silicon (flexible, smooth application) |
| Thick or long hair colouring | 18-20µm | Aluminium-magnesium (stronger, more durable) |
| Balayage and freehand painting | 15-18µm | Aluminium-silicon (soft, prevents cracking) |
| Platinum blonde or high-lift bleaching | 18-20+µm | Aluminium-magnesium (strong, high heat retention) |
| High-heat processing (infrared/colour accelerators) | 20+µm | High-purity aluminium (maximum heat conduction) |
1. Foil Micron (Thickness) Affects Strength & Heat Retention
o Thicker foils (18µm+) are better for high-lift colouring and thick hair.
o Thinner foils (10-15µm) are lightweight but can tear easily.
2. Foil Alloy (Metal Composition) Affects Flexibility & Durability
o Soft alloys (aluminium-silicon) are great for balayage and intricate work.
o Strong alloys (aluminium-magnesium) resist tearing and hold their shape better.
3. Matching Micron & Alloy to Your Needs
o If you want a foil that stays strong, go for 18-20µm thickness with aluminium-magnesium.
o If you prefer easy folding, a 15-18µm foil with aluminium-silicon is ideal.
Finally, it does come down to your personal preference however knowledge also gives you an understanding of what works for you.
I believe also texture can play the final roll of helping you choose what works for you.
Check out our entire range of Glide Hair Tools Foil and pick your poison!
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