Balayage
Soft, sun-kissed look
Balayage is a low-maintenance-natural looking technique that can be applied to all hair types
Low maintenance technique
Balayage is ideal for clients who:
- Want a natural look, the hand-painted technique produces softer, less noticeable regrowth
- Prefer a low-maintenance hair colour technique with re-touches every 10-12 weeks
- Want a colouring technique that doesn’t damage their natural hair
- Would like a method that is highly customisable
Get to know the service
What is balayage?
Balayage is a French word that means ‘to sweep.’ It’s our most popular colouring technique and for good reason. Balayage involves hand-painting colour onto sections of hair to create a natural, sun-kissed effect that adds depth and dimension, creating a versatile and timeless look that suits a wide range of hair types, lengths and face shapes.
This popular technique is designed to grow out gracefully with less noticeable regrowth compared to other methods. Unlike traditional highlights, this option doesn’t require frequent salon visits for touch-ups. Perfect for clients who cannot visit the salon regularly. Over time, as the shades become closer to your natural colour, they will gradually lighten.
How Balayage is applied
How balayage is applied
We begin the balayage process with an in-depth consultation. During this discussion, we assess the client’s hair texture, natural hair colour, and desired outcome. This step is crucial in determining where and how the balayage ‘sections’ should be placed and intensified to ensure a customised result that complements the client’s individual features and style while ensuring the health of your natural hair is prioritised.
Following the consultation, our unique free-hand balayage technique is applied. The first step is to strategically select sections of the hair to be lightened. This is usually around the face and along the ends, where light naturally illuminates hair. In order to achieve a seamless transition, the colour is painted onto the hair in a sweeping motion, starting at mid-lengths to the ends and gently blended into the roots to ensure a natural re-growth.
Balayage vs Highlights
The difference between balayage and highlights
Highlights lighten hair sections in a variety of ways, from subtle, natural-looking shades to dramatic, high-contrast colours. Highlights are particularly popular for adding a uniform lightening effect to hair without changing the base colour.
Have any questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the aftercare?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Wait before washing: Wait at least 48 hours before washing your hair after highlights. This allows the colour to set properly.
Shampoo and Conditioner: Invest in a high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for colour-treated hair. These products help preserve colour and prevent fading. We will recommend shampoos and conditioners suitable for your hair type during your consultation.
Reduce Washing Frequency: Wash your hair 2-3 times a week at most. Frequent washing can strip away colour and natural oils.
Protect Your Hair From Chlorine: Chlorine strips colour from your hair. Wear a swimming cap or pre-wet your hair and apply a conditioner before swimming in chlorinated pools.
Following these aftercare tips will help ensure the health of your natural hair, extend the duration of your highlights, and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
What is a T-Section Balayage?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
T-Section Highlights focus on the hairline, parting and crown area of the head, highlighting the parts that form a “T” shape when viewed from above. T-section highlights are ideal for those looking for a subtle refresh to their look, adding brightness to the most visible parts of the hair without the need for a full or half head of highlights. This method is cost-effective and less time-consuming than full-head highlights, making it a popular choice for maintaining hair colour with minimal effort. It’s particularly effective for enhancing your natural hair colour or giving a sun-kissed effect to the hair, offering a gentle introduction to hair colouring or an easy way to update your look.
Is Balayage suitable for all hair types?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
Yes, balayage can be customized to suit all hair types and colors, whether you have dark, light, curly, or straight hair. The technique can be adjusted to create a variety of looks from soft and subtle to bold and dramatic.
How often does Balayage need to be retouched?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
In order to maintain the natural and effortless look of Balayage, you’ll require a touch-up every 12 to 18 weeks. During this period, subtle blending and gradual colour transitions remain seamless and fresh. The exact timing of retouch appointments may depend on factors such as hair growth rate and desired maintenance level. Having a retouch every 12-18 weeks helps to keep the balayage effect soft and sun-kissed while minimising noticeable regrowth.
How long does a Balayage take?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
It typically takes 45 minutes to 3 hours to complete a balayage, including the application of colour, processing time, washing, treatment, and styling.
Since the technique is applied by hand and no two balayages are the same, the amount of time can significantly differ from client to client. Longer and thicker hair will need more time.
Does balayage damage hair?
Your Subtitle Goes Here
However, the overall health and integrity of your hair post-colouring significantly depend on the expertise of the hairstylist. A skilled and experienced colourist is crucial in ensuring that the balayage technique is performed correctly, eliminating the risk of damage and achieving the desired outcome. It’s essential to choose a stylist who specializes in balayage and has a proven track record of delivering excellent results.