Balayage hair has become one of the most popular hair colouring techniques. With a natural, sun-kissed finish and effortless elegance, what’s not to love? From what balayage hair is, to how to maintain your locks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Below, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares a full rundown.
1. What is balayage hair?
Balayage is a French colouring technique that involves painting the hair with lighter shades. The stylist uses a brush to paint the hair freely by hand, creating a blended, natural look without any harsh lines. This also gives stylists more control to personalise the look, allowing you to be flexible with your desired final result. The colour is generally applied halfway down locks, from mid-lengths to the ends of the hair, rather than at the roots – so regrowth is very subtle.
Balayage is pronounced ‘bah-lee-ahge’ with a soft, almost whispered. It comes from the French name for “to sweep” or “to paint”, due to the sweeping motion in the hair-painting technique that is used to apply balayage. When we think of balayage, it means soft transitions, a customisable finish, and a sun-kissed effect.
2. What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
Whilst both balayage and highlights lighten your locks, they differ in their application process and end results. Traditionally, highlights are applied by sectioning hair, applying colour from root to tip and placing it into foils. This creates uniform, structured streaks of colour. On the other hand, balayage is applied through free-hand painting, from the mids to ends of locks. It is much subtler than highlights and less structured, for a sun-kissed dimensional finish. The result is lower maintenance and a more natural grow out.
3. How long does balayage take?
On average, a full balayage can take anywhere between 2 and 4 hours, including consultation, application, processing and styling. In the salon, the time it takes to complete a balayage finish can vary depending on your hair length, thickness, condition, starting colour, and desired result.
Lightening very dark and previously coloured hair can take longer to colour because of the pre-lightening process. In the same way, thicker, longer hair can take more time to section and apply the colour. Condition of hair also matters, because healthy, virgin hair can be processed quicker than damaged or previously coloured hair. And, the final factor to consider is the desired result, as some people may want more colour applied than others.
4. How long does balayage last?
Typically, balayage can last three to six months, but a toner refresh every six to eight weeks can help maintain vibrancy and tone. One of the biggest benefits of balayage is its longevity – the technique creates a soft, blended root that makes regrowth less obvious, making it low maintenance. Whether you use permanent or semi-permanent colour also has an impact on how long the style lasts. Read on for tips that you can do at home to help prolong your look and keep the fade away.
5. How do you balayage hair?
Balayage is performed by a trained colourist, who will paint lightener onto the hair in sweeping motions. They usually start with mid-lengths and blend down to the ends of your locks. The application is usually done without foils, allowing for more natural results. Once the hair is processed, it is then rinsed, toned if necessary and styled to reveal soft, dimensional colour.
If you visit a Neäl & Wølf salon, they may suggest applying a light shade of one of our GLAZE colours, such as the 9NB tone. Our True Demi Toner works quickly to add shine, as well as working as a multidimensional toner. Book in at your local salon today to discuss the complete process: Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder
6. How much is balayage?
On average, you can expect to pay between £80 and £200 or more for a full balayage. The cost depends on the salon, stylist experience and the time it takes to create your hair look. While it might be an investment, the long-lasting finish often means that there are fewer touch-ups, which balances out the overall cost. Consider a consultation with your local salon to discuss your options and get a full understanding of the cost plan.
7. What is a reverse balayage?
If a traditional balayage lightens hair, a reverse balayage makes it appear darker and warmer. Darker tones are painted through the hair, usually added to an already lightened base. These tones are usually concentrated around the roots, as well as through the hair, to blend and diffuse highlighted hair for a more natural-looking finish.
8. Does balayage damage hair?
Like any chemical hair colouring process, balayage can damage your hair. This said, damage can be minimised if the balayage is applied by an experienced stylist. The application process itself is also not as damaging as traditional highlighting, because colour isn’t applied directly to the scalp and avoids full saturation. However, any lightening process can cause dryness, so nourishing treatments and aftercare are essential – read on to find out more.
9. How do you care for your hair after balayage?
Although balayage is lower maintenance than traditional hair colour styles, your hair still needs TLC to keep it looking its best.
1. Use products with violet pigment
We’d recommend using products that contain violet pigment, like purple shampoo and our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist. As well as protecting your hair from heat and speeding up drying time, MIRACLE contains violet pigment which works to tone hair whilst you’re at home.
2. Keep hair hydrated
Moisture can be lost from your hair after it undergoes the colouring process. You need to replace this moisture and smooth cuticles, locking in the colour for longer. We’d recommend using a conditioning solution like our HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray. The avocado oil in this product smooths the hair cuticle, and hydrolysed vegetable protein increases the moisture content in hair – just spritz through damp hair after washing.
3. Visit the salon for regular touch ups
Get a toner refresh at the salon every six to eight weeks to keep your balayage style looking great. This helps to keep hair looking and feeling healthy, preventing split ends and maintaining the shine and shape of your locks.
Find out more about how to care for coloured hair: How to Maintain Your Coloured Hair
10. What shampoo is best for balayage hair?
For balayage-treated hair, choose a colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo to keep your hair looking vibrant. Sulphates in shampoo can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry, damaged and vulnerable to fading. At Neäl & Wølf, all of our shampoos are free from sulphates, but we’d recommend using a purple shampoo like our BLONDE Purple Brightening Shampoo for balayage hair. Purple shampoo can neutralise brassy tones in your balayage, keeping it looking light and salon-fresh for longer. Our shampoo contains hydrolysed wheat protein, which can prevent breakage and repair any damage, as well as glycerin and panthenol to keep hair hydrated.
Balayage hair is a colouring technique with minimal upkeep. If you’re ready to experience the luxury of bespoke colour, speak to your closest Neäl & Wølf Salon to begin your balayage journey. Once the style is completed, shop our range of colour-safe products: Coloured Hair Products