Balayage at OPEN: Everything You Need to Know and More

Many of us have come across the term balayage, but very few people truly understand what it is. Here, we’ve decided to give you a thorough breakdown of everything you need to know about balayage hair at OPEN Hairdressing:

What does balayage mean?

It comes from the French term balayer, meaning ‘to sweep’. It’s a free-hand highlighting technique that doesn’t give an obvious indication that hair has been dyed or highlighted. It’s a popular look because it’s easy to maintain and provides natural and soft ribbons of colour.

Is balayage similar to ombré?

Not exactly. Balayage is only applied to parts of the hair while ombré hair is an all over process. Ombré involves gradually lightning the hair from root to tip, resulting in a seamless blend from dark roots to lighter ends.  See the work of Berkhamsted’s Tom Ford to help you understand this a bit better.

Can balayage damage your hair?

Like with any colour service, continuous contact with chemicals can result in damaged hair. That’s why at OPEN Hairdressing, we always recommend you visit your nearest salon for a free consultation with our professional team members. This will help you and one of our colourists to assess your hair and work out the best plan of action for you. We also ask all our clients to perform a patch test at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. Above all, we want to make sure you are safe and walk out of our salons with healthy and strong hair. So come on down and have a conversation with us!

How much does balayage cost?

Balayage is a very personalised hair colouring treatment. Therefore, factors such as your current hairstyle, your hair type and it’s condition will help us determine the best steps to take. At OPEN, our balayage colour services start from £80, but your colourist will be able to give you the full break down when you visit us for a consultation.

Will balayage lighten in the sun?

This is true – but the sun isn’t the only reason why your hair colour may lighten. Changes in weather conditions, heat styling and shampooing all play a part in colour fading. Again, our colourists have a wealth of knowledge and can advise you on how to maintain your colour at home.

How long will balayage last?

As your hair continues to grow, your colour will grow out with it. If you and your hairdresser agree to apply a toner, it will last between 4-6 weeks, so you may need to pay us another visit if you’re looking for brighter tones in your hair.

Can balayage be done in one sitting?

This largely depends on your current colour and desired result. As balayage typically creates a subtle and natural finish, it can be done in one sitting. However, if you are looking to go a little lighter and you already have colour in your hair, it can take a little longer.

If you’d like to book a consultation at our Harpenden salon, please call 01582 762444 or email the salon directly;

To arrange a consultation at our Berkhamsted salon, please call 01442 862227 or email our salon;

Or for our award-winning salon in Hemel Hempstead, please call 01442 262673 or email us instead.