Balayage

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Balayage

From £80

135 mins

Balayage uses freehand painting to lighten your hair in a way that looks soft, natural, and sun-kissed rather than stripy or blocky. Instead of applying colour all-over or in uniform slices, your stylist paints lightener onto selected sections to create a blended, multi-tonal finish that grows out more gently than traditional highlights. The service includes toning to refine the shade and add shine, so you leave with a polished, healthy-looking result.

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What happens during your appointment

Your stylist will work through your hair section by section, painting or placing lightener where it will give the most natural lift and blend. Depending on your hair and the look you're after, they may use:

Freehand painting for a soft, seamless gradient
Foils or separators for extra lift or precision in certain areas
Root blending to keep the colour transition smooth and natural

Once the lightener has done its job, your stylist will tone or gloss the newly lifted sections to adjust undertones, refine the blend, and add shine. The whole process takes around 135 minutes, depending on your hair's length, density, and the complexity of the look.

Who balayage suits

Balayage is brilliant if you want lower-maintenance colour that doesn't need touching up every few weeks. Because the blend is soft and the roots are left more natural, regrowth is much less obvious than with traditional highlights. It works beautifully on:

Anyone looking for a sun-kissed, lived-in finish rather than a uniform blonde
Hair that's healthy enough to be lightened without becoming dry or damaged
Clients who want multi-tonal depth and dimension rather than flat, all-over colour

If you're not sure whether balayage will suit your hair or your lifestyle, book a free 15-minute consultation with one of the team. They'll chat through your natural colour, texture, and what you're hoping to achieve, then recommend the best approach.

Keeping your balayage looking fresh

Because balayage is a lightening service, a little aftercare goes a long way. Your stylist will recommend colour-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep the tone true and the hair in good condition. We use and sell Keune products in the salon, so you can take home the same formulas we use on your hair.

Use a purple or toning shampoo if you want to keep cool tones bright and neutralise warmth
Stick to sulphate-free formulas to avoid stripping colour or drying out lightened hair
Book a gloss or toner top-up between full colour appointments to refresh the shade and add shine

Your toner may fade slightly over the weeks, so the colour can shift a little warmer or softer. That's normal, and it's easy to refresh with a quick gloss if you want to keep it exactly as it was when you left the salon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does balayage cost at Park Row?

Balayage starts from £80, depending on your hair's length, density, and the complexity of the look you're after. Your stylist will give you an exact price during your consultation.

How long does a balayage appointment take?

Appointments typically take around 135 minutes (just over two hours), though this can vary depending on your hair's length, thickness, and the level of lift or blend you want.

What's the difference between balayage and highlights?

Balayage uses freehand painting to create a soft, blended, sun-kissed look with less obvious regrowth, while traditional highlights are usually applied in uniform sections for a more structured, all-over brightness.

Will balayage damage my hair?

Balayage is a lightening service, so there's some risk of dryness if your hair is already damaged. Healthy hair gives the best results, and your stylist will recommend treatments like Olaplex or deep conditioning if your hair needs extra care.

How often will I need to come back for balayage?

Because balayage grows out softly, you can usually go 3-4 months between full colour appointments. Many clients book a toner or gloss top-up in between to refresh the shade and add shine.

Can I get balayage if I have dark hair?

Yes, balayage works beautifully on dark hair to add dimension and brightness. Your stylist will discuss how much lift is realistic and safe for your hair during your consultation.

Do I need a consultation before booking balayage?

We offer free 15-minute consultations for new clients, and they're a great idea if you're not sure what will suit your hair or lifestyle. Your stylist can talk through your options and recommend the best approach.

What should I do to prepare for my balayage appointment?

Come with your hair clean or at least not heavily styled with product. If you're unsure about anything, your stylist will guide you through it during your consultation or at the start of your appointment.

Will the colour fade between appointments?

The lightened hair itself won't fade, but the toner or gloss applied at the end may soften over time, shifting the shade slightly warmer or cooler. A quick toner refresh between full appointments keeps it looking fresh.

Can I still get balayage if I have a perm or keratin treatment?

It depends on your hair's condition and what treatments you've had. Book a consultation so your stylist can assess your hair and recommend the safest approach.

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