Balayage is a popular hair coloring technique that gives your hair a natural, sun-kissed look. If you’re considering this style, you’re probably wondering, “How much does a balayage cost?”
This article is your comprehensive guide to balayage costs. The price of a balayage can vary wildly depending on a few things.
We’ll walk you through the factors that influence the cost of a balayage, the difference in price between a partial and full balayage, and some tips for saving money on your next salon visit.
What exactly is balayage?
Balayage is a freehand hair-coloring technique that’s designed to create a natural, sun-kissed look. Unlike traditional highlighting methods, balayage doesn’t use foils, caps, or other tools to create a uniform pattern.
Instead, the colorist hand-paints the dye directly onto your hair, creating a soft, blended gradient effect. The idea is to create dimension and depth, mimicking the way your hair would naturally lighten in the sun.
Balayage is a popular and modern hair-coloring option, particularly with people who want a low-maintenance style that looks chic and effortless.
Balayage vs. traditional highlights vs. ombre
Traditional highlights use foils to isolate sections of hair, creating a more uniform and structured look. Balayage, on the other hand, is all about that freehand, blended application.
Ombre is another coloring technique that creates a gradient effect, but it’s usually more dramatic than balayage, with a defined line between the darker roots and lighter ends. Balayage is softer and more subtle.
What goes into the cost of a balayage?
A balayage’s price tag can vary widely. Here are some of the key factors that stylists consider when they’re setting the price:
Salon location and stylist experience
Just as you’d expect, salons in bigger cities or tonier neighborhoods tend to charge more than salons in smaller towns. You’re paying for the location and the stylists’ experience and expertise.
Stylists with more experience usually charge more, too. They’ve spent years honing their skills, and their work can be worth the investment. A skilled stylist will know how to create a balayage that looks great and lasts.
Hair length and color
If you have long hair, expect to pay more for a balayage. Longer hair needs more product and takes more time to process.
The color you want to achieve and your hair’s color history can also affect the price. If you’re making a big color change, it might take more than one session to get the look you want without damaging your hair.
Product quality and service complexity
Salons that use high-quality hair dyes and products will typically charge more. These products can be gentler on your hair and give you a better, longer-lasting color.
If you’re after a complex color combination or a more intricate balayage technique, that will also increase the cost. It takes more time and skill to create those looks.
How much does balayage cost? Average prices and ranges
The cost of balayage varies, depending on the salon, the stylist, and the length and thickness of your hair. Here’s a look at what you might expect to pay.
Full balayage cost
A full balayage, which involves highlighting all of your hair, averages around $193. However, you could pay anywhere from $76 to $452 for this service.
Keep in mind that you could pay even more, based on the factors we just discussed.
Partial balayage cost
A partial balayage, in which the stylist only highlights certain sections of your hair, is a little less expensive. You might pay an average of $154, with a typical range of $101 to $222.
As you might expect, a partial balayage costs less because it involves less product and less time.
Partial vs. full balayage: What’s the difference?
When you’re choosing the type of balayage you want, you can choose to have a partial or a full treatment.
What is partial balayage?
With a partial balayage, the colorist will only highlight certain sections of your hair, usually around your face or just the top layer of your hair.
What is full balayage?
With a full balayage, the colorist will highlight all of your hair, giving you greater dimension and depth of color.
Full balayage usually costs more than partial balayage because it takes more time and product to complete.
How to save money on balayage
Balayage is an investment, but here are some ways to potentially lower the cost:
- Ask for a partial balayage. A partial application requires less product and less time in the salon chair, which can translate to a lower bill.
- Take care of your color. Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to keep your balayage looking fresh for longer. Minimize heat styling, which can cause the color to fade more quickly.
- Look for deals. Check salon websites and social media pages for special offers. Consider booking appointments during off-peak hours or slower days of the week.
Questions to ask before getting a balayage
Before you commit to a balayage, it’s a good idea to ask your stylist a few questions:
- What’s the total cost of the service? Get a breakdown of the price. Will the stylist need to tone your hair? Does the price include the toner?
- How much experience do you have with balayage? A seasoned stylist should be happy to show you their portfolio and talk to you about their training.
- What aftercare do you recommend, and how much will it cost? Balayage can cause damage, so you’ll want to use quality shampoo, conditioner, and styling products. Your stylist can also tell you how often you’ll need to return for touch-ups.
In Closing
Balayage is a popular hair-coloring technique for good reason. It offers a gorgeous, sun-kissed look with less maintenance than traditional highlights.
As we’ve seen, the cost of balayage can vary quite a bit depending on your location, the salon’s reputation, the stylist’s experience, and the length and thickness of your hair. When deciding if balayage is right for you, weigh these costs against the benefits of its natural finish and low-maintenance requirements.
For personalized advice and a more accurate cost estimate, be sure to consult with a professional stylist. They can assess your hair and give you a clear understanding of what to expect.