Balayage

Balayage is colour painted on by hand rather than packed into foils, which is what gives it that soft, lived-in brightness and a grow-out you can live with. There is no hard regrowth line to chase, so most clients come back every 12 to 16 weeks rather than every six.

At our Corringham salon every balayage is placed freehand by an experienced colourist, planned around your natural depth, your colour history and how much upkeep you actually want, then finished with a bespoke toner or gloss to set the shade. Choose full head for brightness all the way through, or half head for the top and sides that show when you wear your hair down.

Balayage is bespoke, so we quote after seeing your hair rather than publish a fixed price. Your complimentary 30 minute consultation gives you a clear price, an accurate appointment length and your patch test out of the way. Call 01375 767 010 to arrange it.

More information

Which Balayage Do I Need?

Full head balayage carries the lightener through the whole head, front sections to nape, and takes 180 to 240 minutes. Choose it if you wear your hair up or in a ponytail, if your hair is long or dense, or if this is your first balayage and you want the fullest result.

Half head balayage covers the top and the sides, the areas on show when your hair is worn down, and takes 120 to 180 minutes. It is the lighter-touch option and often the right choice for maintenance between full head appointments.

If you are not sure, your consultation will settle it in a few minutes.

Balayage or Highlights?

Highlights are woven into foils and usually taken to the root, which gives even, uniform brightness and a defined regrowth line. Balayage is feathered at the starting point and heavier through mid-lengths and ends, so it grows out softly. Plenty of clients combine the two, or pair balayage with a root tint where fuller grey coverage is wanted. We will talk you through the options honestly rather than sell you the bigger service.

Patch Test Requirements

A skin patch test is required at least 48 hours before any balayage appointment, and we carry it out at your consultation. You will need a fresh test if it is more than six months since your last colour service with us, if you have ever reacted to hair colour, or if you have had a tattoo, semi-permanent brow or lash treatment since your last visit. If any redness, itching or swelling appears, do not attend for colour and please call the salon.

Looking After Your Balayage

Use a colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner, a weekly mask and heat protection on every blow-dry or iron. A toning shampoo once a week keeps cool blondes from turning brassy, used sparingly. Rinse and condition after swimming, as chlorine and sea water dull a toner quickly. Most clients book a toner or gloss at around six to eight weeks to keep the shade fresh between balayage appointments.

Balayage in Corringham and Across Thurrock

Nicolas Ablitt Hair Studio is at 80 Woodbrooke Way, Corringham, Essex SS17 9DW, with parking close by and easy access from Stanford-le-Hope, Fobbing, Basildon, Grays and the wider Thurrock area. Colour is what this team is known for, and every balayage is placed by hand rather than to a template. Call 01375 767 010 to arrange your complimentary consultation.

Shoulder-length honey-blonde hair with soft waves and highlights, back view
Balayage vs highlights colour comparison at Nicolas Ablitt Hair Studio CorringhamLong, glossy wavy blonde balayage hair with darker roots against black vertical slat wall

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does balayage cost?
Balayage is priced on consultation because it is hand-painted and bespoke. Hair length, density, natural depth and colour history all change the time and product needed, so we give you a clear written quote at your complimentary 30 minute consultation.
How long does a balayage appointment take?
Full head balayage takes 180 to 240 minutes and half head balayage 120 to 180 minutes. That covers consultation, painting, processing, toning, conditioning and your finish.
Do I need a patch test before balayage?
Yes. A skin patch test is required at least 48 hours before your appointment and we carry it out at your consultation. You will need a fresh test if it has been more than six months since your last colour with us, or if you have had a tattoo, brow or lash treatment since.
How often will I need my balayage redone?
Most clients refresh full head balayage every 12 to 16 weeks and half head every 10 to 14 weeks, with a toner or gloss in between at around six to eight weeks. The soft grow-out is what makes the longer gap possible.
Will balayage cover my grey hair?
Balayage blends and softens grey through the mid-lengths rather than covering it at the root. For fuller coverage we can combine balayage with a root tint, and your colourist will explain the options at consultation.
Where is the salon?
Nicolas Ablitt Hair Studio is at 80 Woodbrooke Way, Corringham, Essex SS17 9DW, easily reached from Stanford-le-Hope, Fobbing, Basildon, Grays and across Thurrock.