Balayage can cost between $76 and $452, depending on what you get and where you go. To give you a balayage, a hair colorist will hand-paint highlights on your hair to create a natural, sun-kissed look that blends well with your natural hair color.
Balayage prices can differ between people with different hair lengths, hair history, and goals for their hair. You can also see vastly different prices between you and your friends depending on where you live. This all begs the question: how much does a balayage cost and how do you know if you’re getting the best value for your money?
To help, we’ve put together a quick guide to walk you through everything you need to know before booking your next balayage appointment.
Average cost of a full balayage by state
A full balayage is when a colorist adds highlights throughout your hair. According to our internal pricing data, full balayage appointments can cost between $76 and $452. The average cost of. a full balayage is $193.
Average cost of a partial balayage by state
A partial balayage is when a hair colorist adds highlights to specific parts of your hair. This method is done to create looks like face-framing highlights that add soft dimension and flair. These appointments can range from $101 to $222. The average cost of a partial balayage is $154.
What impacts the cost of a balayage?
Your colorist’s experience level, demand, and salon location, along with your hair history and desired style can all impact the final cost of a balayage. Learn more about these factors below:
- Skill level and education can bump up prices if the colorist has spent extra time and money to master this technique.
- Salon location and type are a couple more factors to consider since the cost of living and a salon’s luxury perks also influence the final price.
- Demand can increase costs if the colorist is popular or there aren’t many hair colorists in your area that can do balayage.
- Hair length and thickness can increase the amount of product, time, and skill needed.
- Hair history can also impact the cost if your colorist needs to work on color correcting, preparing a conditioning treatment, or any other services to prep your hair for highlights.
- Desired style and number of sessions should be taken into account,since more highlights or colors will require more products. You’ll also need multiple sessions if you want a color that’s much lighter than your starting hair color.
How do hair colorists typically determine cost?
Colorists can charge per hour with a flat starting rate, by the foil, or a la carte. Some may also add extra charges for fantasy colors or other services needed for your hair. You can expect to see different prices and packages since everyone has different pricing philosophies.
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For example, some hair colorists may charge more for balayage than traditional highlights since it’s a popular service that requires different skills. Others may simply charge by the hour to keep pricing simple.
Most appointments include color, shampoo, and blow-dry. Some may also include hair glaze, cutting, and styling in their packages. Compare prices and packages between salons, so you know exactly what you’re getting and who’s giving you the best value.
How long does a balayage last?
Balayage typically lasts three to four months before you’ll need a touch-up appointment. This technique lasts longer than traditional highlights because the color is naturally blended into your hair. It also doesn’t leave any harsh lines between your highlights and your natural hair color. This makes balayage a great time-saver in the long run.
To help your color last longer, you can wash your hair less and switch to sulfate-free hair products. Hair products with sulfate can dull your color and dry out your hair. Your hair colorist can recommend specific color-safe products if you don’t know what to get or what ingredients to avoid.
If you have gray hair, you’ll need to go in more often since new growth is easier to see against your highlights. You can prolong this if your balayage naturally blends your grays with the highlights.
What’s the difference between a balayage, ombré, and highlights?
Balayage and ombré are both hand-painted highlighting techniques, while highlights can encompass every skill like hand-painted, foil, and cap. The main difference between balayage and ombré is that an ombré primarily adds highlights to the bottom of your hair.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
Balayage is great for anyone who wants to try highlights that look natural, last longer than traditional highlights, and don’t need much upkeep. Depending on where you go, it can cost a lot upfront, but it can be worth it since you won’t visit the salon too often afterward.
Why should I go to the salon?
Going to the salon for a balayage is safer than trying a DIY job at home. Hair colorists and stylists have the training to create a look that’s tailored to your hair and your goals. They also have access to high-quality products and know how to use them to get to your desired color.
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They can even evaluate your hair to see if you’re a good fit for balayage. If your hair is damaged or has gone through lots of coloring in the past, they may advise you to care for your hair first before they work on it. It’s not easy to make this call on your own if you don’t know much about hair health or color.
It can also get pricey if you have to go to the salon to fix any DIY mistakes. You can attempt to color correct or fix your hair at home, but you take on some risk if you don’t first educate yourself on the right products or techniques.
What should I look for when searching hair colorists?
You should look at reviews, portfolios, and recommendations to get a full picture of the type of service you’ll get from a particular colorist. Looking at the price menu can only tell you so much about what you’ll get.
A great hair colorist will take the time to talk to you about your hair goals, examine your hair, and will make recommendations based on what you want. You shouldn’t feel pressured to get a specific service or purchase products from them.
If you feel uncomfortable, look for another colorist. Paying a lower price to save money or paying extra for a popular colorist isn’t worth it if they’re not a great fit for you.
There’s no doubt that you can save some time and money with a DIY balayage. However, you’re missing out on the skills and tips you’ll get from an experienced hair colorist at the salon.
These are all important factors to consider when comparing balayage prices, but the best person to answer, “How much does a balayage cost?” (along with your other burning questions), is your hair colorist. They can give recommendations and quotes tailored to what you need.
If you’re not sure where to start, look through our community of hair colorists to find someone near you.
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003
