All You Need To Know About Balayage!

Your Questions About Balayage Answered!

The most asked-for hair colour at our award-winning hair salons in Virginia Water and Staines is balayage and it's not to difficult to understand why, when you see the sensational looks we've created below!  

Let us explain everything you need to know about getting this beautiful, low-maintenance look which adds natural-looking highlights throughout your hair to accentuate your hairstyle and your facial features. 

The beautiful balayage hair colours on this page were created by our team.  Please click on the images to make them larger and see who created which look.

Please note:  Mova hair salons require a skin test at least 48 hours before your colour appointment.

What is balayage hair colour?

Balayage translated in French means ‘to sweep’.  We use this ‘sweeping’ freehand motion to blend a graduated lightening/darkening effect through your hair. 

Is Ombre the same as balayage?

Balayage is commonly confused with ‘ombre’. Both are freehand focused techniques. A balayage look will create subtle sun-kissed streaks through the mid-lengths and ends for a multi-tonal look. Ombre is the transition from a darker colour into a lighter colour, generally focusing the lighter colour towards the ends of your hair.

What is the process to get balayage?

Absolutely anyone can have balayage. It's a very versatile technique which is the main reason for its popularity. There are many unique ways and tools to achieve this look. It's perfect for existing highlighted clients who want a more natural blonde, or brunettes who want to add a bit more dimension to their colour.

How long does it take? 

Timings vary from 30 mins - 90 mins dependant on clients' needs and hair type. 

How should I prepare for my balayage hair colour appointment?

We generally ask you come in for a consultation prior to your appointment to discuss your desired look. We have a whole archive of images to show you, to better understand what it is you exactly want, or to inspire you to have something you may not have thought of.

We will also ask you to have a quick skin test at least 48 hours before your hair colour appointment to make sure you will not suffer any reactions to the chemical processes.

Are there any 'downsides' to having balayage?

As with any colour, balayage will inevitably grow out and fade. We advise you come in for a touch up every 6-8 weeks. However, the advantage of balayage is that the regrowth is aimed to be softer and less obvious when it comes through. If you want to refresh the balayage between appointments, toners are a very quick effective way to do so.

Will my hair be dry and poor condition after balayage? 

Your hair condition is first and foremost our priority. So for that reason we always recommend the best treatments and aftercare in the industry. Smartbond is an innovative treatment that gets added into any colouring product you have. Smartbond protects your hair during the chemical process and strengthens your hair bonds, while delivering loads of shine! 

How much does it cost to have balayage? 

The cost depends on how much lightness/darkness you want and the level of technician you choose to have. If you're unsure what you need, come in for a complimentary consultation and we can advise what options are best for you and give you quotes best suited to your budget.  Check out our price list here.

Do you have any balayage offers?

Keep checking our Late Deals here for special offers. 

Why is Mova the best at creating this look?

As a L'Oréal salon we use only the best colouring products in the industry. All our technicians are genuinely passionate about colour, attend the best courses and are trained to the highest standard to create the look you're after. 

Is there anything else I need to know about having balayage?

Have realistic expectations. A lot of the images clients bring in are the result of a lot of time, money and patience. Images nowadays are also heavily filtered so clients are lured into hues and tones that aren't always achievable. If you're unsure, always book a consultation first to discuss you're options and prevent disappointment.