Balayage Hair Colour Costs in the UK
Balayage hair colour uses a hand-painted technique to create natural-looking, sun-kissed highlights that grow out gracefully without obvious roots. UK colourists freehand paint bleach onto sections of hair, creating soft, blended results that look more natural than traditional foils. Expect consultation, colour matching, application, processing, and aftercare advice.
🎨 The procedure typically takes 2–4 hours depending on hair length and desired lightness, with results lasting 3–6 months. Many salons pair balayage with haircuts or toner treatments, while premium studios include colour consultations, root touch-ups, and follow-up reviews in their pricing.
If you're exploring other hair colour options, compare our guides to hair salon services and keratin treatments to see which approach suits your hair goals and budget.
How Much is Balayage Hair Colour in the UK?
Standard balayage (short to medium hair): £120 to £220 at salons like Hair by Sam McKnight or local colour studios.
Premium balayage (long or thick hair): £220 to £400 at luxury salons or specialist colour clinics, including toner and conditioning.
Balayage + haircut combo: £180 to £350 when booked together, often with discounted cut services.
Root touch-up (after 3–6 months): £80 to £180 to refresh highlights and blend new growth.
Colour correction balayage: £300 to £550 for correcting previous colour or achieving desired lightness from dark hair.
Regional Price Differences in the UK
London (Central): Prices in Knightsbridge, Mayfair, or Covent Garden typically run 40–50% higher due to premium rents and luxury salon services. Expect to pay £220 to £400 per session and £150 to £250 for root touch-ups.
Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: Major cities outside London offer competitive pricing, usually £160 to £300 per session and £100 to £180 for touch-ups, representing savings of 30–40% compared to central London.
Smaller cities (Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle): Regional salons often charge £120 to £250 per session and £80 to £150 for touch-ups, making balayage more accessible while maintaining quality standards and experienced colourists.
Factors that Affect Balayage Pricing
💇 Hair length and thickness
Long or thick hair requires more product, longer application time, and multiple sessions for complete coverage, increasing costs.
📍 Salon location
Central London rent and premium positioning push prices up, while suburban or regional salons can offer similar services at lower rates.
👨💼 Colourist expertise
Master colourists or balayage specialists charge more than junior colourists, but their expertise ensures natural-looking, blended results.
🎨 Colour complexity
Colour corrections, achieving very light tones from dark hair, or multi-tonal balayage require more skill and time, raising costs.
📦 Package inclusions
Plans that include consultations, toner treatments, root touch-ups, or follow-up reviews add value but increase upfront costs.
How to Save Money on Balayage
📦 Book colour + cut packages
Combining balayage with haircuts can unlock package discounts, saving £30–£50.
🕘 Choose off-peak slots
Weekday mornings or early afternoons sometimes include free consultations (worth £30) or discounted toner treatments.
🧴 Maintain with recommended products
Using colour-safe shampoos and purple toners extends results, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
🎯 Start with subtle balayage
Choosing a more natural, less dramatic balayage may require less processing time and fewer sessions, saving money initially.
FAQs
How long does balayage last?
Results typically last 3–6 months, growing out naturally without obvious roots. Root touch-ups cost £80–£180 and are needed every 4–6 months.
Will it damage my hair?
When performed by experienced colourists using quality products, balayage is gentler than full-head bleaching. Proper aftercare minimises damage.
Can I get balayage on dark hair?
Yes, but achieving very light tones may require multiple sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, increasing total costs to £400–£800.
Do I need to touch up roots?
Balayage grows out more naturally than traditional highlights, but root touch-ups every 4–6 months help maintain the sun-kissed look.
Conclusion
Balayage hair colour costs range from £120 standard sessions to £400 premium treatments for long hair, while root touch-ups span £80 to £180. London prices run 40–50% higher than regional cities, so compare salons, book colour + cut packages, and maintain with recommended products so every balayage session delivers maximum natural-looking highlights per pound spent. ✨
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Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
