At our London Fitzrovia hair salon and within our Esher space, we specialise in creating stunning balayages personalised to you. Every colour appointment starts with an in-depth consultation where we consider your hair colour, condition and texture, bone structure and lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time balayage client or looking to refresh your current colour, we offer dedicated appointments where you can discuss your inspiration and we can work with you to achieve what you want from your balayage hair.

What is the balayage?

The word balayage originates from the French word ‘balayer’ which means ‘to sweep’. This perfectly describes the freehand painterly technique where highlights are applied to the hair.

Because of the application, our colour specialists have more control over the intensity and placement of the highlights. The colour is placed lower on the hairline than traditional highlights resulting in seamless grow-out, with the highlights mimicking how the hair would naturally lighten in the sun, whilst also adding dimension.

The renowned balayage hairstyle has truly passed the test of time and is celebrated by many because of its versatility, ease of wear and low maintenance qualities.

Gaining popularity in around 2010,  this look is known for enhancing natural beauty.

We have asked many times over the years if balayage hair is out, yet it has remained a favourite choice, but what sets the balayage apart from other hair colours and how did its popularity begin?

The history of balayage hair

The balayage emerged in the 1970s in France when the first known usage of the technique was adopted at the prestigious ‘Carita’ hair salon in Paris. However, this technique was relatively unknown to the hairdressing community until the 90s when trend-focused crowds brought the style to the mainstream. It has only been over the past two decades, that it has evolved to be available in nearly every hair salon. It has been adapted in many ways across salons, each providing unique hair transformations by painting on the highlights using their own techniques.

Why balayage hair became timeless

The balayage reflects a wider change in beauty standards, with many preferring natural, effortless styles. Its lasting appeal can be attributed to its effortless, desirably low-maintenance and easily customised look.

The future of the balayage

In the future, we expect to see more balayage hair options with little to no regrowth, cleverly achieved by the use of colour very similar to that of the natural colour, but still providing lift and beautiful dimension to the hair. We predict that along with new techniques, eco-friendly products will rise, as people become increasingly more conscious of the environment. This is why we have partnered with Davines, a sustainable brand that resonates with our ethos.

How to take care of your hair 

Because your hair will need to be refreshed less frequently, the damage from a balayage may be less than other ways of having your hair treated. You will still want to consider looking after your hair and we recommend using colour-saving shampoos every other wash to protect the hair from build-up and deep conditioning treatments to keep it in its best possible condition. The Davines MINU range is perfect for maintaining colour, looking brighter and shiny for longer. A weekly mask, such as the Oribe Signature Moisture Masque, or one of our in-salon bespoke treatments will help prepare the hair before any colour treatment, and keep it in optimum health after your appointment. 

Booking in your balayage hair

If you’re looking for a balayage hair salon in London or Surrey, we are renowned for creating lived-in and low-maintenance looks. Whether it’s within our hair salon in Fitzrovia or within our Esher space, we can help you achieve amazing results that we know you will love. We use soft tones that enhance the natural hair and are designed to suit your skin tone perfectly. We can offer a truly personalised experience with the attention to detail that you’d expect from one of our welcoming and forward-thinking salons.

If you wish to schedule an appointment for your own bespoke balayage hair treatment or would like more information on any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us, our team will be more than happy to assist you in creating hair that is even better than what you’ve envisioned.