Balayage Services at Studio W Salon in Castro Valley CA

Get the lived-in look of dimension highlights.

balayage salon bay area castro valley CA

What is Balayage Hair Color?

Balayage is a custom brush technique used to add natural, subtle-looking highlights. The balayage experts at Studio W have mastered the art of casual, lived in color and have experience with balayage for all hair colors. Balayage is one of our most popular hair color services - and it's not just for blondes. This hand-painted look remains one of the most in-demand hair color techniques because the results are glamorous with an easy grow-in.

Balayage vs Foil Highlights?

If you normally get foil highlights, you'll notice a difference with balayage. During a balayage, the stylist selectively lightens sections of hair vs a foil where they apply lightener from root to tip. Balayage looks lived-in vs highlights which look more intentional. If you are changing from a foil highlight to a lived in color like this one, you may need a root melt in order to establish more dimension at the base of your hair.

Balayage is Adaptable

Balayage can be customized for just about anyone. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, fine, or thick—there’s a balayage technique that can work for you. It also looks beautiful on both light and dark hair tones, and can be adjusted to add subtle dimension or bold contrast depending on your goals. The possibilities are endless. Using lightener or color, your stylist can create the hair color of your dreams. 

Variations of Balayage

There are variations on the technique and ways your stylist can adapt the process in order to achieve the look you want. We are mentioning them here in case you hear of these terms and be curious about what they mean. This doesn't mean they are appropriate for your hair. We'll leave that for a conversation between you and your stylist.

Foilayage - your stylist may incorporate some foils to slow the dry time of the lightener, extending the processing time, to give you extra brightness.

Wet balayage - if we're adding color as well as lightening, we can cut down on processing time because we can deposit and lift at the same time beautifully on wet hair. 

Braided balayage - by first braiding the hair into sections, your stylist can create intricate patterns of highlights for a super blended look when the braids come out.

Color Melt Hair Color

A color melt service is different than a balayage but they often go together making it just as popular, so it's worth mentioning here. Using shades that are close to each other, your stylist creates a look of colors that melt one into the next. It's very gradual, with even less contrast than a traditional balayage.

What is balayage and how is it different from traditional highlights?

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Balayage is a hand-painted hair coloring technique that creates a soft, natural-looking blend of color. Unlike traditional foil highlights, which create a uniform, bright look, balayage results in a more sun-kissed effect with a gentle fade from roots to ends. The color is strategically swept onto the hair’s surface for a more customized and low-maintenance finish that grows out beautifully with less noticeable regrowth.

How long does balayage hair color last before it needs a touch-up?

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Balayage is known for its lived-in look with an easy grow-out. Most clients go 8 to 12 weeks (or even longer) between touch-ups, depending on the look you're going for. Because of the technique, there's no harsh line of demarcation—meaning fewer salon visits and a graceful grow-out.

Can I get balayage if I have dark hair or previously highlighted hair?

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Balayage works on dark hair and previously colored hair, but the results may vary depending on your starting point, hair condition, and how light you want to go. Lightening darker hair may require multiple sessions to achieve your desired shade. At Studio W, we always start with a consultation to discuss the best approach for your hair.