Balayage took over color salons for a reason. It looks natural, grows out clean, and fits real life.
Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage is hand painted onto the hair in a freehand, sweeping motion. The result is softer, with no harsh regrowth lines and a much more relaxed maintenance window. The color softens into your base as it grows out, which means you can stretch your appointments and still look fresh.
At Smith Hair Salon, every balayage starts with a real consultation. We map out where to paint, how bright to go, and how the color should fall around your face and your haircut. We use Matrix professional bleach for the lift and Pravana for custom toning. The result is balayage that looks intentional, healthy, and built for your life. Read more about what balayage is and how long it lasts.
One service. Everything included.
Tap to book your spot. New to balayage? Start with a free consultation so we can map out the best plan for your hair.
Balayage / Ombre
Hand painted color for a soft, sun kissed look that grows out clean. Custom placement and brightness for your hair, your haircut, and your lifestyle.
Book Now → First VisitFree Consultation
New to balayage or coming from box dye? Start with a free consultation. We will look at your hair, talk about your goals, and map out the safest path to the look you want.
Book a Consult →What’s included with every balayage service
- Custom hand painting
- Matrix professional bleach
- Pravana custom toner
- Haircut
- Blow dry
- Finishing style
Color built for real life.
Balayage is a great fit for clients who want bright, dimensional color without the strict salon schedule. Curious how it compares to highlights? Read our balayage vs highlights guide.
- iAnyone wanting lower maintenance color than traditional highlights.
- iiPeople with busy lives who can’t come in every 4 to 6 weeks.
- iiiAnyone with darker hair wanting subtle, sun kissed brightness.
- ivBlondes who want a soft, lived in look without harsh lines.
- vPeople going from foil highlights to a softer style.
- viAnyone who travels often and wants color that grows out clean.
Your balayage visit, step by step.
Most balayage appointments take 3 to 4 hours. Here’s what happens from start to finish.
Real consultation
Your colorist sits with you, looks at any reference photos, and asks about your hair history. We listen first.
Custom placement plan
Your colorist plans where to paint, how bright to go, and how the color should fall around your face and haircut. No two balayages look the same.
Hand painting
Matrix professional bleach is hand painted onto sections of your hair, with foils used to help process the lift evenly. The freehand painting technique is what gives balayage its soft, natural finish.
Process and rinse
The bleach processes for the right amount of time. Your colorist checks it often to hit the perfect lift. Then a gentle wash to lock in the color.
Custom Pravana toner
A custom toner blends the painted pieces with your base color. This is the step that pulls everything together and gives balayage its signature soft finish.
Haircut, blow dry, and style
Every balayage service includes a haircut, blow dry, and finishing style. Your colorist will also recommend the right at home products for your hair.
- Wait 48 to 72 hours before your first wash.This gives your toner time to lock in. Tone stays true longer when you give it time to settle.
- Skip sulfates.Sulfates strip toner and color fast. A sulfate free shampoo from Eufora is the single biggest at home upgrade for balayage.
- Wash less often.Every wash takes a little tone with it. Aim for 2 to 3 washes a week. Use dry shampoo on non wash days.
- Cool water rinse.Hot water opens the cuticle and lets color slip out. Rinse with cool water at the end of every wash.
- Heat protectant, every time.Heat fades color and tone. Use a heat protectant before any hot tool. No skipping.
- Book a toner refresh between visits.A custom toner every 6 to 8 weeks keeps your tone bright and shiny without a full balayage appointment. Read more color care tips here.
Balayage questions, answered.
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What is balayage?
Balayage is a hand painted color technique where the colorist sweeps the lightener directly onto the surface of the hair in a freehand motion. The painting is graduated and softer than the woven, foil packed sections used in traditional highlights. The result is a soft, sun kissed look with no harsh regrowth lines. -
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
With traditional highlights, hair is woven into sections and painted inside foil packets for an even, brighter lift. Balayage is hand painted directly onto the surface of the hair in a freehand, sweeping motion. The freehand technique is what gives balayage its softer, more natural finish. Highlights are great for maximum brightness. Balayage is great for low maintenance, lived in color. -
How long does a balayage appointment take?
Most balayage appointments take 3 to 4 hours depending on your hair length and starting color. The service includes hand painting, processing, toning, a haircut, blow dry, and style. Plan a longer block of time so you can relax in the chair. -
What is included in a balayage service at Smith Hair Salon?
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How often should I refresh my balayage?
Most clients refresh balayage every 12 to 16 weeks. Because balayage grows out without a harsh line, you can wait longer than you would with traditional highlights. A toner refresh every 6 to 8 weeks between full visits keeps tone bright and shiny. -
Will balayage damage my hair?
Balayage involves lightening the hair, which can be drying if not done with care. At Smith Hair Salon we use Matrix professional bleach for the lift and Pravana for custom toning. We add bond protectors when needed to keep your hair feeling soft and strong. We also recommend Eufora at home care to keep your hair healthy between visits. -
Do I need a consultation before booking balayage?
If you have previous dark color, box dye, or you are aiming for a big change, a free consultation helps us map out timing, pricing, and the healthiest plan for your hair. New balayage clients often start with a quick consultation to set realistic goals and pick the right approach.
Book your balayage today.
Whether you already know what you want or you’d like to start with a free consultation, we’re ready when you are. New clients are always welcome.