Everything You Need to Know About Balayage – Plus How to Keep It Looking Beautiful All Summer
Whether you’re new to balayage or a long-time devotee, there’s always something worth knowing about this beloved colouring technique. We’ve put together the ultimate guide. You will learn everything from understanding what balayage actually is, to keeping your colour looking fresh and protected all summer long.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a freehand colouring technique where colour is strategically painted onto the hair to emphasise shine, texture and form. Originating in France, it uses an open-air development process. This creates beautifully natural-looking results which appear softer at the root and brighter towards the ends.
It’s the go-to technique for anyone who loves that effortlessly sun-kissed look. In addition, it’s particularly brilliant for lower-maintenance colour or adding subtle, soft dimension to your hair.
Balayage vs Highlights – What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and it’s a great one. Here’s the simple breakdown:
Balayage is known for its natural, blended finish. Because colour is painted freehand rather than applied with foils, the result tends to be softer and more gradual. This makes it perfect if you want a relaxed, lived-in look that grows out beautifully.
Highlights using foils give you maximum lift and high-definition colour. The foil creates a more controlled environment, meaning you can achieve brighter, more visible results with greater contrast. If you want bold, striking colour that really stands out, foils are your best friend.
Keeping Brassiness at Bay
One of the most common concerns after a balayage service is brassiness creeping in over time – and it’s completely normal. To keep unwanted warm tones at bay, we recommend the Kérastase Blond Absolu range. It combines hydrating qualities with powerful toning properties to keep your blonde looking cool and luminous between visits.
For targeted toning, the Pureology Strength Cure Blonde shampoo used once a week is brilliant for neutralising brassiness while strengthening the hair. And for everyday use, the Pureology Strength Cure shampoo and conditioner will keep colour-treated hair feeling strong, healthy and vibrant.
We’d also always recommend booking in for a refreshing toner service around six weeks after your balayage application. It makes a huge difference to the longevity of your colour.
How to Protect Your Hair From the Sun
Sun, sea, salt and chlorine are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to colour fade and hair damage in the summer months. However, with the right products in your routine, you can enjoy every second of it without the worry.
Our top recommendation for summer hair protection is the Kérastase Soleil range. Formulated with UV filters, coconut water and vitamin E, it’s specifically designed to protect hair from the drying and damaging effects of sun, sea, chlorine and sand. At the same time, it keeps hair looking luminous and feeling nourished.
The range includes an after-sun shampoo to gently cleanse away salt, chlorine and sand residue. Additionally, it has a deeply hydrating recovery mask to replenish hair after sun exposure. You’ll also find a leave-in oil mist that softens, nourishes and protects against drying effects while adding a beautiful radiant finish. It’s a brilliant summer kit for anyone with colour-treated hair.
Our Summer Product Edit
Here’s a quick guide to our favourite picks for keeping your hair in great shape all season:
Bathe & Care
Pureology Strength Cure Blonde – used once a week to neutralise brassiness and keep cool tones fresh
Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière and Fondant Cicaflash – strength and gloss to keep your blonde luminous
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner – colour-protecting care for vibrant, healthy hair
Treat
Olaplex No.4 Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – a powerful duo to rebuild structural bonds damaged by lightening and styling, leaving hair strong and smooth
Kérastase Soleil Bain Après Soleil – after-sun shampoo that gently removes chlorine, salt and sand while hydrating from root to tip
Kérastase Soleil Masque Après Soleil – a lightweight deep recovery mask to replenish hydration after a day in the sun
Style & Protect
Redken One United Spray – 21 benefits in one spray, including heat protection, UV protection, shine and frizz prevention
Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirène Oil Mist – a leave-in bi-phase oil mist that protects, softens and adds luminosity to sun-exposed hair
Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaflash – a hydrating blow-dry cream that protects against heat damage and gives a silky finish
Book Your Summer Colour Appointment
Ready to refresh your colour ahead of the summer? Whether you’re after a fresh balayage, a toner top-up or just some expert advice on your hair care routine, Headmasters has you covered! Struggling for inspiration? Head over to HeadmastersUK for your daily dose of hair goals – from stunning transformations to summer colour inspo straight from our salons.
