How much does balayage cost in Northampton?

At Lavish Looks balayage is £80 for shorter hair and up to £120 for long, thick hair. The toner is included, and so are the wash and finish.

What is the difference between balayage and highlights?

Balayage is painted freehand for a soft, sun-kissed gradient that grows out gently. Highlights are foiled for brighter, more uniform colour but show a clearer regrowth line and need touching up sooner.

How long does a balayage appointment take?

Usually three to four hours, depending on the length and thickness of your hair and how much lift you want.

Why has my balayage turned brassy?

The toner fades first, usually within four to six weeks, and the natural warmth underneath shows through. A £25 toner appointment brings the cool tone back without redoing the colour.

How often do I need to redo balayage?

Usually every twelve to sixteen weeks, sometimes longer, because it grows out softly. A toner in between keeps the shade fresh.

Can I go blonde with balayage in one appointment?

Sometimes, if your hair is light brown or lighter and has not been dyed dark before. From a dark or previously coloured base it usually takes two or more appointments. We tell you at the consultation.

Balayage & Highlights in Northampton

Balayage & Highlights At A Glance

Balayage & Highlights at Lavish Looks, 49 Landcross Dr, Northampton NN3 3LN (Abington Vale, near Weston Favell):prices from £25. 4 treatments are on this menu, all by appointment at our unisex salon. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sun Closed. Book online or call +44 7355 805558.

Balayage is hand-painted colour, swept onto the surface of the hair so it lightens gradually towards the ends. It grows out softly with no harsh regrowth line, which is why it can go twelve to sixteen weeks between appointments. Highlights are foiled sections for brighter, more even lift, and usually need a touch-up every six to eight weeks.

Balayage is £80 for shorter hair and up to £120 for long, thick hair, with the toner included. Half head highlights are £75 and a full head starts from £90. A toner on its own, to refresh colour between appointments, is £25.

Balayage Or Highlights: How To Choose

Choose balayage if you want colour that looks natural, grows out without a line and does not need a salon visit every six weeks. It works especially well on longer hair, where there is room for the colour to graduate.

Choose highlights if you want brighter, more even colour from root to tip, or if you have a dark base and want a lot of lift in one appointment. Many clients combine the two: foils around the face for brightness, balayage through the lengths for a soft grow-out.

Why Toner Matters

Lightening removes pigment, but it does not create the finished shade. The toner does that, and it is what turns lifted hair into the cool beige, honey or ash in your reference photo. That is why it is included in every balayage.

Toner is also the first thing to fade, usually within four to six weeks. If your colour turns brassy between appointments, a £25 toner appointment restores it in about half an hour without redoing the lightening.

Before Your Colour Appointment

Bring two or three reference photos, including one of a colour you don't want. Tell us honestly about any colour history, including box dye and henna, because it changes what can safely be achieved in one visit.

If you have not had colour with us in the last six months, you will need a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Blonde Balayage

Blonde balayage is the colour we are asked for most. On a darker base we usually build the blonde in stages, painting and toning over two appointments, so the hair stays in good condition and the finished tone is creamy, not yellow.

Bring photos of the blonde you like. Honey, beige and icy blondes each need a different toner, and a picture tells us in seconds which one you mean. If your hair is already dry or has been lightened before, we add Olaplex to the lightener to protect it.

Full Head Highlights

Full head highlights are foils placed through the whole head, from £90. They give the brightest and most even lift, and suit anyone who wants obvious blonde all over. Half head highlights at £75 cover the top and crown, which is where most of the colour shows when your hair is down.

From The Journal

Balayage vs. Highlights: Which Is Right For You? — Two of our most-requested colour techniques, decoded — the real differences in process, maintenance, and the finished look each one gives you.

Often Booked With This

This is part of our Colour & Keratin menu. See that page for every related treatment and price.

Balayage & Highlights — Prices

Prices last updated November 2026. Prices are our standard rates — your therapist will always confirm the exact cost at booking. See the full Ladies' menu for every service in the studio.

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