Half Head Balayage
Half head balayage puts the brightness where it does the most work. Your colourist hand-paints the lightener freehand through the top sections and the sides, the parts of your hair on show when you wear it down, leaving the back in its natural depth. You get lift around the face, soft dimension through the lengths and a shorter, gentler appointment than a full head.
It is the lighter-touch option at our Corringham salon: ideal for a first step into balayage, for keeping face-framing brightness topped up between full head appointments, or for anyone who wants a noticeable change without a four hour visit. We finish with a bespoke toner or gloss, then style your hair so you can see how the colour sits.
Allow 120 to 180 minutes. Your price is confirmed at your complimentary consultation, because hand-painted colour depends on your hair length, density and starting shade.
More information
What's Included
A hand-painted colour service focused on the sections that frame your face and show most.
- A personal consultation to plan brightness, tone and placement around your skin tone, natural depth and lifestyle.
- Freehand painting of lightener through the top sections and sides, with softly feathered starting points.
- Controlled lift, monitored section by section, with conditioning support to protect hair condition.
- A bespoke toner or gloss to refine the finished shade, from cool ash and beige through to golden and caramel.
- Heat protection and home care guidance.
- A professional blow-dry and finish so you can see exactly how the colour moves.
Half Head or Full Head?
Half head balayage covers the top and the sides and leaves the back at your natural depth. It is the right choice if you almost always wear your hair down, if you want brightness around the face rather than all over, if you are trying balayage for the first time, or if you are maintaining an existing balayage on a budget of time as well as money.
Full head balayage carries the brightness through the back as well, and takes 180 to 240 minutes. Choose that if you wear your hair up or in a ponytail, if your hair is long or dense, or if you want the fullest possible change. Many clients alternate: a full head once or twice a year, with half head balayage in between.
Who It's For
Half head balayage suits clients who want lighter, brighter hair with a low-maintenance grow-out and a shorter appointment. It works well on dark blonde to mid brunette bases, lifts and softens a heavy all-over tint around the face, and adds movement to a one-length cut or a long bob.
If you are blending the first grey through your front sections rather than covering it at the root, this is often the most natural-looking option. Where you want fuller coverage, we can pair balayage with a root tint, and your colourist will explain the options at consultation.
Duration and Appointment Timing
Half head balayage takes 120 to 180 minutes, covering consultation, painting, processing, toning, conditioning and your finish. Longer or denser hair, and bigger changes in shade, sit at the upper end of that range. Our late openings on Wednesday and Thursday work well for this service if daytime appointments are difficult.
Price on Consultation
Balayage is bespoke, so we quote rather than publish a fixed price. Hair length, density, natural depth and existing colour all change the product and time needed. Your complimentary 30 minute consultation gives you a clear price and an accurate appointment length with no obligation to book. Call 01375 767 010 to arrange it.
Patch Test Requirements
A skin patch test is required at least 48 hours before your balayage appointment, and we carry it out at your consultation. It takes a couple of minutes, is applied behind the ear or inside the elbow, and covers the toner used to finish your colour. You will need a fresh patch test if it is more than six months since your last colour service with us, if you have ever reacted to hair colour, or if you have had a tattoo, semi-permanent brow or lash treatment since your last visit. If any redness, itching or swelling appears, do not attend for colour and please call the salon.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Use a colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner, a weekly mask and heat protection on every blow-dry or iron. A toning shampoo once a week keeps cool blondes from turning brassy, used sparingly. Rinse and condition after swimming, as chlorine and sea water dull a toner quickly.
With no hard regrowth line, most clients refresh half head balayage every 10 to 14 weeks, with a toner or gloss in between at around six to eight weeks. We will set out a plan that matches your hair and your diary.
Balayage at Our Corringham Salon
Nicolas Ablitt Hair Studio is at 80 Woodbrooke Way, Corringham, Essex SS17 9DW, with parking close by and easy access from Stanford-le-Hope, Fobbing, Basildon, Grays and across Thurrock. Every balayage is placed by an experienced colourist rather than to a template. Call 01375 767 010 to arrange your complimentary consultation.
