Balayage and ombre are often compared, but there are a few major differences between the two. While balayage is a technique that subtly blends your root color with the rest of your mane, ombre is a trend with a stark contrast between shades. With ombre, the mid-lengths to ends of your hair are typically fully saturated with color—so if you’re going for a look with more dimension, balayage is the better option.

The major difference between balayage and highlights is that balayage is a hand-painted technique, whereas traditional highlights are created with foils. According to Braun, the true appeal of balayage lies in the way it grows out between appointments. Foil highlights often leave wearers with demarcation lines where the bright streak ends and the root begins. That’s not so with balayage.

So, you’re ready to commit to balayage, but you’re wondering how exactly your appointment will go. Here’s what you need to know. Depending on your desired results and the current color and condition of your mane, your balayage can take anywhere from one to three appointments.

We always recommend booking a consultation with us before you commit to making any permanent hair color change. That way, we can evaluate your hair and tell you what to expect as far as how long your desired look will take to achieve.

We know that the idea of touch-up appointments every few weeks can sound exhausting. If you’re considering balayage, however, you’ll be happy to know that the upkeep is super low-maintenance. Depending on your base color and your specific look, you can go eight to 12 weeks without seeing your colorist again. That is, as long as you have a killer at-home maintenance routine!

The price of a balayage depends on several factors including the length of your hair, and exactly what you want done. You can expect the price of your balayage to range anywhere from $120 to $350. Before you book an appointment, be sure to call us to determine a price point that works for you.

Depending on your base color and the balayage look you choose, your colorist might need to use bleach to lift your current shade. While bleach will always cause some damage, your colorist can help improve the look and feel of your strands before you leave the salon.

Once you’ve locked in your appointment, bookmark images that look like the hair color you’re imagining. It may seem like describing the look will do the trick, but your version of honey balayage can be miles away from what your colorist is picturing. Bring photos and you won’t have to risk miscommunication.

When it comes to achieving your dream shade, it’s also important to remember that your hair color constantly shifts as the light changes.

“I think sometimes women see a picture and they just see the hair set in one way,” Masi says. “The hair’s constantly moving, so one day it may look a little brighter—it depends on where you part it. You might have a little more contrast another day.”

While many women are afraid of their hair looking too dark, those roots help create the contrast that makes balayage so remarkable.

To keep your hue in tip-top shape for as long as possible between appointments, use a shampoo and conditioner system like Matrix Total Results Color Obsessed Shampoo and Conditioner. This system gently cleanses and conditions to help protect against fading and extend your color vibrancy.

If you have blonde or gray balayage streaks and want to keep them from turning brassy over time, pick up a color toning shampoo and conditioner like Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo and Conditioner. It neutralizes brassy warmth and corrects yellow tones on blonde and gray hair.

Searching for balayage ideas? Look at our balayage gallery for nearly 30 inspiration photos to bring to the salon.