Your Balayage Salon: Bespoke, Bold, and Effortlessly Modern
Balayage remains the defining hair colour trend, evolving with new techniques and creative flair to suit every personality and hair type.
- £114Balayage from
- FreeColour consultation
- 1.5 to 3+Hours in the chair
Or call Covent Garden 020 7836 9163 · Oxford Street 0207 486 5044
Hand-painted. Grows out beautifully.
This year, the focus is on individuality, seamless blends, and a spectrum of shades, from sunlit blondes to smoky brunettes, playful pastels, and rich coppers. The artistry of freehand balayage is more dynamic and personalised than ever, making it the go-to choice for those seeking a fresh, low-maintenance look that grows out beautifully.
The lookbook
Lookbook #1: Red Balayage
Another popular balayage look is red balayage at Gusto Hair Salons in Covent Garden & Oxford Street. If you have a darker base colour, we can pep it up with some delicious red balayage tones.
Again, talk to your Gusto balayage colour expert about the look you desire. You might fancy a full balayage with subtle red colours painted throughout your hair, or perhaps you'd prefer a reverse balayage: it's up to you!
We can recommend the perfect red hair colours to suit you, taking into account your eye colour, skin tone and unique sense of style. Bright fashion red hair colours and deep plum and auburn shades look wonderful on darker hair colours, and the look you choose can be subtle, bold or somewhere in-between!
Lookbook #2: Balayage For Brunettes
Does your barnet need some TLC? If your brunette hair colour needs a helping hand, we can create the beautiful sun-kissed hair colour you've been hankering after.
Our hair colour experts at Gusto can lift your hair colour by scattering some bespoke balayage highlights. Brunettes look fabulous with red or caramel hair colours which can be added to sections where your hair catches the light to show off your beautiful new balayage effect.
With balayage, you will hardly notice any regrowth line when your hair grows, making brunette balayage the most low-maintenance hair colour around. We're also pretty sure your new look will have your friends asking 'who's your hairdresser?' so please make sure you recommend us to your friends. We all need a little extra love, caring and sharing right now. Thank you!
Lookbook #3: Face-Framing Balayage
Not sure whether you are ready to go for a complete balayage look? Then it's time to flirt with a face-framing hair colour from Gusto Hairdressers in London's Covent Garden & Oxford Street.
Whether you decide to go all retro with chunky face-framing highlights a la Ginger Spice circa 1997, or you desire subtle blonde face-framing highlights, we reckon this is one hair colour trend that is here to stay. Even better, you can choose just about any colour under the rainbow as we can create brightening face-framing highlights in all colours and on all hair bases.
We can help to contour your facial features with the right hairstyle and hair colour. Adding lighter colours can make a narrow face look a little wider, and adding darker shades can give the impression of a slimmer face.
Seen a look you love?
What clients say
“Exceptional balayage! Perfect blending and amazing colour.”
Balayage by Melania
- I had my balayage done by Melania. She understood exactly what I wanted and exceeded my expectations. She is extremely talented and knowledgeable and I will recommend her to all my friends
- BEST salon on Oxford Street for balayage. The team listened to what I wanted and delivered a beautiful, personalised hair colour. x
- I had a balayage done with Snezhe and oh my goodness the colour is SO perfect! Snezhe really took the time to explain the processes of a baylayge and figure out what I did and didn’t like in order to make my hair dreams come true. Thank you Snezhe, I’m so grateful and I will be seeing you next time when it’s time for a touch up!
- I had an appointment with Virginia today and I’m absolutely in love with my new look, came in for balayage for brown hair and she was very patient with my long hair and her advice about the colour was perfect. Definitely recommend
- Exceptional balayage! Perfect blending and amazing colour. I loved it. The staff was kind especially Melania who did my balayage was super talented.
- I had Balayage with Snezhe very happy with my hair, Snezhe done exactly what I asked for she is very sweet.
- Google searched balayages in my area and this one came up. Booked in last weekend and suffice it to say they are actually brilliant at colouring. Had a great time at this spot, fun staff and amazing skills! Recommended!
Balayage Prices
Many salons philosophies for balayage prices depend on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the experience of the colourist.
- BalayageHand-painted, up to 70% of the hairFrom£114
- Money Piece / Face FrameBrightness around the faceFrom£55
- Face Framing HighlightsFrom£59
- TonerThe 6-8 week refresh£35-45
- FoilayageBalayage painted onto foilsOn quotation
A patch test is needed 48 hours before your first colour with us.
Highlights and balayage cover up to 70% of the hair. Full foils, root regrowth, lowlights and a second colour are extra, ask your stylist for your total price before you start.
Very long hair (shoulder blade or below) is priced at consultation.
The Best Balayage Hairdressers In London
- Covent Garden
- Oxford Street
- Wigmore Street
- London West End
- Central London
Covent Garden
- Mon to Fri
- 9am to 9pm
- Saturday
- 9am to 8pm
- Sunday
- Closed
- Phone
- 020 7836 9163
Oxford Street
- Mon to Fri
- 10am to 8pm
- Saturday
- 10am to 7pm
- Sunday
- 11am to 7pm
- Phone
- 0207 486 5044
What Is Balayage?
Say it after me... Bal-Aye-Ahhrj.
Yes, we're talking about the most popular hair colour in London right now: balayage. And if you want to be a balayage babe, it's time to visit Gusto, the best balayage hairdressers in Central London.
So what exactly is balayage? This low-maintenance hair colour is usually hand-painted in vertical sections throughout your hair, leaving your base colour at the roots and mid-lengths, growing lighter towards the ends. Often we create a sun-kissed blonde balayage, but we can also rustle up just about any colour including red balayage, caramel balayage shades and fashion balayage looks.
Balayage is also a great face contouring technique. We can add lighter colours where more width is needed and darker balayage shades to give the impression of a narrower face! So let us bring a little bit of balayage magic into your lives and book your balayage appointment at Gusto today!
Blonde Balayage
Balayage can be created on any hair colour base but the most popular shades has to be blonde balayage and iced latte shades at Gusto Hair Salons in London. This is the most asked-for balayage colour around because it gives a natural-looking sun-kissed hair colour that looks, quite simply, stunning!
Our balayage specialists in Central London may use two or three different blonde shades to create your beautiful blonde balayage. We will suggest hair colours and techniques such as root tap, or root smudge that work with your base hair colour, skin tone and eye colour because we know you'll want a balayage that really makes your features 'come alive'.
So, which blonde hair colours can we create here at Gusto Hairdressing? We have a dazzling array of blonde hair colours including honey blonde, ash blondes, platinum blondes and strawberry blondes!
Balayage Or Ombre?
Balayage, ombré, root stretch, foilayage, babylights, reverse balayage, strobing, melting, smudging. Confused? Knowing what to ask for when you fancy a new hair colour can be daunting, but do not fear: our London balayage experts are here to help!
The names above are all different 'takes' on balayage. For a dramatic look, consider an ombré hair colour effect where we create a two-tone look with contrasting colours; or a colour melt where the hair colours literally look as if they have melted into one another. If subtlety's your aim, we can add some super fine babylights throughout your hair.
Your best option if you want a gorgeous new balayage hair colour is to book a complimentary colour consultation at one of our Gusto Hair Salons in Covent Garden or Oxford Street in Central London.
Show us some pictures of looks you like and let us explain everything before you make your decision.
What Balayage Looks Are Trending Now?
Reverse Balayage
Adding depth with darker tones for a shadowy, dimensional effect, ideal for softening bright blondes or enriching brunettes.
Colour Blocking
Statement streaks of bold or pastel hues, artfully blended into a balayage base for maximum visual impact.
Feather-Light Tips
Subtle, barely-there lightening at the ends for a minimalist, polished finish.
Sunlit Blonde & Caramel Drizzle
Warm, honeyed highlights and caramel tones for a sun-kissed, radiant glow.
Ashy & Mushroom Browns
Cool, sophisticated shades for a modern, understated look.
Copper & Auburn Blends
Fiery reds and coppers for those who want bold, wearable colour.
Pastel Balayage
Soft lavender, peach, and mint for a whimsical, fashion-forward edge.
Not sure which? Bring pictures of looks you like to a complimentary colour consultation and we'll match the technique to your hair.
Why Choose Gusto Hairdressing for Balayage in London?
- Award-Winning ExpertiseGusto’s colourists are recognised for their creative mastery, precision, and trendsetting techniques, consistently delivering bespoke balayage tailored to your features and style.
- Personalised ConsultationsEvery appointment begins with an in-depth consultation, ensuring your balayage is uniquely suited to your complexion, lifestyle, and hair goals.
- Creative InnovationThe team thrives on pushing boundaries, offering everything from classic, natural blends to avant-garde colour melts and bold ombrés.
- Low-Maintenance, High-ImpactGusto’s balayage grows out gracefully, reducing salon visits while keeping your look fresh and dimensional.
- Luxurious ExperienceEnjoy a welcoming atmosphere, complimentary refreshments, and attentive aftercare advice to keep your colour vibrant between visits.
Key Takeaways
- Balayage creates a soft, natural-looking blend with a seamless grow-out
- Every balayage service is customised to suit your hair colour, complexion and style
- Professional balayage can add depth, dimension and brightness without harsh lines
- Expert colour placement helps achieve a low-maintenance hair colour
- Balayage works on blonde, brunette and darker hair shades
- Professional toning helps keep balayage looking fresh between appointments
- A personalised consultation ensures the right balayage technique for your hair
Prep, time, aftercare
Prep Needed
- Avoid washing hair for 24-48 hours & heat styling for 2-3 days before your appointment
- Schedule a trim if needed a few days before your balayage to get rid of any split ends & keep ends healthy for lightening
- Let your colourist know if you have colour treated your hair & about any concerns ahead of time. With the right prep, you'll have beautiful, natural-looking highlighted hair!
Appointment Time
- 1.5-2 hours
- Short hair
- 2-2.5 hours
- Medium shoulder length hair
- 2.5-3+ hours
- Long mid-back length hair
- Lightening very dark hair will require more time for pre-lightening. A true hand-painted balayage takes longer than using foils
- Be prepared for an extended salon visit, if you have long or thick hair
Maintenance
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner for colour-treated hair
- Protect hair from chlorine & salt water which can oxidise balayage highlights
- Limit use of hot tools like curling and flat irons as heat damage can make highlights brassier
- Schedule a toner refresh for around 6-8 weeks & schedule to see your colourist every 10-12 weeks to refresh your balayage and reglaze your roots
Balayage FAQs
Got a question? Call Covent Garden on 020 7836 9163 or Oxford Street on 0207 486 5044, or see our hair colour, grey transition and colour correction pages.
How much does balayage cost?
At Gusto, balayage starts from £114. Your exact price depends on hair length, thickness and how much colour you want, and your Gusto colour expert will confirm it at your hair colour consultation, before starting. View our prices.
How long does a balayage appointment take?
Short hair takes 1.5-2 hours, medium shoulder length hair 2-2.5 hours and long mid-back length hair 2.5-3+ hours. Lightening very dark hair will require more time for pre-lightening, and a true hand-painted balayage takes longer than using foils.
I Want A Complete New Look: Can I Have Balayage?
Of course! Balayage is popular for blondes and brunettes but even shades such as red or even grey hair can benefit from a balayage!
Can You Help Me Correct A Home Balayage Kit That Has Gone Wrong?
Have you had a questionable colour experience or your roots need sorting out ASAP? Fear not! The balayage is able to transform your hair wholesale from the roots to the ends.
Gusto hair salons in London is home to an experienced team of colour correction specialists and will identify the areas of your hair that need attention. They will talk you through the process needed in order to correct your home balayage hair colour and most importantly, bring it back to a beautiful condition!
Can Balayage Be Done On Any Length Hair?
YES! The balayage colouring technique can be applied to any hair length effectively. However, it is most striking on medium to longer length hair. Not only does the balayage create sweeping natural looking tones, but it also creates the illusion of thick luscious hair, as the technique is magnified top to bottom, giving your hair more “protrusion” and more of a multifaceted layered colour burst!
How do I look after my balayage colour at home?
The great thing about the balayage, in contrast to other colour techniques, is that it's longer lasting, thanks to its already natural freehand effects. Nonetheless, it is always crucial you maintain the vibrancy of your gorgeous new colour. We recommend anti-stripping shampoos and conditioners such as Reflection Bain Chromatique Shampoo and Conditioner and the WNt London Shampoo and Conditioner. Both protect your hair without affecting the vibrancy of your tones! Purchase your faves via our online shop!
What other names is balayage known as?
Balayage has become an umbrella term for many new & creative hair colouring techniques. These can include: Money Piece Colour, Face Frame Balayage, Reverse Balayage, Instagram Balayage, Colour Contouring, Root Melts & Root Smudge to name but a few!
How often should I book a balayage appointment at Gusto hair salons?
One of the great things about the balayage hair colour technique is that you don't have to visit the salon so often between colour appointments. We would recommend booking your appointment between 8 and 12 weeks with a toning visit to keep your colour looking fresh.
Does balayage work on dark hair?
Yes. Balayage works on blonde, brunette and darker hair shades. Lightening very dark hair will require more time for pre-lightening, so allow for a longer appointment.
Balayage Appointments At Gusto Hair Salons In Central London
Fancy balayage? You've come to the right place. Book in for a hair colour consultation or appointment by calling Gusto Hairdressing Covent Garden on 020 7836 9163 or Gusto Hairdressing Oxford Street on 0207 486 5044.