--- title: "Balayage and Root Stretch Colour | Faking It Salon" description: "Bespoke Balayage and Root Stretch for soft, low-maintenance colour. Seamless root blend, brightened lengths, and a blow-dry for a natural finish." canonical: "https://www.vanillasalon.co.uk/services/balayage-and-root-stretch" --- ![Young woman with glossy, wavy highlighted hair and soft neutral makeup, facing the camera](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fwoman-wavy-highlighted-hair-portrait.jpg%3Fv%3D1775141880598&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Balayage # Balayage and Root Stretch £70 – £100 180 mins Patch Test Required [Book Online](https://book.frively.com/salons/bed4aad0-2b0d-4ce5-9611-cefb69c616bc/book) Balayage with a root stretch is ideal if you want dimensional, natural looking colour with a softer grow out. Balayage is hand painted lightening through the mid lengths and ends, while a root stretch gently blends your root area into the lighter tones. The result is a smooth transition, fewer harsh lines, and colour that stays looking polished as it grows. ## What this service covers Balayage and root stretch is a tailored colour service designed to look lived in, glossy and easy to wear. It can help you achieve: - A soft, blended lift through the lengths with natural dimension. - A seamless transition at the roots, so regrowth looks gentle rather than obvious. - A shade that suits your skin tone, your natural base colour, and your usual styling. - A finish that prioritises hair condition, with a plan for realistic upkeep. ### When balayage and root stretch makes the most sense This is a great option if: - You want lighter hair without a strong root line. - You are growing out previous highlights or want to soften banding. - You prefer colour that lasts well between appointments. - You want your colour to look natural in daylight and easy to style day to day. ### What happens at your appointment We start with a consultation to agree the look, how bright you want to go, and what will be manageable for you at home. Your appointment typically includes: - Sectioning and hand painted balayage placement to create soft ribbons of light. - A root stretch, sometimes called a root melt, to blur the root area into the lighter lengths. - A toner or gloss if needed to refine the final shade and add shine. - A finish and aftercare advice so your colour stays fresh. If a patch test is needed for your colour service, we will guide you through it in advance. ### Aftercare and keeping it looking good Balayage is designed to be low fuss, but a little care makes a big difference. - Use colour friendly shampoo and conditioner, and protect your hair from heat. - If your colour is cooler, a purple or blue shampoo can help reduce brassiness, used as advised. - Plan for occasional refresh appointments if you like the tone looking extra bright or glossy. - We will recommend a maintenance schedule based on how quickly your hair grows and the contrast from your natural root. [Book Online](https://book.frively.com/salons/bed4aad0-2b0d-4ce5-9611-cefb69c616bc/book) ## Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between balayage and highlights? Balayage is hand painted for a softer, more natural blend. Traditional highlights are often more uniform from root to end. Many people choose balayage for a more lived in finish and easier regrowth. Will a root stretch cover grey hair? A root stretch can help soften the look of regrowth, but it is not the same as full root coverage. If grey coverage is important to you, we can talk through options during your consultation. The best approach depends on your natural base and the amount of grey. How long will balayage and root stretch last? Most people find it grows out well because the root area is blended. How long it looks its best depends on your hair growth, your chosen tone, and your home care. You might want a toner refresh sooner than the lightening work. Do I need a toner after balayage? Often, yes. A toner or gloss helps refine warmth, add shine, and create the finished shade you have in mind. We will recommend what suits your hair and the result you want. Do I need a patch test for this service? Patch testing is sometimes required for colour services to help keep things safe and comfortable. If you need one, we will let you know when you book and explain what to do. It is quick and straightforward. Patch Test Required [Book Online](https://book.frively.com/salons/bed4aad0-2b0d-4ce5-9611-cefb69c616bc/book) ## Available Team Members These team members perform this service - ![Close-up grayscale selfie of a person with long straight hair and neutral expression](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fgrayscale-selfie-long-hair-neutral-expression-48x60.webp%3Fv%3D1775141884987&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Sharron Salon Owner [View](/team-members/sharron-jellis) - ![Smiling woman with long straight hair and bangs in front of large rose-patterned background](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fwoman-smiling-roses-background-48x49.webp%3Fv%3D1775141881225&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Sarah Deputy Manager and Head Stylist. [View](/team-members/sarah-bailey) - ![Person with light-toned hair, nose stud, and necklace seated in a car, neutral expression looking at camera](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fperson-with-nose-stud-car-selfie-48x52.jpg%3Fv%3D1775141820860&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Freya Stylist / Colourist [View](/team-members/freya-barron) - ![Young woman with long wavy hair and defined brows gazes at camera in black-and-white portrait](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fblack-and-white-portrait-young-woman-48x64.png%3Fv%3D1775141821698&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Ivy-Grace Stylist/Creative Colourist /Brow & Lash Technician & Nail Technician [View](/team-members/ivy-grace) Show more team members - ![Young woman with long hair, heart necklaces, nose hoop, and stud earrings against paneled wall](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fyoung-woman-heart-necklaces-nose-hoop-48x60.webp%3Fv%3D1775141880141&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Violet Junior Stylist [View](/team-members/violet-thorn) - ![Young smiling woman with long hair and lanyard in front of oversized rose backdrop](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fsmiling-woman-roses-backdrop-48x50.webp%3Fv%3D1775141878017&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Olivia Creative Director Stylist (Maternity) [View](/team-members/olivia-lambe) ## Related Services Complete your experience with these services - Ombre - Refresh £45 – £80•120 mins [View](/services/ombre-refresh) - Balayage - Refresh £45 – £80•120 mins [View](/services/balayage-refresh) - Ombre £58 – £90•165 - 180 mins [View](/services/ombre) - Balayage £58 – £90•165 - 180 mins [View](/services/balayage) - Toner (Balayage Comb Out) £28.50•25 mins [View](/services/toner-balayage-comb-out) ## Related Blog Posts - [![Shoulder-length wavy brunette hair with blonde balayage highlights on neutral beige background](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fshoulder-length-balayage-waves.jpg%3Fv%3D1775141815994&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) ### Balayage vs Ombre: The Real Difference Balayage vs ombre explained: technique vs effect, who they suit, maintenance and aftercare—so you can choose the right colour and love your grow-out. Read more ](/blog/balayage-vs-ombre-difference-guide)