Balayage in Tallinn: everything you need to know

Balayage is the most requested colouring technique of recent years, and the reason is simple: it grows out softly, with no sharp line, so the roots do not need a touch-up every month. The result looks like natural, sun-kissed lightness. Below I explain honestly what balayage is, how the session goes, how long the result lasts and what it costs depending on your hair length.

What is balayage?

Balayage is a colouring technique where the lightener is painted onto the surface of the hair by hand, starting a little away from the root and getting lighter towards the ends. The word itself means “to sweep” in French — that is exactly how the stylist moves the brush across the hair to create a soft transition. Unlike traditional highlights, the whole head is not wrapped in foil; the colour is placed freehand so the blend looks natural and frames the face.

It is that soft grow-out that makes balayage a low-maintenance choice. With a proper balayage colour, the result still looks polished months later, once the root has grown longer.

How does the session work?

A balayage session takes 3–5 hours on average, depending on the thickness and length of the hair:

1. Consultation. The session starts with a thorough talk where the stylist assesses your hair structure, past colour history and how realistic the shade you want is on your hair.
2. Sectioning. The hair is divided into 8–12 sections so the lightness spreads evenly and naturally.
3. Lightening. The stylist paints the lightener on freehand, without foil or with partial foil.
4. Processing and wash. The lightener is left to work to the right tone, then the hair is washed and cared for.
5. Toning. The shade you want (cool, warm or natural) is set with a toner.
6. Finish. The hair is dried and styled at the end so you see the full result right away.

A long session means it is worth planning a calm half-day and bringing something to pass the time.

How long does balayage last?

Balayage’s biggest advantage is its long life: because the root grows out softly, the result stays fresh for 3–4 months with no need to touch up the roots. To keep the tone fresh in between, you can have a short glaze session, which adds shine and corrects the shade without new lightening. A repeat balayage session is quicker than the first and takes around 2–3 hours.

How to care for coloured hair?

Lightened hair needs a little more care so the tone stays beautiful and the hair healthy:

• Do not wash your hair at all for the first 48 hours — the toner sets during that time.
• Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner made for lightened hair.
• Apply a nourishing mask once a week, since lightening dries the ends.
• Avoid very hot dryers and straighteners, or use heat protection first.

For a first colour we recommend taking home a care pack (€25), which keeps the colour fresh for longer.

Balayage or highlights — what is the difference?

Traditional highlights are done in foil and give a more even, denser lightness right up to the root, which also means a sharper grow-out. Balayage is softer and more natural, the grow-out is invisible and the upkeep is less frequent. If you want maximum lightness from root to ends, highlights are the better fit; if you want a low-maintenance sun-kissed touch, balayage is the better choice. At the consultation we help you pick what suits your hair best.

How much does balayage cost?

Balayage (fashion colouring) at the Ketyswit salon starts from €70, plus the cost of the materials used. The final price depends on the length and thickness of your hair and the result you want, so we always tell you the exact price at the consultation, before we begin. You can pick a time that suits you in our online booking.