How Long Does Balayage Take?
Balayage takes about 75 minutes on short hair, two to two and a half hours on medium hair, and three to three and a half hours on long hair. Those are the windows we use for Signature Balayage at SALT, and they include toner and a blow-dry. Dark starting color, past color and thick hair can add time, while Express Balayage takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
Key takeaways
- Signature Balayage runs from about 75 minutes on short hair to about three and a half hours on long hair.
- Darker starting color, box color, density and a same-day haircut all add time.
- Express Balayage is the quicker option when you already have balayage and want brightness back.
How Long Is Each Balayage and Blonde Service?
We plan Signature Balayage by hair length. Current times for every service are on the Balayage + Lightening section of our Service Menu.
Signature Balayage, Short Hair
Chin length and above. About 75 minutes from start to finish, including toner and a blow-dry.
Signature Balayage, Medium Hair
Below the chin to the collarbone. Plan on two to two and a half hours.
Signature Balayage, Long Hair
Past the collarbone. Plan on three to three and a half hours.
Express Balayage
A touch-up for guests who already have balayage, brightening around the face and crown. About an hour to an hour and a half.
Foilayage and Blonde Services
Foilayage, a full head of foil highlights, takes up to four hours. Blonde Full takes three to four hours, Blonde Partial two to two and a half, and Blonde Mini about 90 minutes. Transformation, for color correction or a big change, is three hours or more. Our guide to choosing balayage or foilayage compares the two main techniques.
What Adds Time to a Balayage Appointment?
- Darker starting hair. Dark brown or black hair needs more lightening to reach a light blonde, and that takes longer to process.
- Past color. Box color and older salon color can slow lightening and add steps.
- Density. More hair means more sections to paint, rinse and dry.
- Your goal. A soft face frame is quicker than a bold all-over lift.
- A haircut the same day. It adds time, so tell us when you book.
Because every head is different, the consultation sets the real time. We would rather tell you up front that your hair needs longer than have you plan your afternoon around a number that will not hold.
Where Does the Time Go During the Service?
Most of the appointment is not painting. A typical visit runs in this order:
- Consultation and plan.
- Sectioning and hand painting.
- Processing while the lightener works, usually the longest stretch.
- Rinse and a customized toner.
- Shampoo and care products.
- A professional blow-dry so you see the finished color.
Every lightening service at SALT includes Metal Detox and Bond Repair products, because we want your hair strong when you leave, not just bright. For more on what happens at each step, read what balayage hair color is.
Why Does Long Hair Need a Longer Booking?
Painting goes faster than most people expect. The time goes into everything around it.
Long hair has more sections to divide and paint. Rinsing, toning and caring for more hair takes longer, and so does the blow-dry, since we dry and style your hair so you can see the true color. On long, thick hair, the blow-dry is a project of its own.
What Are Your Options on a Tight Schedule?
- Express Balayage if you already have balayage and want brightness back around the face and crown.
- Stages. For a big change, two shorter visits can be easier on your schedule and your hair.
- A Gloss when your tone has faded but you do not need new lightening. It is about 60 minutes.
- Tell us your time limit when you book, and we will plan around it.
A rushed balayage is rarely a good one. We would rather help you choose what fits your window.
How Should You Plan the Day of Your Appointment?
- Eat before you come, since longer services run through a mealtime.
- Wear a shirt that buttons or zips in front.
- Bring something to read. We offer water, coffee, tea, sparkling water and snacks, plus phone chargers and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Leave some room in your schedule afterward.
- Arrive on time. Guests arriving 10 to 15 minutes late may be asked to reschedule so every guest gets full attention.
How Long Can You Go Between Balayage Visits?
That depends on how fast your hair grows and how bright you like it. Balayage grows out softer and lasts longer than traditional highlighting, and a Gloss or Express Balayage can bridge the gap between full services.
We will suggest a rhythm at your first visit. You can choose a stylist from our team, or read about each service and the full visit on our balayage page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Balayage and a Haircut Fit in One Appointment?
Yes. Tell us when you book so we leave enough time. Our women's haircuts are French haircuts, and cutting and painting work well together.
Is Express Balayage Enough to Brighten a Face Frame?
Often, yes. It is made for guests who already have balayage and want brightness around the face and crown without a full head service.
Why Do Two Guests Get Different Balayage Times?
Length, density, starting color and past color all change how much lightener goes on and how long it needs. The same service can run differently on two heads.
Which Hair Length Should I Book For?
Short is chin length and above, medium is below the chin to the collarbone, and long is past the collarbone. If you are unsure, call us at (224) 788-8028.
Does the Blow-Dry Count in the Appointment Time?
Yes. Every lightening service ends with a professional blow-dry, and the Signature Balayage times include it.
Reserve Your Balayage Time
Ready to plan it? Book online and note your hair length and any past color so we can set aside the right time, or compare services in the Balayage + Lightening section of our Service Menu.
