How Much Does Balayage Cost in Bournemouth?

What balayage really costs in Bournemouth and what you get for the price. Donna explains The Transformation at IAAM, her home salon in Moordown.

Donna Douch

9/29/20263 min read

Blended balayage by Donna at IAAM Hair Salon in Moordown, Bournemouth
Blended balayage by Donna at IAAM Hair Salon in Moordown, Bournemouth

Search for balayage in Bournemouth and you will see prices ranging from under £100 to more than £200.

The difficulty is knowing what you are actually comparing.

Some salons advertise the colour price on its own, with toner, treatments, cutting and the blow dry added separately. Others include more within the appointment.

So when comparing balayage prices, it is worth looking beyond the headline figure and checking exactly what is included.

What affects the price?

Published prices around Bournemouth vary considerably. Some salons nearby list balayage at around £130 to £165, but that price often excludes the cut and blow dry. Once those and a bond treatment are added, the total can go over £200.

The final price can depend on:

  • The length and thickness of your hair

  • Your existing colour and colour history

  • How much lightening is needed

  • Whether toner is included

  • Whether a treatment such as Olaplex is included

  • Whether the cut and blow dry are included

At IAAM, Donna keeps things simple by pricing balayage as one complete appointment.

It is called The Transformation.

What is included in The Transformation?

The Transformation is £205 and includes:

  • Balayage or ombré, hand painted by Donna

  • Toner to create the finished shade

  • Olaplex treatment to help protect your hair while it is lightened

  • Cut and blow dry

For thick or dense hair, the price is £220 to allow for the additional time and product required.

Everything above is included in the one price.

Why can balayage prices vary so much?

Balayage is not one standard colour service.

Someone wanting a subtle lift through naturally light hair may need far less work than someone wanting to go considerably lighter from previously coloured hair.

Hair length and density also affect the amount of colour used and the time required.

Your previous colour history matters too. If you have used dark colour, particularly home colour, Donna may need to see your hair before confirming what can safely be achieved in one appointment.

That is why comparing balayage purely by price can sometimes be misleading.

Why does balayage take a whole appointment?

Good balayage should not be rushed.

Donna paints sections of the hair individually to create a softer transition between your natural colour and the lighter areas.

Once the lightening stage is complete, toner is used to refine the shade and create the finished colour.

The cut and blow dry then bring the whole look together.

IAAM is a one to one salon, so Donna looks after you throughout the appointment. From your consultation and colour application through to the toner, cut and final blow dry, you will not be passed between different stylists.

How often does balayage need refreshing?

One of the reasons balayage is so popular is the way it grows out.

Because the colour is blended rather than starting with a strong line at the root, regrowth tends to look softer than traditional highlights.

Some clients refresh their balayage every three or four months while others leave it considerably longer.

It depends on how bright you like your colour, how quickly your hair grows and the look you want to maintain.

If you also colour your roots, Donna may recommend a Root & Tone appointment at £95 between full colour appointments.

This includes root colour, toner and a short hair blow dry.

Donna can talk you through the best maintenance plan for your hair during your appointment.

Do I need a consultation?

If you are unsure whether balayage is right for your hair, a consultation is the best place to start.

Donna can look at your existing colour, talk through the result you would like to achieve and explain what is realistic for your hair.

If you are new to IAAM, or have not had a colour service within the last six months, you will also need a skin allergy test at least 48 hours before your colour appointment.

It is quick and it is there to keep you safe.

Balayage or highlights?

They can create very different results.

If you are trying to decide between them, read Donna's guide to balayage vs highlights, which explains the difference and who each option tends to suit.

Frequently asked questions

How much is balayage at IAAM Bournemouth?

The Transformation is £205, or £220 for thick or dense hair.

Does the balayage price include toner?

Yes. Toner is included along with Olaplex, a cut and a blow dry.

How long does balayage last?

There is no fixed timescale. Some clients refresh their balayage every three or four months while others leave longer between appointments because the colour grows out softly.

Do I need a skin test?

If you are new to IAAM, or have not had a colour service within the last six months, you will need a skin allergy test at least 48 hours before your appointment.

Ready to talk about your colour?

If you are thinking about balayage but are not sure whether The Transformation is right for your hair, start with a consultation with Donna.

She can talk through the colour you would like, your existing hair and what can realistically be achieved before you commit to the appointment.

IAAM is a boutique home salon on Oswald Road in Moordown, Bournemouth.

Donna works Wednesday to Friday, with late appointments available on Thursdays until 8pm.

Book online or email hello@iaam.co.uk.

Contacts

hello@iaam.co.uk

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