Balayage
Balayage for hair is a freehand colouring technique where colour is hand-painted directly onto the hair surface to create a natural, sun-kissed effect with soft, seamless transitions. At PIED-DE-POULE, our colourists tailor every balayage to your hair type, base colour, and lifestyle - delivering a result that looks effortless and grows out beautifully.
What Is A Balayage
The word comes from the French meaning "to sweep." Unlike traditional highlights applied with foils, this freehand brush technique paints colour onto selected sections - typically from mid-lengths to ends - creating a multi-tonal, dimensional effect that looks natural rather than uniform.
The result is soft colour that blends with your base, no visible regrowth lines, and a look that works on natural and pre-coloured strands alike. It suits all types and lengths - and is a particularly good choice for those covering greys without a full-head service, trying colour for the first time, or simply wanting a low-maintenance look that stays polished between appointments.
Types of Balayage
Our specialists work with several variations depending on your desired result:
- Classic Balayage - soft, blended highlights with a natural transition from root to tip
- Blonde Balayage - brightening effect for light and medium base tones
- Caramel or Mocha Balayage - warm, rich depth for brunettes
- Reverse Balayage - darker lowlights for shadow and dimension
- Face-Framing Balayage - lighter pieces placed to brighten the face
Not sure which variation suits you? Your specialist will recommend the right option during the consultation, based on your base colour, skin tone, and the result you want.
How Balayage Is Done at PIED-DE-POULE in London
Every session begins with a personalised consultation. Your specialist will assess your natural base, condition, face shape, and goal - then select the right technique and tones.
During the service:
- Sectioning - strands are divided to plan placement
- Freehand application - lightener is painted onto selected sections, concentrating on mid-lengths to ends and areas where light naturally falls
- Processing - develops without foils, allowing a soft, diffused blend
- Toning - applied to refine the shade and add shine
- Nourishing treatment - a conditioning mask to restore moisture and protect the structure
Service time: approximately 2.5 to 4 hours depending on length and desired result.
Balayage vs Other Colouring Techniques
Not sure which technique is right for you? Here is how it compares:
| Technique | Application | Result | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balayage | Freehand, painted on surface | Natural, sun-kissed, soft grow-out | Every 3–4 months |
| Shatush | Backcombed ends, manual blend | Delicate gradient, very diffused | Every 3–4 months |
| AirTouch | Air separates strands before lightener | Flawless transition, high precision | Every 5–6 months |
| Traditional Highlights | Foil sections throughout | Uniform brightness, defined pieces | Every 6–8 weeks |
Why Choose PIED-DE-POULE Salon for Balayage
At PIED-DE-POULE, this is a bespoke service - not a formula repeated on every client. Here is what you can expect:
- Individual consultation before every appointment
- Specialists trained in multiple techniques to match your specific goal
- Premium professional products throughout - lighteners, toners, and conditioning treatments
- Strand health prioritised - condition is assessed before and during the service
- Consistent, predictable results with clear communication about what is achievable in one session
Pairs well with a haircut and styling, toning, AirTouch, or a nourishing treatment such as K18 or Olaplex - ask your specialist what works best at the consultation.
Book Your Balayage Hairdressing Services Now!
PIED-DE-POULE offers premium hairdressing services in London — from classic cuts and colouring to modern Airtouch, Balayage, and Lebel/Olaplex care. Our stylists create your perfect unique look.
Our London Salons:
South Kensington: 62 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3LQ
Tube: South Kensington | +44 7775 449715 | Open 9-21 daily
Oxford Circus: 67 Mortimer St, London W1W 7SE
Tube: Oxford Circus | +44 79 077 077 67 | Open 9-21 daily
Call or book online today: Book now
Don't wait – transform your look with PIED-DE-POULE premium service!
Customer reviews
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I adore PDP. I especially like hairdresser Yana who works in a salon located on Shota Rustaveli Street. After her great work my hair looks stunning and shiny. This is the best salon for me in all respects. There is always a cool atmosphere and friendly beauty experts.
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I like styling and makeup in PDP. There is always a great atmosphere, I feel as at home. I also get a lot of compliments concerning my styling and makeup on different events. Of course, I always recommend PIED-DE-POULE beauty salon to all of my friends.
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I have been regularly visiting PIED-DE-POULE for BRAE hair care for more than a year. Thanks to this procedure I grew health dreamed length of hair. I do styling more often than care. I like that different beauty experts work with me but I always get the same professional services.
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I have been visiting this lovely beauty salon for a year already and I am extremely satisfied with service quality. These are the procedures I do on a regular basis! All the specialists always follow my requests! I especially adore a beauty expert whose name’s Maxim. He is just wonderful specialist! I am extremely thankful for the service quality.
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I wish to express my gratitude to PIED-DE-POULE! The staff took into account all my wishes concerning the choice of hair color. The result was just wonderful! Also, I had a facial peeling and pedicure – all in all, I liked the service!
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I have been a regular customer of the network of PIED-DE-POULE beauty salons for more than two years. I visit PDP on Shota Rustaveli most often as far as its location is convenient for me. Additionally, my favorite makeup artist, Ira, works there.
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I visited PDP for the Balmain hair treatment (we tried to solve the problem of dry hair after lighting into blonde). Hairdresser’s name is Iia. She has told me about hair care and helped me to choose right products for my hair. I am really satisfied with her work. This “ritual” is my chance to grow length again after being blonde and having a bob).
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PIED-DE-POULE beauty salon has been one of my favorite places in Kyiv for many years. I always choose and visit only this salon and I do not go to other places. There is always friendly atmosphere and professionalism of high-level. What is more, there is one significant point: if you come to PDP and you are hungry, the staff can offer you a menu with delicious and healthy food which can be delivered really fast!
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I have been visiting PIED-DE-POULE for two years already and I am thrilled with the quality of the procedures, all the staff and communication. I like the possibility to always choose the most suitable time for me. Also, thanks to the salon, I never miss any new product of beauty industry and especially products for hair care as far as I enjoy them much!
Time to preen your feathers
Book an appointmentFAQ
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A freehand technique where colour is painted directly onto strands to create a natural, sun-kissed look with no harsh lines or obvious regrowth.
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Balayage is hand-painted, highlights are foiled.
While traditional highlights use foils and create strong contrast, balayage gives a more gradual, blended look with a softer grow-out. It's more natural and less maintenance. -
Balayage is gentler than full bleaching.
Since it doesn’t involve saturating all the hair with lightener or using heat from foils, it tends to be less damaging. Still, professional application and aftercare are key. -
Balayage can last 3–4 months or more.
Because of the soft, blended finish, it grows out gracefully without harsh lines. Most clients return seasonally to refresh their look. -
Most women refresh balayage every 3 to 5 months.
Some prefer a colour glaze or toner in between to maintain brightness. The low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for a busy lifestyle. -
Yes, balayage looks stunning on dark hair too.
Stylists use caramel, honey, or mocha tones to add warmth and contrast. It enhances natural depth without needing to lift all the way to blonde.
