Partial Balayage Is the Gorgeous Look You Haven't Considered

If you’re looking to switch up your mane with a new hair color, chances are good you’ve considered adding some dimension to your strands with the help of highlights. While you’re likely already familiar with the popular low-maintenance highlighting option known as balayage, your acquaintance with partial balayage highlights is less guaranteed. Yup, the balayage technique can be used to paint partial or full highlights throughout your mane. Want to learn more about this subtle hair color trend? We’re sharing everything you need to know below.

PARTIAL BALAYAGE VS. FULL BALAYAGE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

You’re likely wondering: Should I get full or partial balayage? What’s the difference? In order to explain the difference between these two balayage highlight methods—and help you pick the best option for your mane—allow us to dive into the details on both partial and full balayage.

WHAT IS PARTIAL BALAYAGE?

Partial balayage uses the same hand-painted highlighting technique you know and love, but involves painting highlights onto one area of your mane, rather than throughout your hair. Typically, partial highlights are placed around the face or on the top layer of your hair with a focus on the ends. The is an ideal option for those who want to add subtle definition to their strands.

HOW LONG DOES PARTIAL BALAYAGE TAKE?

While the time varies based on the shade of your balayage highlights and the length of your hair, you can typically expect to spend around 45 minutes at the salon when getting a partial balayage service.

HOW MUCH IS PARTIAL BALAYAGE?

As with any salon service, prices can vary based on the location of your salon and the experience of your colorist. That being said, a partial balayage generally ranges from $70 to $150.

WHAT IS FULL BALAYAGE?

Need some clarification as to what a full balayage service is? As you can probably guess, a full balayage color service involves having your colorist hand-paint highlights throughout your entire mane. This is an ideal option for those who want an all-over lightened head of hair without the constant maintenance that comes with root grow out.

HOW LONG DOES FULL BALAYAGE TAKE?

Since full balayage involves your colorist hand-painting highlights throughout your entire mane, it takes a bit longer than partial balayage. You should expect to be in the salon for around three hours when getting this highlighting method done.

HOW MUCH IS A FULL BALAYAGE?

As far as cost goes, you can probably guess that full highlights will be more expensive than partial balayage. Depending on where you go and how much experience your colorist has, you can expect to spend between $200 and $500 for all-over balayage.

HOW TO CARE FOR PARTIAL BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

It’s no secret that color-treated hair requires special care, and the same goes for partial balayage highlights. To keep your newly highlighted mane looking its best, take the following into consideration:

Tip #1. Use an anti-brass hair care system. Since balayage highlights involve bleaching your hair, you’ll want to make sure your mane doesn’t become brassy over time. Swap your go-to shampoo and conditioner for a duo that’s formulated to neutralize brassiness. If you have blonde balayage, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner.

Tip #2. Treat your strands to a hair mask. Your highlighted mane deserves some extra TLC, and using a hair mask is the perfect way to treat your strands. A few times a week, swap your conditioner for a mask. Blondes will love the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment, which instantly neutralizes unwanted brassiness while intensely nourishing over-processed hair.

Tip #3. Schedule touch-ups in advance. Eventually, your partial balayage will grow out and need a refresh. Book your next appointment with your colorist after leaving your first to ensure you won’t have to wait when touch-ups are needed.

Next up: Want to learn more about different highlighting methods? Head on over to our article, Hair Highlights: Foils vs. Balayage vs. Foilayage, to do just that.