Balayage in Pretoria: with roots or without roots?
Whether you need balayage with roots or without roots depends mostly on your regrowth and your base colour, and your stylist confirms the right option at a consultation. At the Soma Blow Wave Bar in Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, balayage without roots starts at R910 and with roots at R1 280, both priced by length.
What is balayage?
Balayage comes from the French word for sweeping. Instead of weaving fine sections into foils, the stylist paints lightener or colour onto the surface of the hair by hand. The colour is usually heavier towards the ends and softer near the root, so the result typically looks more graduated and sun-lit than a classic highlight.
Because the placement is freehand, balayage often grows out more gently. There is no sharp line where the lightened hair meets your natural colour, which is a big part of why people choose it.
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
Traditional highlights are placed in foils, usually from close to the root, in a regular pattern. That gives more even, defined brightness from top to bottom. Balayage is painted on, tends to start lower, and gives a softer, less uniform effect. Neither is better; they suit different goals. If you want brightness right up to the parting, foils are often the better tool.
How much does balayage cost in Pretoria?
At the Blow Wave Bar, both balayage options are priced by hair length. Balayage is not listed for short hair, so the menu starts at medium.
| Service | Short | Medium | Long | Extra Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balayage Without Roots | Not offered | R910 | R1 180 | R1 440 |
| Balayage With Roots | Not offered | R1 280 | R1 540 | R1 770 |
Prices are for the colour service. On any of the above services, add a Blow Wave for R200 and a cut and Blow Wave for R290.
What does balayage with roots usually mean?
Salons use these labels in slightly different ways, so treat this as a general guide rather than a definition of our menu. In many salons, a "with roots" balayage includes colouring the root area as well as painting the lengths. That might be to cover regrowth, to blend grey, or to deepen the root so the lighter pieces stand out.
Your stylist will explain exactly what the With Roots option on our menu includes before you book it.
Who is balayage without roots usually for?
A balayage without root colour is often chosen by people who are happy with their natural root shade and simply want lighter, brighter lengths. Because the root is left alone, the grow-out is usually softer and the time between appointments can be longer. Again, your stylist confirms what the Without Roots option covers for your hair.
How is hair length measured for balayage prices?
Many salons group hair into bands such as short, medium, long and extra long, often judged against the chin, shoulders and shoulder blades. Thickness can also affect how much product and time a service takes. We do not publish exact cut-off points here: your stylist confirms your length band at the consultation, so you know the price before any colour goes on.
How long does balayage last?
Balayage is known as a lower-maintenance colour. Many people refresh it every few months, though the right interval depends on how fast your hair grows, how light the pieces are and whether root colour is involved. Root colour typically needs attention sooner than painted lengths. A toner between visits can also keep the lighter pieces from turning brassy.
Does balayage work on dark hair?
Balayage can work well on dark hair, often as soft caramel, honey or bronze pieces rather than very pale blonde. Dark hair contains more warm pigment, so lifting it a long way can take more than one session and usually needs a toner to control warmth. A realistic plan for your starting colour matters more than a single photo, so expect your stylist to talk through how light your hair can safely go in one appointment.
What happens at a balayage consultation?
A consultation is where the details get settled. Your stylist will typically look at your natural colour, any previous colour or box dye, the condition of your ends and how you wear your hair day to day. That is when they confirm your length band, which balayage option suits you, and whether a toner or a basin treatment would help.
How do you look after balayage at home?
- Use a colour-safe, sulphate-free shampoo to help slow fading.
- Wash in lukewarm rather than hot water where you can.
- Apply a heat protectant before blow drying, straightening or curling.
- Use a mask or conditioning treatment, because lightened hair is often more porous and loses moisture faster.
- Protect your hair from strong sun and chlorine, which can both shift tone.
If your lengths feel dry after lightening, ask about an Inoar basin treatment on your next visit.
Should you do a strand test before balayage?
As general good practice, many salons carry out a strand test on lightened or previously coloured hair, and a skin patch test before colour. A strand test shows how your hair lifts and how it holds up, which matters if you have old colour, box dye or a history of breakage. Mention any of these when you book, so your stylist can plan the right approach.
Booking balayage at the Blow Wave Bar
The Blow Wave Bar is inside Soma Laser & Skincare Clinic at 203 Lange St, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria. We are open Tuesday to Friday from 07h30 to 17h30 and Saturday from 07h00 to 13h00. Call or WhatsApp 083 573 0982, or email info@somalaser.co.za. Bring photos of colour you like; they make the consultation far easier.
Booking policy
- Please ensure all treatments are cancelled 12 hours in advance.
- All appointments missed without a cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
- Please ensure that you arrive 5 minutes before your appointment starts.
- Late arrivals will be charged full price & time adjusted accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How much is balayage at the Soma Blow Wave Bar?
Balayage Without Roots is R910 to R1 440 and Balayage With Roots is R1 280 to R1 770, depending on hair length. Balayage is listed for medium, long and extra long hair. Your stylist confirms your length band and the right option at the consultation, so you know the price before the colour starts.
What is the difference between balayage with roots and without roots?
In many salons, with roots means the root area is coloured as well as the lengths, while without roots leaves your natural root alone. Salons define these slightly differently, so your stylist at the Blow Wave Bar will explain what each option on our menu includes and recommend the one that suits your regrowth and goals.
Is balayage cheaper than foils?
It depends on your length and the option you choose. At the Blow Wave Bar, medium Balayage Without Roots is R910, while medium Full Head Foils are R1 420 and medium Half Head Foils are R990. The right choice depends on the result you want, which your stylist can talk through with you.
Can I get balayage on short hair?
Our menu lists balayage for medium, long and extra long hair, not for short hair. If your hair is short and you want added brightness, foils such as T-section or half head foils may suit you better. Call or WhatsApp us and your stylist can advise on the best option for your length.
How often does balayage need a touch-up?
Many people refresh balayage every few months, because painted colour usually grows out softly. Root colour tends to need attention sooner, and lighter pieces can turn brassy between visits, which a toner can help with. Your stylist can suggest an interval based on your hair growth, your colour and how you care for it at home.
