Is balayage cheaper than highlights long term?

Usually yes. Balayage costs more per appointment but you'll typically need three or four a year instead of six to eight for foils, so the annual spend often works out lower.

Can I get hair colour done at home?

Yes — FleckUP mobile colourists bring professional colour, foils and protective covers to your home across London, and do the patch test in advance.

Do I need a patch test?

For any permanent or demi-permanent colour, yes. It has to happen at least 48 hours before your appointment, so book with that lead time.

How do I cover greys without a harsh line?

A full colour close to your natural depth gives the cleanest coverage, and adding a few fine highlights softens the regrowth so touch-ups can wait longer.

All guides

Balayage vs highlights vs full colour.

Which colour service actually suits your hair, how often you'll need a top-up, and what each costs in London.

Hair guide · 6 min read

Hair — Balayage vs highlights vs full colour

The short answer

Choose balayage for low-maintenance, sun-kissed depth. Choose highlights when you want brightness through the whole head and don't mind a top-up every couple of months. Choose full colour to change your base shade or cover greys, and a root touch-up to stretch any of them further.

Hair options compared
Option	Grow-out window	Appointment	Typical London price
Balayage	3–4 months	2.5–4 hrs	£120–£250
Foil highlights	6–10 weeks	2–3.5 hrs	£90–£200
Full colour	4–6 weeks	1.5–2.5 hrs	£60–£130
Root touch-up	4–6 weeks	45–90 mins	£45–£80

Balayage

Freehand painted colour that fades softly into your natural base.

Pros

No harsh regrowth line
Fewest salon visits of any colour service
Looks natural as it grows out

Cons

Long appointment
Higher one-off cost
Not ideal for full grey coverage

Best for: Anyone who wants dimension without committing to regular upkeep.

Foil highlights

Sectioned strands lifted in foils for bright, even lightness.

Pros

Brightest, most uniform lift
Precise control over placement
Great for fine hair

Cons

Visible regrowth line
More frequent appointments
More lightener on the hair over time

Best for: Going noticeably lighter or refreshing an existing blonde.

Full colour

A single shade applied through the whole head, roots to ends.

Pros

Complete grey coverage
Consistent, rich result
Shortest appointment

Cons

Flatter, less dimensional
Regrowth shows quickly
Hard to go lighter afterwards

Best for: Changing your base shade or covering greys properly.

Root touch-up

Colour applied only to the regrowth to buy your last service more time.

Pros

Cheapest way to stay polished
Quick, easy to fit around work
Keeps ends healthy

Cons

Doesn't refresh mid-lengths
Needs repeating often
Can band if overlapped

Best for: Maintaining an existing colour between bigger appointments.

Common questions

Is balayage cheaper than highlights long term?: Usually yes. Balayage costs more per appointment but you'll typically need three or four a year instead of six to eight for foils, so the annual spend often works out lower.
Can I get hair colour done at home?: Yes — FleckUP mobile colourists bring professional colour, foils and protective covers to your home across London, and do the patch test in advance.
Do I need a patch test?: For any permanent or demi-permanent colour, yes. It has to happen at least 48 hours before your appointment, so book with that lead time.
How do I cover greys without a harsh line?: A full colour close to your natural depth gives the cleanest coverage, and adding a few fine highlights softens the regrowth so touch-ups can wait longer.

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