How to Care for Your Balayage Colour Between Salon Visits

Simple steps to keep your colour soft, fresh and beautifully blended

Balayage is loved for its soft, seamless finish and low-maintenance feel — but just like any professional colour, it still benefits from the right aftercare. With a little attention and the right products, you can extend the life of your balayage and keep your hair looking healthy and luminous between visits.

Here’s our expert advice on how to care for your balayage colour at home.

1. Choose Colour-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

Balayage often involves lightening the hair, which can make it more delicate over time. Using a shampoo and conditioner designed for colour-treated hair will help protect the tone and maintain the softness of your hair.

At the salon, we recommend the Davines MINU range — specially formulated to extend the life of coloured hair while keeping it nourished. It’s gentle enough for regular use and helps to retain shine and vibrancy, especially on lightened lengths and ends.

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2. Wash Less Often Where You Can

One of the benefits of balayage is that it grows out naturally, without harsh lines or obvious regrowth. Washing your hair less frequently will help preserve the tone and prevent your hair from drying out.

Aim for two to three washes per week if possible. On in-between days, a dry shampoo can help refresh your roots and maintain volume.

3. Protect Against Heat Styling

Blow-drying, curling and straightening can all wear down the condition of highlighted or balayaged hair over time. If you use heat tools regularly, be sure to apply a heat protectant first — it’s an essential step for preventing dryness and damage.

We also recommend adjusting the heat setting on your tools. Most hair types respond well to medium heat, and there’s rarely a need to turn it all the way up.

4. Consider a Toner Top-Up

Balayage tones can gradually shift over time — particularly if your hair is exposed to the sun, chlorine, or hard water. You might notice unwanted warmth, dullness or brassiness creeping in.

A quick salon toner is a great way to refresh the shade between balayage appointments. It helps refine the colour, add gloss, and bring everything back into balance — often in under an hour. If you're unsure whether it’s time for a toner, feel free to give us a call for advice.

5. Deep Condition Weekly

Lightened hair benefits from regular moisture and strengthening care. A weekly mask can help reduce dryness and improve softness, making your balayage feel fresh and healthy for longer.

The Davines MINU Hair Mask is ideal — it boosts colour brightness and deeply hydrates the hair without weighing it down. Use once a week after shampooing, leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly for glossy, salon-feeling hair at home.

6. Protect Your Hair From the Elements

Sunlight, sea salt, wind and chlorinated water can all affect the condition and tone of balayaged hair. If you’re going on holiday or spend time outdoors regularly, ask your stylist to recommend a protective spray or leave-in product. A loose braid or a wide-brimmed hat can also help shield your hair when you’re in the sun for long periods.

7. Keep a Regular Appointment Schedule

Balayage may be lower maintenance than traditional highlights, but it still benefits from a regular refresh to maintain its softness and structure. Most clients visit every 10 to 12 weeks for a full or half head balayage, with a toner or gloss top-up in between.

If you're unsure when to return, your stylist will be happy to create a personalised plan to suit your hair and lifestyle.

With a little care, your balayage can continue to look effortless and beautiful between salon visits. For tailored aftercare advice and product recommendations, just ask your stylist during your next appointment — we’re always here to help you get the best from your colour.