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Can you balayage without bleach? | Abingdon | Didcot | Wantage | Oxfordshire

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

📞 CALL: 01235 534705
new-post EMAIL: [email protected]
marker 4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Hair Salon Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:


10 am

3:30 pm


11:30 am

7:30 pm


10 am

6 pm


9 am

4:30 pm

Can you balayage without bleach in Abingdon

Balayage is one of our most popular colour services due to for its natural, sun-kissed appeal. It’s also by far and away the most popular choice for clients seeking a hair colour for the first time, with the primary attraction being something that is easy to manage and low maintenance. When it comes to balayage, many clients often wonder whether it’s possible to achieve this look without using bleach and what the differences are between bleach and hair colour.

In this blog, we’ll explore whether balayage can be achieved without bleach, when bleach is necessary and what impact bleach and any key differences between bleach and colouring techniques.

For more information visit our balayage service page. Finally, if you’re new to the salon and not sure how to get the most value from your next appointment, need a consultation or would value a conversation before booking, call or send a WhatsApp message on 01235 534705.

cool blonde balayage ombre
balayage ombre with cool blonde

Balayage without bleach FAQ's

Can you balayage without bleach?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to achieve a balayage without bleach. The longer answer is that it’s not always the best option, nor will every client be able to achieve a balayage without bleach so it really requires a considered approach to determining which is the best option (bleach or colour). Your options will be determined by the overall look that you are going for, health of hair and the starting point of your hair. Case in point and as a rule of thumb, colour (tint) cannot lighten colour (tint), so if your hair is already coloured either in full or in part having used a tint, your sole option to balayage your hair is using bleach only. Bleach is highly effective when lightening hair (which we need to do in order to add sun-kissed ends). Balayage without bleach is most effective when hair is virgin where no other hair colours coexist which may negatively influence your new application of balayage. However whilst bleach can still be used effectively on virgin hair, tinting virgin hair in balayage form works best for those who want a subtle, tonal enhancement rather than a dramatic lightening effect. For example, if you have medium brown hair and want caramel colour, a stylist can use hair colour to create a soft balayage.

When balayaging without bleach, your stylist will take advantage of a hair colouring and deposit between foils for a softer and more subtle finish. While this method is gentler than using bleach, it has limitations. Hair colour alone cannot lift the hair significantly, typically only one to two levels lighter than your natural shade so if you seek a more understated result, this is a sound option.

When do you use bleach to balayage?

Bleach is often necessary when the goal is to achieve a much lighter colour, or when lightening over an artificial colour. For example, if you have black hair and seek a dark blonde, bleach is your only option. Very simply, a tint deposited onto black hair wouldn’t achieve the necessary lift. Unlike hair colour, bleach can lift the hair several levels (there are 10 levels in total, numbered 1 to 10), allowing for more dramatic contrasts and lighter tones.

Bleach often works in tandem with toners, bleach does the heavy lifting of lightening hair whilst toners are used to ‘grab’ to bleach to neutralise, offer balance and allow the recipient to select their colour. 

When do you not use bleach to balayage?

When you have virgin hair and you seek something more subtle, you can avoid using bleach when balayaging. Some clients do prefer not using bleach usually for marginally improved maintenance or through fear of using bleach and subsequent damage however most balayages make use of bleach regardless whether your hair is virgin or otherwise coloured.

Bleach may not be necessary if you are looking for a subtle enhancement rather than a bold transformation. For example, if you have light brown or blonde hair and want to add warm, golden highlights, hair colour can achieve this without the need for bleach but if you have existing colour in your hair then bleach would be the only option available to you in order to change to a lighter colour.

Colour aside, clients with fragile or highly damaged hair may also be advised against using bleach by their stylist should they have concerns. In such cases, a course of aftercare and in-salon treatments might be recommended and in some cases gentler hair colour alternatives that better support hair health.

What is the difference between bleach and colour when balayaging?

The primary difference between bleach and colour lies in their lifting capabilities and their impact on the hair. Bleach performs a different function and it’s important to distinguish that bleach isn’t a hair colour rather is used to lighten hair by removing pigment from hair. Bleach in some cases can lift up to 9 levels making it possible to achieve blondes among other lighter shades. The downside is that increased exposure or use of bleach if not applied by a professional in a controlled environment can compromise hair.

Hair colour, on the other hand (tint) is defined by a level and colour. For example, an ash blonde is deposited directly onto the hair without bleach lifting slightly on virgin hair. This makes it ideal for creating soft, natural-looking balayage effects, especially on lighter hair.

Another difference is the aftercare required. Hair that has been bleached may need more intensive maintenance and while largely unnoticeable, longer term you may benefit from in-salon intensive treatments to ensure your hair is looking and feeling great. As a rule of thumb, hair coloured without bleach tends to require less upkeep, making it a more manageable option for clients.

Conclusion

Under the right circumstances, balayage can be achieve with or without bleach however what can be achieved using bleach or hair colour to achieve your desired balayage will be visually quite different from one to the next. It’s important to decide what is most important to you; subtlety, lightness or condition of hair. If you are unsure or need advice, we offer in-salon consultations to support any decisions whilst working through your options. 

If you are feeling lost in what could work best for you, leave it to us. Our consultations work through any question you might have, logistics and we too make recommendations based upon your lifestyle and hair type.

Opening in 2018, our space is now one of the busiest. Our creative team are celebrated for their signature haircuts, hair colour, perms, blowdries and more.

📞 CALL: 01235 534705
new-post EMAIL: [email protected]
marker 4 EAST ST. HELEN STREET, OX14 5EA

Opening Times

Tuesday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Wednesday-Thursday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Friday
First Appointment
Last Appointment

Saturday
First Appointment:
Last Appointment:


10 am

3:30 pm


11:30 am

7:30 pm


10 am

6 pm


9 am

4:30 pm

Want to know more about balayaging hair without bleach?

Complete the below and a staff member will contact you at the earliest opportunity with further information about how we can help you with your hair extensions appointment. Any questions, call or send a WhatsApp to the salon on 01235 534705 or book your appointment online.


Want to know more about how to achieve a balayage without bleach?

As one of the best hair salons for balayage in Oxfordshire, we would love to discuss your plans with you! To book your hair appointment or consultation, get in touch with Wisteria Avenue Hair Salon by booking online or calling us on 01235 534705.

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