Ombre & Balayage Basingstoke salon: Balayage vs Ombre – expert colour techniques for every look

Looking to transform your hair with natural, beautifully blended colour? At Marianne’s Hair Salon in Basingstoke, our experienced stylists specialise in professional Balayage and Ombre hair colour techniques, delivering soft, sun-kissed dimension or bold, graduated colour results tailored to your unique style.

Before choosing either look, it’s important to understand the difference between Balayage and Ombre and to set realistic expectations based on your hair type, length, and desired outcome. That’s why we always recommend booking a FREE consultation first – it’s your chance to get expert advice, explore your options, and discover how services like a haircut, blow-dry, or Olaplex treatment can enhance your colour experience.

Balayage vs Ombre - Marianne's Hair Salon Basingstoke

Balayage vs Ombre – which is right for you?

The best technique for you depends on your personal style, hair type, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Balayage creates a subtle, sun-kissed effect that blends naturally into your hair, while Ombre delivers a bolder, more defined contrast from root to tip. Both options work best on medium to long hair for maximum impact.

During your consultation, our experienced colour specialists will assess your hair’s condition and advise on suitability, as not all hair types or colours will achieve the desired shade in a single session.

What is Balayage? – soft, natural colour blending

Balayage is a freehand highlighting technique that creates a soft, natural, sun-kissed effect. Colour is painted onto sections of your hair to create lightness that blends seamlessly with your natural base, resulting in a low-maintenance, beautifully dimensional look.

Key benefits of Balayage:

  • Subtle, sun-kissed colour that grows out naturally
  • Customisable placement for your face shape and style
  • Less noticeable regrowth compared to traditional highlights
  • Ideal for adding depth and dimension to your hair
  • Suitable for most hair lengths, especially medium to long hair

What is Ombre? – bold, graduated colour

Ombre means ‘shaded’ in French and is a colour technique where hair transitions from darker roots to lighter ends in a more dramatic, noticeable gradient. Perfect for those wanting a statement look with a bold colour shift.

Key benefits of Ombre:

  • Striking, bold colour contrast from root to tip
  • Suitable for natural tones or creative, fashion colours
  • Less root maintenance than all-over colour
  • Adds dimension and style to long hair
  • Ideal for those wanting a dramatic transformation
  • Ideal for those wanting a dramatic transformation

Important considerations – realistic expectations

We believe in honest advice to ensure you love your results:

  • Best results are achieved on healthy, unprocessed hair
  • Colour lifting results can vary, especially on darker or previously coloured hair
  • Multiple sessions may be needed for lighter, brighter tones
  • Additional services such as a cut, blow-dry, or Olaplex treatment can help protect your hair and improve results
  • Our team will assess your hair during your consultation and advise on suitability

Price from: £95

Please note that the cost of toner, cut and blow-dry is not included within our colour treatment charges.

Balayage and Ombre FAQs

Prices depend on hair length, thickness, and the result you want to achieve. We always recommend a consultation first for an accurate quote.

Our stylists use high-quality products and can recommend Olaplex treatments to protect and strengthen your hair during the colouring process.

Balayage and Ombre work best on medium to long hair. Your stylist will advise on suitability during your consultation, especially if your hair is very short, damaged, or previously coloured.

Both techniques grow out beautifully, making them lower maintenance than traditional colour. However, we recommend top-up appointments every few months to refresh your look.

Absolutely – a cut and blow-dry can transform your finished look. Many clients combine their colour with a blow-dry or Olaplex treatment for healthier, glossier hair.

Book your consultation today

Looking for professional Ombre or Balayage Basingstoke services? Book your FREE consultation today with one of our experienced hair colour specialists.

Ombre & Balayage Basingstoke Hair Salon
“Being a dark colour for 10 years I was quite nervous to go blonde but I really wanted a change. I couldn’t have gone to a better place, very professional. The bonus also is the salon doesn’t use harmful colours either! Fully recommend!”
Samantha
“Excellent at doing hair ups! So friendly and really go out of their way to help you.”
Jodhi
“Marianne’s been doing my hair for years and knows exactly how I like it. Perfect every time!”
Heather
“Always does my hair perfectly! And my wedding hair stayed in all day and night! “
Jodie
“I love having my hair done at Marianne’s, everyone is so friendly and my hair looks and feels great each time.”
Sharon