--- title: "Full Head Balayage in Birmingham | Merluza Salon" description: "Full head balayage at Merluza in Birmingham for soft, blended brightness and seamless grow out. Freehand painting, toner included, finish polish." canonical: "https://www.merluzahairandbeauty.co.uk/services/balayage" --- ![Studio portrait of a woman with long, wavy balayage hair and neutral makeup on a taupe background](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fwavy-balayage-hair-portrait-neutral-background.jpg%3Fv%3D1762257141233&w=1536&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Hair Colour # Balayage - Full Head By Quotation 1 Patch Test Required [Book](https://book.frively.com/salons/abff0ec6-8d33-4fd5-9de5-9108f9581517/book) Merluza’s full head balayage is a bespoke, freehand lightening service that builds a soft gradient from mids to ends, refined with a tailored gloss. We design placement around your face shape, undertone and haircut so the colour flatters in real life and on camera, then finish with a polished blow dry. We welcome all hair types and textures. A patch test is required at least 48 hours before colour. If your hair has previous colour or needs a large lift, we may run a strand test to plan safely and accurately. ## What’s Included A complete, customised balayage experience that prioritises condition, tone and a seamless grow out. - Consultation and hair assessment - Patch test check, strand test where needed - Freehand lightening on targeted zones for natural brightness - Toner or gloss to refine shade and add shine - Optional root shadow for extra blend - Professional blow dry and finish - Aftercare plan and maintenance schedule ### Who It’s For Clients who want sun‑touched lightness with soft, low maintenance regrowth. Ideal if you prefer a lived in finish rather than uniform highlights. Works on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair. If you wear darker permanent colour or need a big lift, we may stage results over more than one visit to protect integrity. ### Duration & Appointment Timing This service is booked in 1 hour blocks. Most full head balayage results require 3 to 4 blocks depending on hair density, length and starting shade. First time colour guests must complete a patch test at least 48 hours before the appointment. Please arrive with dry, detangled hair and avoid heavy oils on the day. If timing is tight, ask for a pre visit consult so we can map the right number of blocks. ### Aftercare & Maintenance Cleanse with a colour safe shampoo, condition mid to ends and use heat protection every time you style. Mask weekly and shield from UV to reduce fade. Plan a gloss and tone refresh every 8 to 16 weeks, with a larger balayage refresh at 3 to 6 months depending on growth and brightness goals. If you keep cool tones, a purple or blue wash can help between salon visits. [Book](https://book.frively.com/salons/abff0ec6-8d33-4fd5-9de5-9108f9581517/book) ## Client Reviews 5.0 Based on 1 review - B Beatrice Sheldon > It was an incredible experience from start to finish! Valerie and her team are truly outstanding — their service, skill, and attention to detail were exceptional. I felt so well looked after throughout. I highly recommend Merluza and can’t wait to return! ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a patch test for balayage at Merluza? Yes. All oxidative colour services require a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment, even if you have coloured before or are switching brands. How long does full head balayage take? We book in 1 hour blocks. Most full head balayage services need 3 to 4 blocks, depending on length, density, starting shade and desired lift. A pre visit consult can confirm timing. Will balayage work on dark or curly hair? Yes. We adapt placement and product to your texture and starting level. Very dark or previously coloured hair may need staged sessions to reach lighter tones safely. What maintenance does balayage need? Expect a gloss and tone refresh every 8 to 16 weeks, with a bigger lightening refresh every 3 to 6 months. Use colour safe care, weekly masking and heat protection to preserve tone. What is the difference between balayage and highlights? Balayage is hand painted for a soft gradient with diffuse roots. Highlights use foils for brighter, more uniform lift at the root. We can combine both if you want extra brightness. Patch Test Required [Book](https://book.frively.com/salons/abff0ec6-8d33-4fd5-9de5-9108f9581517/book) ## Available Team Members These team members perform this service - ![Valerie, founder of Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, smiling in the salon – expert stylist with decades of experience in cutting and colour.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fvalerie-founder-merluza-hair-beauty-hall-green-48x48.png%3Fv%3D1745508908583&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Valerie Director [View](/team-members/valerie) - ![Ela, Creative Director at Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, Birmingham – specialist in beautiful colour work and professional styling with over 30 years of experience.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fela-creative-director-merluza-hall-green-hair-colour-expert-48x48.png%3Fv%3D1745510037532&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Ela Creative Director [View](/team-members/ela) - ![Close-up selfie: short dark hair, trimmed beard, slight smile, black shirt, plain light wall](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fcloseup-selfie-short-dark-hair-beard-48x52.jpg%3Fv%3D1773223472224&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) James Creative Director [View](/team-members/james) - ![Zoe, stylist at Merluza Hair & Beauty in Hall Green, Birmingham – passionate about creating beautiful, confidence-boosting hair styles for every client.](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fzoe-stylist-merluza-hall-green-birmingham-hair-expert-48x48.png%3Fv%3D1745511020286&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Zoe Artistic Stylist [View](/team-members/zoe) - ![Woman with dark hair wearing black top and large white fabric rosette, holding brochures](/_next/image?url=%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fwoman-black-top-white-rosette-brochures-48x62.jpg%3Fv%3D1773223471562&w=96&q=75&dpl=dpl_DEc4fGhEc1SCRZZutzoEsRuDy1CJ) Rose Senior Stylist [View](/team-members/rose) ## Related Services Complete your experience with these services - Full Head Tint £75•90 min [View](/services/full-head-tint) - Extended Regrowth Tint (1–2 Inches Regrowth) £55•2 hrs [View](/services/extended-regrowth-tint-1-2-inches-regrowth) - Regrowth Tint From £48•30 Min [View](/services/regrowth-tint) - Toner From £40 - £60•15 Min [View](/services/toner) Show more services - The Blonde Clinic £250•3 Hrs [View](/services/the-blonde-clinic) - Shampoo, Cut & Finish From £65•60 Min [View](/services/shampoo-cut-and-finish) - Shampoo, Restyle & Finish From £75•75 Min [View](/services/shampoo-restyle-and-finish) - The Classic Blowdry From £30•30 Min [View](/services/the-classic-blowdry)