What is balayage, and how is it different from highlights?
Balayage means the color is painted onto your hair by hand. The light looks softer and blends up toward the root, so the grow-out line is usually less noticeable than with all-over color.
Highlights are done section by section, usually in foil. They give a more defined, even result that starts closer to the root.
You don't need to know which one to ask for. Bring photos of what you like and Lina will tell you what suits your hair and the look you want.
What happens at the appointment, and how long does it take?
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If this is your first color with Lina, start with a color consultation
It's a short visit: you talk through your idea, Lina checks your hair and gives you a price.
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On the day
Lina goes over your inspiration photo and your hair with you. She may ask for a strand test before your first color. It's done in person.
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Application and processing
Lina applies the color section by section and checks it while it works.
Balayage and highlights take a while. Plan on 3 hr to 4 hr, depending on your hair length. Lina confirms the time when you book. If your hair has a lot of old color on it, it may take more than one visit.
Since it's a long appointment, please give us 48 hours' notice to change or cancel, so Lina can offer that time to someone else. See our appointment policies.
How to prepare and what to bring
- Inspiration photos: two or three photos of color you love. If you have one of something you don't like, bring that too. It really helps.
- A photo of your current color: in daylight, if your hair looks different in person.
- Your color history, in person: tell Lina at the appointment about any box dye, henna, smoothing treatment or other chemical service in the last few months. There's no need to send us that through the website.
- For the wait: eat something first, bring your charger or something to read, and wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little color on.
Have dark dye or box color on your hair?
If your hair has dark dye, box color or a few colors layered on top of each other, start with a color consultation. Lina checks your hair and tells you honestly what can be done, how many visits it might take and what it would cost.
Sometimes a color correction makes sense first, and that is always booked after the consultation. Nobody can tell how light your hair will go before seeing it in person, so we won't promise a shade until Lina has checked it.
Caring for your color afterward
A hydration and shine treatment is one way to care for color-treated hair. At your appointment, ask Lina how to look after your color at home and when to come back.
Services for your balayage
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Highlights and balayage
Light and dimension made for you. Bring an inspiration photo.
Options: Short hair, Medium hair, Long hair
- Time
- About 3 hr to 4 hr
- Price
- Price on consultation
- How to book
- By appointment
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Color consultation
We talk through your idea, check your hair and quote a price.
- Time
- About 20 min
- Price
- Price on consultation
- How to book
- By appointment
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Color correction
For big changes or fixing a color. Starts with a consultation.
- Time
- About 4 hr
- Price
- Price on consultation
- How to book
- Starts with a consultation
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Hydration and shine treatment
Moisture, repair and shine for your hair.
- Time
- About 45 min
- Price
- Price on consultation
- How to book
- By appointment
When a price says "Price on consultation", Lina confirms the full price before she starts. No extra fees.
Real work
Real work from Lina is coming soon, only from clients who gave us their permission. In the meantime, see more on Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
Don't see your question? Call or text us.
How much does balayage cost?
Price on consultation. It depends on your hair's length and thickness and on your current color. Lina gives you the full price before she starts, with no extra fees.
How long is the appointment?
3 hr to 4 hr, depending on how long your hair is. Lina confirms the time when you book.
Can it be done in one visit?
Lina will tell you at the consultation, based on your hair. If you're starting from dark color or box dye, it sometimes takes two visits or more.
How light can my hair go?
It depends on your hair and what's been done to it before. At the consultation Lina explains what's possible and what to expect, before anything starts.
Do I need a consultation before I book?
We recommend one if it's your first color with Lina, if you want a big change or if your hair has dark dye on it.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. We see clients in Spanish and in English.
Ready to talk about your balayage?
Call or text us at (323) 706-9866 and we'll tell you how it works. Spanish and English spoken, by appointment in Northridge, Los Angeles.
By appointment in Northridge, Los Angeles, CA 91324 · Spanish and English spoken
See recent work on Instagram and Threads: Instagram @lpbeautyla (opens in a new tab) Threads @lpbeautyla (opens in a new tab)
California-licensed cosmetologist and barber