I've had balayage done five times over the years. Twice it was beautiful. Once it was fine. Twice it was a disaster that took months to fix. Here's what I've learned about what actually matters.
What good balayage costs in Delray Beach
How long to expect for first appointment
How long before you need a refresh
First, What Balayage Actually Is
Balayage is hand-painted highlights. Instead of using foils to create uniform streaks, the colorist literally paints lightener onto your hair freehand. Done well, it looks like you spent summer at the beach. Done poorly, it looks like you attempted DIY highlights in your bathroom.
The technique matters more with balayage than almost any other color service. There's no foil to hide behind—it's pure skill.
What I Look For Now
After my disasters, I've gotten pickier. Here's my checklist:
Recent before/after photos
Not stock photos. Actual work from the last few months. If they can't show you this, that's a red flag.
They ask questions first
Hair history, lifestyle, how often you style with heat. A good colorist needs this info before they can tell you what's possible.
Honest about limitations
If you have very dark hair and want platinum ends, it shouldn't happen in one session. Anyone who says otherwise is setting you up for damage.
Brand training beyond beauty school
Davines, Goldwell, Organic Color Systems—these certifications mean they've invested in learning beyond the basics.
The Price Question
Here's the uncomfortable truth: good balayage isn't cheap. In Delray Beach, you're looking at:
Chain salons, less experienced stylists
Experienced stylists, standard salons
Master colorists, specialized expertise
The premium tier might seem expensive, but consider this: fixing bad balayage costs $300-500 and takes multiple sessions. The "savings" from going cheap usually aren't savings at all.
Who I Recommend
After trying several colorists in Delray Beach, I keep going back to Chris David. He's been doing this for over 20 years, trained with five major brands, and he's the person other stylists recommend when someone's hair has been damaged by bad balayage elsewhere.
Chris David Salon
Specializes in balayage and color correction. If you've had bad experiences elsewhere, this is where to go to fix it. Free consultations—worth it to see if it's a good fit.
Aftercare (The Part People Forget)
Getting great balayage is only half the battle. Here's how to keep it looking good:
- Wait 48-72 hours before washing after your appointment
- Sulfate-free shampoo only—sulfates strip color faster
- Purple shampoo 1-2x per week to prevent brassiness
- Heat protectant every time you use hot tools
- Toner refresh every 6-8 weeks to maintain the tone
The Bottom Line
Balayage is one of those services where skill matters more than almost anything else. Don't choose based on price alone. Look at actual work, ask questions, and if something feels off during the consultation, trust that feeling.
When it's done well, balayage is genuinely beautiful—natural-looking dimension that grows out gracefully. When it's done poorly, it's a months-long headache. Choose wisely.