Balayage in Edinburgh: Why Balayage Specialists at Sobo Are a Cut Above
Subtle, sun-kissed, and effortlessly flattering — balayage continues to be one of the most in-demand hair colour services in Edinburgh, and for good reason. This freehand technique adds light, dimension, and a soft gradient to your hair, creating a lived-in look that feels both fresh and natural.
At Sobo Hair Boutique, we take balayage to the next level. Our team of skilled colourists are experts in the craft, blending precision and creativity to deliver results that are completely bespoke to you.
If you’re looking for a salon that truly understands balayage in Edinburgh, here’s why our stylists are a cut above the rest.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage (a French word meaning “to sweep”) is a hair colouring technique where lightener or colour is painted freehand onto the hair to create soft, natural-looking highlights. Unlike traditional foils or all-over colour, balayage offers a more dimensional and lived-in finish that grows out beautifully with minimal maintenance.
This makes it perfect for clients wanting a low-commitment colour service that still feels luxurious and high-impact — especially when paired with professional styling and care.
Who Is Balayage For?
Balayage is a versatile technique that suits almost everyone. Whether you’re blonde, brunette or somewhere in between, this soft, painted style works beautifully on all hair types and textures. It’s ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance way to refresh their colour, add dimension, or brighten their overall look without frequent root touch-ups. At Sobo Hair Boutique, our balayage specialists in Edinburgh will tailor your colour to your skin tone, face shape and personal style – so whether you want a soft and subtle glow or a bold transformation, we’ll create a look that feels effortlessly you.
Meet the Balayage Experts at Sobo
At Sobo, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all colour. Every balayage service begins with a personalised consultation, where we take into account your hair type, condition, lifestyle, and desired finish.
Sarah has been working as a hairdresser since 2006. She’s passionate about creative colour transformations — from vivid shades to soft blondes and rich reds. She loves how a bold colour change can bring joy and confidence to a client. Her go-to tip? Always use a heat protector before blow-drying.
Heather has been in the industry since 2008 and loves that her career has taken her around the world. Her expertise lies in precision cutting, particularly complete restyles, and she brings her experience from top Aveda salons into her work at Sobo.
Annaliese has been a hairdresser since 1993. She values the strong connections she builds with clients, often working with them through years of transformations. While she’s known for her creative cutting, she also enjoys colour and hair-ups. Her key piece of advice is to choose a haircut that’s both flattering and manageable for everyday life.
Kasia has been working in the hair industry since 2011. She specialises in balayage and soft, natural-looking colours. She’s also skilled in men’s cuts and offers styling tips like drying the hair along the shaft with a nozzle for a smoother finish.
Emily began her hairdressing career in 2017 and quickly found a love for highlights and balayage. She enjoys helping clients refresh their look with new colour and always recommends a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to protect hair in between appointments.
Why Sobo for Balayage?
There are plenty of salons offering balayage in Edinburgh — but at Sobo, we take a truly personalised approach. From the initial consultation to the final finish, everything is tailored to you and your hair’s individual needs.
We create custom, face-framing colour that flatters your skin tone and complements your lifestyle. Our stylists are highly trained in both the technique and the science of colour, and we offer advanced treatments from Aveda and Kérastase to protect and nourish your hair during the process.
Whether you’re after a soft blonde balayage, rich brunette ribbons, or subtle caramel tones, we’ll help you achieve a look that feels effortlessly you.
What to Know Before Your Appointment
Balayage is a specialised colour service, and depending on your hair length, porosity and colour history, the appointment can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. We recommend booking a consultation first so we can tailor the service and give you the best possible results.
Important information:
- Patch tests are required at least 48 hours before your appointment
- Balayage must be booked with a blow dry or cut and blow dry
- We ask for 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or changes. Missed appointments or short-notice changes may incur a 50% cancellation fee
Balayage Services & Pricing
We also offer full head bleaching, toning, semi-permanent colour, and highlight services, so you can completely customise your colour journey.
FAQs
How long does balayage take?
Anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your hair’s length, condition and desired finish. We’ll confirm the timing during your consultation.
Is balayage only for blondes?
Not at all. Balayage works beautifully on brunettes, redheads, and those looking for a multi-tonal colour. It’s about adding dimension, not just lightness.
Does balayage damage your hair?
We take extra care to protect your hair’s health. Treatments like Kérastase Fusio-Dose are available to strengthen and hydrate your hair during and after the colouring process.
How often do I need to top it up?
Balayage is known for being low maintenance. Most clients return every 8–12 weeks for a refresh, though toners or glosses can be used between appointments to keep the colour looking its best.
Can balayage cover grey hair?
It won’t fully cover grey, but it can help blend greys subtly. If full coverage is needed, we can combine balayage with a root tint or permanent colour.