Category: Blog
What Is Balayage? Everything You Need To Know
Ever caught yourself thinking – What is balayage? What does balayage mean? Well, balayage is a French word that translates in English too ‘to sweep’ or ‘to paint’. Essentially, it is the technique of painting the colour onto the hair to give a sun-kissed effect that mimics natural-looking highlights. 
We caught up with our Artistic Director, Allana, to see what all the hype is about.
What’s the difference between Balayage & Ombré?
“Although both are pretty low maintenance services, there are some differences between an Ombré Colour and a Balayage” explains Allana. The main difference is that Ombré has a horizontal colour application with a seamless gradient, going from dark to light. Whilst Balayage has a vertical colour application, as it’s painted on to give a naturally highlighted look. “There are many ways of doing a balayage depending on the result you want to achieve. For example, you may want your balayage to be blended quite high up towards your root or you may want the ends mainly lightened and brought midway up. This is an individual preference which will be discussed during your consultation”.
Is it better than highlights?
“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s better than highlights, it really all depends what look you want to achieve” says Allana. “A balayage is a softer, less-maintenance way to add lightness to your hair. This can be done by working with your natural hair colour at the root or alongside a root tint. Whereas if you are a client who likes a brighter, bolder result, a balayage may not be for you”.
The real principle behind balayage is to achieve the natural highlight look that we see in our hair and children’s hair. Only adding colour to the areas that would naturally lighten in the sun. Balayage also has a lot less noticeable re-growth than highlights, letting you get away with longer gaps between colour appointments.
Is Balayage popular to get in the salon?
If you have been keeping up to date on our Instagram, you’ll have noticed Balayage is definitely a trend in Edinburgh right now since salons re-opened in April.
“Since lockdown, this has been a very in-demand service within the salon. Obviously, with it being a good few months since we’ve seen our lovely clients for their colour appointments, their re-growths were a lot larger than usual” explains Allana, “This being the case many clients have decided to embrace their natural root with keeping their ends light and blended. We’ve had a lot of re-fresh balayage clients and a good few highlight clients change to a balayage in order to have a more low maintenance look”.
Is Balayage healthy for your hair?
Colouring & bleaching your hair is never going to be healthy however, balayage doesn’t require fully saturating your hair in bleach or colour dye, leaving you with healthier hair that is less processed. “Our standard highlight clients are usually 6-8 weeks for their next appointment where our balayage clients can be as little as twice a year for their full balayage application. Again, this all depends on what kind of balayage service you’re having done i.e. if you have had a root colour applied or a toner etc you will need to visit the salon more regularly for freshen ups” says Allana.
So is it for me?
We can only tell you that during your consultation!
We advise all colour services to book in for a consultation prior to their visit to the salon.
Book Online Here
Get Summer Ready with Kérastase K Water!
We’re Back and ready to get your locks Spring/Summer Ready with our Kérastase K Water Blow Dry!
We are almost a month into being re-opened and we are SO happy to be back! If you’ve been to the salon already you will have seen some of the decor changes that have taken place! With a lot of help from our Senior Stylist Sarah, we were able to bring Spring into Sobo!
Happy Hair, Happy client, and what would make your hair happier than having glass-like shine?! Kérastase K Water is an add-on treatment to your blow-dry for ONLY £5! Replacing your conditioner, the Lamellar technology instantly activates upon contact with water, and rinses off leaving a weightless fine coat, smoothing out the hair fibre, giving you shine in a flash!
Ask your stylist to add this onto your next cut and blow dry – you won’t regret it!
If you didn’t already know, our online booking is open and we encourage you to use this feature to make any future appointments. Don’t forget – if you rebook your whilst you’re in the salon you can get 10% OFF your next appointment!
Book Online
-Recent 5* Client Reviews-
“Sarah, as usual, was able to put my request into practice. My hair looks great and I feel like a new woman! Thank You!” – Shirley, 5*
“Really enjoyed my visit to Sobo, had been looking forward to getting my post lockdown haircut and they didn’t disappoint. Team are lovely, salon is very clean and covid safe, looking forward to my next visit.” – Nichie, 5*
“Brilliant as always! Brian is brilliant making me feel relaxed and safe in COVID times, my hair was fab as always!” – Audrey, 5*
“Felt wonderfully pampered. It was a real treat. Emily was easy company and I was delighted with the result” – Carol, 5*
Keep your finger on the pulse and make sure you are following us on everything social as we bring lots of transformations your way!
5 WAYS TO SUPPORT SOBO HAIR BOUTIQUE
Like many other businesses, we too have been impacted by COVID-19 and we would like to thank you all for recognising that and choosing to return to Sobo Hair Boutique.
With a possible re-opening date of the 26th April on the horizon we are really excited to welcome you all back! We understand some of you, due to your own circumstances, may not be able to visit us straight away and we encourage you to come back only when you are able to do so.
Whilst we are still closed there are lots of ways you can still support Sobo, which would mean a great deal to us, check them out below!
Buy a Sobo Gift Voucher
Whether it’s for you or someone you know, Gift Vouchers make an excellent present for Birthdays, Anniversaries etc. Not only do they support your local Salon, but they also give you something to look forward too! Purchase a voucher here
Liking & Sharing our Posts
Without getting into the nitty gritty of Marketing, liking, and sharing our posts maximises the amount of people who will see it, which will help us get new clients through the door.
Shop Hair Products Direct With Us
Do you ever walk through the supermarket, trying to decide what hair care products won’t damage your hair and will preserve your colour? Save that headache and shop with us direct, we only stock brands WE trust & use every day in the Salon, especially our Aveda Range which is 100% Vegan & Cruelty Free. Shop Direct Here
Book your next appointment in Salon
Not only do you get 10% OFF your next visit when you do this, it really helps us plan ahead, especially if there is a desired look that can only be achieved over a few visits.
Refer a friend
Do you know someone who hasn’t been to a salon for a while? Why not point them in our direction! Let them know we offer 30% OFF their first visit with us!
If you don’t already, please give us a follow on our Instagram & Facebook Pages!
Hottest Hair Trends for Autumn 2020
Summer is over and everyone has either already chopped their overgrown locks and touched up their roots or are desperately waiting too. But we sense rebellious crops coming on this Autumn 2020.
Lets take a look at the most predicted hair trends for Autumn, the Bob & the Fringe!
The Shaggy Fringe
Image Credit: Instagram – @goodnitemoonn_
This 70’s shaggy hair look is gorgeous and perfect for long and short hair. The multiple layers make this easy and effortless to pull off. Pair with our L’Oreal Savage Panache Texturising Powder Spray.
The Grown Out Bangs
A heavier fringe that doesn’t overwhelm the face, the wispy touch softens the bluntness of the bob. Autumn is going to be all about the Blunt Bob!
Image Credits: Instagram – @laurajadestone
The Curtain Fringe
Image credit: Instagram – @prettyfrowns
This bold fringe will really come into its own this Autumn. Great with long and short hair, we suggest going for a blow dry to make the most of this style!
The Messy Bangs
Image Credits: Instagram @reneesavillehair
Tapering some shorter layers to frame the face like this tousled look is very Gigi Hadid/Hailey Bieber and will definitely come into its own this autumn.
Book your appointments online or call the Salon on 0131 552 7500
For all enquiries, email info@sobohairboutqie.co.uk
What we offer at our exclusive Blow Dry Bar!
Blow-Dry Bars are soaring in popularity – and no wonder! An expert blow-dry with our Stylists will transform your hair. Whether you’re into big dramatic curls, sleek and shiny locks or tousled tresses, it’s your chance to have bold and beautiful, salon-ready hair without costing the earth.
Here are our fabulous treatments below!
| Treatment | Artistic Director | Senior Stylist |
|---|---|---|
| Cut & Blow Dry | £45 | £40 |
| Blow Dry Short | £20 | £20 |
| Blow Dry Long | £25 | £25 |
| Deluxe Blow Dry | £30 | £30 |
| Hair Up From | £35 | £35 |
| Bridal Hair (Trial) From | £65 | £65 |
| Nanokeratin Express Blow Dry (Lasts Up to 6 Weeks) | £80 | £55 |
| Nanokeratin Full Blow Dry (Includes Shampoo) Lasts Up to 12 Weeks | £150 | £150 |
| Olaplex (With a Colour Service) | £35 | £35 |
| Olaplex (With a Cut & Blow Dry) | £25 | £25 |
Deluxe Blow Dry
Our Deluxe Blow Dry includes a Cleanse, Treatment, Extended Head Massage, and a Blow Dry – perfect for treating yourself.
Nanokeratin Blow Dry
Our Nanokeratin Blow Drys gets your hair looking frizz free and manageable for 6 – 8 weeks. This treatment is perfect for weak, thinning hair and locks in colour and shine.
Olaplex Brow Dry
Our Olaplex Blow Dry is a revolutionary hair treatment that will instantly reduce breakage, and after getting it done a few times (or as recommended by your stylist) gives you softer and more balanced hair.
Book in for your next hair appointment from the details below!
T: 0131 552 7500
E: info@sobohairboutique.co.uk
Top Tips for great hair in Autumn!
Here are our top Autumn hair tips!
#1 – Keep your hair moisturised.
We recommend you use a leave-in conditioner during the cooler months, to lock in the moisture, especially for windy days. You can also rinse your conditioner out with a blast of cold water to seal the cuticles. You can also add a hair serum to your hair routine, and also use a hair mask once a week!
#2 – Book regular trims
Your hair will be a little frazzled after a Summer of sun and heat, so it’s good to book your next trim and get your hair ends looking great. You can also use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup that will have occured.
#3 – Make sure your diet is helping your hair too.
Eat lots of foods like nuts and seeds, eggs, yoghurt, and chicken, plus salmon will give your hair shine.
Do you have any other tips? Post them on our Facebook page!
Winter Trend for 2019!
We are heading into the more cooler months, and what better time to change up your hair? But instead of just switching from a lighter colour to a darker one, why not try a trend? Add a half head’s worth of highlights, or do a Full Head tint!
We have highlighted our favourite trends going into Winter and thought you might enjoy them too!
- Blunt Bob
We called this months ago, and now the trend is fully in sight. A blunt bob conveys elegant, shiny hair that looks expertly done. Why not speak to one of our stylists to get a recommendation on a straightener that achieves this look?
2. Bedazzled Hair Pins
This trend is PERFECT for Christmas parties and events. It is low maintenance but gives a sense of ‘done’ hair. We love that you can use shapes and words to send a message – and we have seen a few brides wearing them too!
3. Space Buns
For when you want to be practical, yet fun, space buns are a fun way to be playful with your hair. You can go for the full 90s look and have tendrils down at the front, or wear scrunchies! We dare you to try this fun trend.
What’s your favourite trend so far this year?
Everything You Need To Know About Fusio Scrub!
We love our new Kérastase Fusio Dose Scrub – this is the perfect treatment to give your hair the best start. We did a little Q&A for you to find out more!
Q&A: Everything You Need To Know About Fusio Scrub
Here, we answer all of your questions about how you can harness the invigorating power of this sensual, deep cleansing treatment.
Q1: What is scalp exfoliation?
Only our latest hair care obsession! We’ve always been very mindful of scalp health as the root of healthy hair. Maintain a healthy scalp with a little help from a detoxing, pore-stimulating scrub. Your hair will be more likely to reach its longest, strongest, most luscious state.
Q2: Why should I exfoliate my scalp?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This reveals the newer, more vital skin below. Although the body naturally replaces dead skin cells with new ones, the process can be slow and uneven. Exfoliation from the outside really helps the skin with this crucial process. It removes oil, dandruff and deeply encrusted dirt. It detoxifies the scalp and stimulates the skin’s natural renewal process, revealing shinier, more voluminous hair. The effect is visible from the roots all the way to the tips.
Kérastase introduces Fusio Scrub, a range developed to deeply cleanse the scalp and the hair from pollution particles. It’s a new efficient gesture to answer today’s main hair concerns: greasy scalp, dandruff and lifeless lengths.
Here are the two scrubs you can choose from!
Scrub Apaisant
A relaxing gel scrub with sweet orange peel that deeply cleanses the scalp while instantly calming sensitivities & retaining optimal level of hydration.
Scrub Energisant
An energising sea salt based scrub that deeply cleanses the scalp while eliminating deeply incrusted impurities & providing long lasting freshness.
Book in for your own from the details below!
T: 0131 552 7500
E: info@sobohairboutique.co.uk
Tips to make your Child’s Haircut go smoothly!
We love being a part of your child’s first haircut!
We know your little one can find it hard to sit still sometimes or feel uncomfortable with unfamiliar settings so we have compiled a list on what can be done to make this experience fun for everyone!
1. Deal with the sensitivities. Start by allowing your child to recognise their sensitivities. Give them words to identify their feelings, and let them know you notice and acknowledge their discomfort.
2. A visit to the salon. How about simply visiting the salon before the first appointment? You could ask the stylist to just comb their hair or give a partial trim. You could also schedule the appointment for a time of day when your child will be less tired or hungry.
3. Go shopping together. Take your child to the store with you and let them pick out their favourite hairbrush, shirt to wear as a cape and their favourite hair grooming products. It will help them calm down and decrease frustration.
4. Put on some music. Or in this case… their headphones. Not only do they block the noise, but they can also take the edge off of their anxiety. They can wear the headphones “upside-down” or use earbuds if they prefer, instead.
5. Bring food. Use comfort foods or treats as a distraction to help them.
6. Relaxation techniques. Think about activities that can help them relax, such as taking deep breaths before and during the event. It can work wonders!
We hope you find these helpful. Why not book in with us from the below details?
T: 0131 552 7500
E: info@sobohairboutique.co.uk
Kérastase Nutritive Lait Vital – perfect for Normal to Dry hair!
Our Kérastase Nutritive Lait Vital is designed for normal to dry hair.
Infused with an Irisome complex and glucose proteins, the conditioner replenishes fibres from root to tip, detangling and softening to leave strands silky and supple with enhanced shine.
- Hair feels nourished and soft, without feeling weighed down
- Nourishes and softens the fibres without adding weight
- Enhances brightness
- Hair feels intensely nourished
- Protects hair from oxidisation
Pop into the salon to purchase your own or buy from our online shop HERE