Balayage · San Antonio
Balayage in San Antonio.
Hand-painted, lived-in color that grows out softly, from the home of the AJ Method. Every balayage includes toner and a blowout, at our Stone Oak and Alamo Heights salons.
From $210Toner & blowout included
What is balayage?
Color, painted by hand.
Balayage is a hair color technique where lightener is painted by hand and blended softly away from the root, creating natural dimension that grows out gradually.
The word comes from the French for “to sweep.” Our artists hand-paint each section and process it in foil for brighter, more even lift. The difference is the blend: instead of starting brightness right at the root, it melts in softly, so the result looks lived-in from day one.
| Balayage | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | Hand-painted, processed in foil | Woven into foils |
| At the root | Softly blended away from the root | Placed close to the root |
| Look | Soft, blended, lived-in | Even, defined brightness |
| Grow-out | Gradual, no harsh line | More visible regrowth |
| Upkeep | Typically longer between visits | More frequent touch-ups |
| From | $210 | $195 |
Choose your balayage
Three ways to glow.
Where a range is shown, the price depends on your artist’s level. Your artist confirms the plan and investment before you begin.
A softer refresh
Partial Balayage
$210–230
Brightness focused through the crown, with placement tailored to the look you want, for a natural glow with less commitment. Toner and blowout included.
Book onlineFull dimension
Balayage
$250–280
Hand-painted dimension all throughout the hair, with placement tailored to the look you want, for soft, lived-in color from root to end. Toner and blowout included.
Book onlineOur signature
AJ Method Balayage
$500–550
One complete, all-inclusive appointment, designed around your face and customized to your hair. Begins with a complimentary consultation.
Discover the AJ Method
Prefer foils or all-over brightness? See full and partial highlights, babylights and bleach & tone on our service menu.
The AJ Method
Balayage, engineered to you.
Most balayage is improvised. The AJ Method, created by founder Alfredo Contrera, designs placement around your face and head shape, and customizes color to your hair type, heritage and color history. Every Alfredo James stylist is AJ Method certified.
- Created in San Antonio
- Every artist certified
- All-inclusive
Your appointment
What to expect.
Plan for a relaxed visit. A drink menu is ready when you arrive: wine, beer, sangria, cocktails, espresso and tea.
- 01
We listen first
Your artist talks through your hair’s history, your goals and how much upkeep you want.
- 02
Hand-painted placement
Lightener is painted by hand where light naturally falls, blended softly at the root and processed in foil.
- 03
Tone and care
Your color is toned to the exact shade you want, using professional color from Schwarzkopf Professional, L’Oréal Professionnel and Redken.
- 04
The finish
Every balayage ends with a blowout, so you leave with your hair finished, not just colored.
The work
Real guests. Real results.
Two salons
Balayage near you.
The full balayage menu is available at both salons, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 7pm. Spanish-speaking artists work at both.
Questions
Balayage, answered.
How much does balayage cost in San Antonio at Alfredo James?
Partial balayage is $210 to $230, full balayage is $250 to $280, and AJ Method Balayage, a complete all-inclusive service, is $500 to $550. Price depends on your artist’s level, and every color service includes toner and a blowout.
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
The difference is the blend. At Alfredo James, balayage is hand-painted and processed in foil, with brightness blended softly away from the root for lived-in dimension that grows out gradually. Traditional highlights are placed closer to the root for more uniform brightness, which usually means more frequent touch-ups.
What is the difference between balayage and AJ Method Balayage?
AJ Method Balayage is the signature technique created by founder Alfredo Contrera. Placement is designed around your face and head shape, and color is customized to your hair type, heritage and color history. It is one complete, all-inclusive appointment for $500 to $550. Discover the AJ Method.
How long does balayage last?
Because balayage is designed to grow out softly, it typically lasts longer between appointments than traditional highlights. Your artist will give you a personalized maintenance plan.
Do I need a consultation before balayage?
Balayage and partial balayage can be booked directly online. First-time AJ Method Balayage begins with a complimentary consultation. Book online.
Does balayage work on dark or brunette hair?
Yes. Balayage can add soft caramel, honey or bronze dimension to dark hair. AJ Method color is customized to your hair type, heritage and color history, so the result is designed for your hair rather than a one-size formula.
Where can I get balayage in San Antonio?
Alfredo James Hair Design offers balayage at two San Antonio salons: Stone Oak at 19178 Blanco Rd, Suite 104, and Alamo Heights at 5800 Broadway, Suite 202. Both are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 7pm, and Spanish-speaking artists work at both.
Book your balayage
Lived-in color, beautifully done.
Book online in a minute at the salon closest to you.