How Much Does Balayage Cost in Oakville?
It’s one of the first questions people ask — and it’s a fair one. Balayage is an investment, and before you book, you want to know what you’re getting into. So let’s talk real numbers, with the actual pricing from our service menu.
At Matthew Jonathan Salon in Oakville, balayage pricing depends on three things: the length and thickness of your hair, whether you go partial or full, and the experience level of your stylist. Here’s exactly what you can expect.
Balayage Pricing at Matthew Jonathan Salon
Our balayage pricing is tiered by stylist level — from Junior Stylist up to Matthew Jonathan himself. Every tier delivers beautiful, professional results; the difference reflects years of training, specialization, and colour expertise.
Partial Balayage
- Junior Stylist: $245
- Senior Stylist: $280
- Master Stylist: $310
- Matthew Jonathan: $385
Full Balayage — Short / Thin Hair
- Junior Stylist: $255
- Senior Stylist: $290
- Master Stylist: $350
- Matthew Jonathan: $410
Full Balayage — Medium Hair
- Junior Stylist: $265
- Senior Stylist: $315
- Master Stylist: $360
- Matthew Jonathan: $420
Full Balayage — Long / Thick Hair
- Junior Stylist: $280
- Senior Stylist: $340
- Master Stylist: $385
- Matthew Jonathan: $455
Full Balayage — Very Long / Thick Hair
- Junior Stylist: $295
- Senior Stylist: $400
- Master Stylist: $440
- Matthew Jonathan: $500
Freehand vs Foil Balayage — Same Price, Different Technique
At Matthew Jonathan Salon, we offer balayage using two different techniques, and both are priced the same. During your consultation, your stylist will recommend the technique best suited to your hair type and desired result.
Freehand Balayage
The classic, traditional balayage technique. Colour is hand-painted directly onto the hair, allowed to develop in the open air. This creates the softest, most natural-looking transitions and that signature sun-kissed, lived-in look.
Foil Balayage
A freehand painting technique, but the sections are wrapped in foil to develop. This gives a little more brightness and lift, which is ideal for clients who want their balayage to pop a bit more, or for hair that needs extra help to lighten evenly.
Neither technique is “better” — they simply achieve slightly different results. Your stylist will talk you through which will work best for your hair during your consultation.
What Affects the Cost of Balayage?
1. Hair Length and Thickness
This is the biggest factor. More hair means more product, more time, and more skill to blend seamlessly. That’s why our pricing scales from short/thin all the way up to very long/thick.
2. Partial vs Full
A partial balayage focuses on the top layer and face-framing sections — a great option if you want a subtle, low-maintenance refresh. A full balayage covers the entire head for maximum dimension and impact. The difference in price reflects the difference in time and product.
3. Stylist Level
Our pricing tiers reflect the stylist’s level of training and experience. A Junior Stylist has completed our in-house training programme and works under the guidance of our senior team. A Senior or Master Stylist has years of advanced colour experience. Matthew himself has over 30 years behind him and specialises in the most complex colour work.
4. Your Starting Point
If you’re starting with very dark or previously coloured hair and want a dramatic lightening, your colourist may need to do additional pre-lightening or work in multiple stages. This may add time and cost to the service, and we’ll always discuss this with you during your consultation before any work begins.
Maintenance — What to Budget for Going Forward
One of the best things about balayage is how low-maintenance it is compared to traditional highlights. Most clients come back every 3–4 months for a balayage refresh rather than every 6–8 weeks like with foil highlights. That means less time in the chair and more value over time.
We also recommend a toning/gloss service between appointments to keep your colour fresh and bright — this starts at $145.
Still Wondering if Balayage Is Right for You?
If you’re torn between balayage and traditional highlights, our guide on Highlights vs Balayage breaks down the differences in detail. And if you want to understand why balayage is priced the way it is, read Why Is Balayage So Expensive?.
Every service at Matthew Jonathan Salon includes a complimentary consultation, so you’ll know exactly what your service will cost before any work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees — just honest pricing and beautiful results.
Ready to book? Contact us to schedule your balayage consultation.
All prices are base prices and may vary depending on stylist, hair length, density, and texture. Please see our full service menu for complete pricing details.
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