Balayage is the reason most of our color clients find us. It's the technique that changed hair color from stripey and high-maintenance to soft, sun-kissed, and made to grow out beautifully. At Stellar Style in Sausalito, every balayage is hand-painted by a colorist who trained on set for editorial and film work — which means the placement is thought about, the tone is dialed, and the finish looks like light, not product.
Below is everything you need to know before you book — what we offer, how we do it, and what your appointment will look like.
Hand-Painted Color, Made to Grow Out Beautifully
Balayage translates from French as “to sweep.” That's the technique — sweeping lightener onto the hair by hand, without foils, so the color melts naturally into your base. The result is dimension that mimics the way real hair lightens in the sun: brighter around the face, softer through the mid-lengths, deeper at the root. There's no hard line when it grows out, which is why balayage clients typically come in every three or four months instead of every six weeks.
We paint every balayage from scratch, based on your hair's density, texture, tone, and how you actually wear your hair day-to-day. Nothing is templated. Two clients with the same starting color will leave with completely different balayage, because the placement is designed around your face and your life.
Our Balayage & Highlight Services
Every service below is quoted starting-from — final pricing is confirmed at your consultation based on hair length, density, and time required.
Full Balayage
The complete service. Hand-painted lightener from mid-shaft to ends, with placement around the face for brightness, plus a custom toner to set the exact shade. Includes a wash, deep-conditioning masque, and blowout. Ideal for a first-time balayage, a seasonal refresh, or a significant lighter transformation. Book 3-3.5 hours.
Partial Balayage
Focused on the face-framing pieces and the top layer of your hair — the sections that show most in a mirror and in photos. Lighter time commitment, gentler on the wallet, still delivers real dimension. Ideal for maintenance visits between full services, or for clients easing into lighter color. Book 2-2.5 hours.
Traditional Foil Highlights
When you want more defined ribbons of color, or you need faster lift on darker or resistant hair, foils are the right tool. We use foils selectively — often in combination with balayage — for clients who want a brighter, more classic highlight look. Book 2.5-3 hours.
Babylights
Very fine, closely-placed highlights that create the soft, natural blonde look often seen on children who spend summers outside. Time-intensive because every section is small. Ideal for clients who want a delicate, expensive-looking blonde without stripes. Book 3-3.5 hours.
Ombre & Sombre
A gradient from your natural base at the root to lighter ends. Ombre is more dramatic; sombre is softer. Both are painted freehand, both grow out cleanly, both look best on medium-to-long hair.
Root Melt & Color Refresh
A quick service between full balayage visits. Melts your root color into your existing balayage so the grow-out reads intentional rather than overdue. Also useful for softening old highlights that have gotten too harsh at the root. Book 60-75 minutes.