Warm Glow Lived-In Blonde Balayage

Clients have never been more “in the know” about hairdresser terms—sitting in your chair, requesting a foil-count, toners, root smudges, the list goes on. But as the trusted professional, you know best on what it actually takes to achieve the lived-in color they want, with realistic maintenance needs. That’s why Denver-based colorist Sara Botsford (@sarabotsfordhair) is sharing how she packages and prices this type of service for luxury, lived-in balayage and gets them on a schedule that keeps their color fresh. 

Tap the beaker for the color formulas and keep reading for a full breakdown on what goes into this application process, plus quick tips that will help you along the way. 

How long did this total transformation take/how do you price it?

This transformation took Sara about three hours. “I call this my full lived-in color which is customized based on my clients specific needs,” she said. “The price for this is a package price which includes a haircut for $600.” 

Package Pricing: Why You Should Try It 

“Package pricing that is based on a specific goal or look removes a lot of the unknowns for the client,” Sara suggests. “They don’t have to wonder if I am going to root smudge, tone or whatever else is needed because it’s just included in the price.”

Who is the ideal client for this technique?

“I think lived-in color looks good on any client,” says Sara. “But for this particular look, I think it looks best on clients with longer hair, so you can create brightness and ribbons throughout the length. This is also really great for people who want low maintenance because it is paired with a root smudge, giving the color a lot more longevity, and time between appointments”.

What at-home and in-salon maintenance is required for upkeep?

“I always tell my clients product is essential, not an option,” says Sara. “It would be silly to invest in a luxury color and not ensure it with the proper products. At-home care is definitely going to make the color last longer, and keep their hair healthier for future appointments.”

In the salon, Sara uses Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate (ABC) 5-Minute Liquid Mask to strengthen and repair the hair, while making it easier to detangle teasylights. But this is key—she also retails this product to use at home for lasting shine, strength and repair. 

Maintenance wise, she typically recommends a gloss or toner around three months, a touchup appointment at six months, another toner at nine months, then we’re back to the full process at the year mark. “My clients really only have two larger services a year and two smaller services,” Sara adds. 

Build this easy ABC 5-Minute Liquid Mask add-on into your ticket!