Men’s Balayage & Highlights in Perth: Best Barber Techniques, Pricing, Aftercare

Ever scroll through Instagram and see guys with effortlessly cool, sun-kissed hair? We’ve got you. Many Perth men wish they could add subtle highlights or blend out greys without obvious regrowth lines or damage. The solution is professional balayage and highlights for men – soft, natural-looking colour that grows out gracefully.

As a top men’s barber in Perth and colour specialist for men, Barber Nation helps guys achieve that look.

In this guide we’ll explain what balayage vs highlights is, who it suits, our step-by-step colouring process in salon, pricing and aftercare tips. Also, you’ll get to know why we’re Perth’s best barbers for men’s hair colour.

Let’s get started to level up your look and style.

What is Balayage & Highlights for Men?

Balayage and highlights are advanced colouring techniques used to add dimension to men’s hair.

Balayage is a freehand method where the stylist hand-paints colour onto the hair in a sweeping, graduated fashion. This creates a soft, blended, sun-kissed effect with no harsh foils or obvious root lines.

In contrast, traditional highlights for men use foils or a cap to lift selected strands from root to tip, creating crisper, higher-contrast streaks or overall lightening.

These hair treatments are tailored around things like beards, hair texture and grey blending.

Who it suits:

Balayage works on all hair types and textures; highlights are great for clients wanting bold, even coverage or to cover grey. Also good for beards as the same colour can be used to subtly tint a grey beard to match.

Men with fine, straight hair mostly choose balayage because the added highlights create volume and natural flow Those with wavy or curly hair find balayage brings out shape and definition while reducing frizz. Men who want to soften facial features or blend grey strands can use lighter hues around the face and temples. For example, cool-toned guys suit ashier, lighter babylights, while warmer complexions look great with golden or caramel highlights.

Overall, expect a subtle, lived-in result: soft highlights and low-contrast tones that age well and require minimal upkeep.

When to choose balayage

Choose balayage if you want a natural, low-maintenance look. It’s ideal for guys who prefer grown-out colour without clear roots. Balayage suits longer hair or anyone who wants gradual face-framing highlights. Because the regrowth is blended, touch-ups are infrequent.

When to choose highlights

Opt for traditional foil highlights if you want crisp, high-contrast streaks or a dramatic colour change. Foil highlights are great for achieving pale blondes or platinum sections on dark hair, since foils allow more lift. They also work well on shorter hair when you need the colour applied closer to the scalp.

Different Ways to Highlight Men’s Hair

Highlighted hair isn’t just frosted tips anymore. There are several modern techniques, each with a unique look. Here are the most popular options for men:

1. Balayage: A freehand technique where the colourist paints highlights onto the hair in sweeping, graduated sections. This creates a very natural, sun-kissed effect. Balayage is ideal for men who want a low-maintenance style, since the highlights grow out seamlessly without harsh lines.
2. Foil Highlights: The classic method. Sections of hair are wrapped in foil along with the lightener to create structured, uniform streaks. This gives a bolder, more defined contrast between your base colour and the highlights. Foil highlights allow you to lift hair several levels (for example, dark brown to blonde) with precision.
3. Babylights: Very fine, delicate highlights painted in tiny slices of hair. Babylights mimic the subtle highlights kids get from the sun. They add a gentle brightness and depth while looking extremely natural. This technique is perfect for men who want a subtle change. It works best on finer hair.
4. Ombre: A gradient technique where the hair gradually fades from a darker root to lighter ends. Ombre is high-contrast and eye-catching, especially on longer hair. It creates a clear dark-to-light fade with no colour at the roots.

Here’s a quick comparison to make it easy for you to scan:

Each method creates a different effect, from subtly lived-in to dramatic. A skilled colourist will recommend the one that fits your hair length, texture and desired look.

Our Balayage Process for Men — Step-by-Step

• Consultation & goals:

We start with a sit-down. Your barber will discuss your desired look, show you samples, and examine your hair. We set goals and choose a colour tone (warm, cool or neutral) that complements your skin.

• Sectioning & freehand painting:

We section the hair (top, sides, back) and begin hand-painting the lightener. Using a balayage brush, we paint colour onto selected mid-lengths and ends, concentrating on strands around the face for “frame” highlights. This freehand approach ensures no two sections are the same, giving that natural gradient. Sometimes we use the foilyage technique; painting colour then wrapping pieces in foil for extra lift.

• Lift, tone & bond repair:

After painting, we let the colour develop to reach the desired level of lightness. Once it’s lifted enough, we rinse and apply a professional toner to neutralise any brassiness or add a final cool/warm shade.

During both bleach and tone, we use bond-repair products (like Olaplex or similar) and hydrating serums to protect and strengthen the hair. This keeps your hair healthy despite the chemical process.

• Cut & finish:

With the colour set, we give you a fresh cut or trim to blend and shape the hair. Any excess lightened ends are snipped away and layers or texture added for movement.

Finally, we style your hair (and beard, if needed) with quality products like Layrite pomades or creams. You’ll see the full effect of the new highlights in the mirror – usually a natural, multidimensional look.

Duration: A full balayage appointment takes about 3–4 hours from start to finish (colouring and cut).

Our Highlights Process for Men — Step-by-Step

• Consultation & assessment:

Similar to balayage, we begin by discussing your hair history and goals. We decide how many foils or slices to use, and which technique (full foil highlights or partial foilyage) will achieve your desired contrast.

• Foilage/Foil placement (slicing):

For traditional highlights, we section the hair and place fine or medium slices into foil.

Foilage means we may alternate painted sections with foil. Each foil gets bleach or lightener applied from roots to ends, depending on how much lift you want. We mostly frame the face with brighter foils to accentuate features. This step creates those crisp lines of light.

• Processing, toning & repair:

The foils are left to process until we hit your target level of lightness. Then we remove the foils and rinse out the product. Next, we apply a toner or hair dye to blend the highlights to your chosen shade.

As with balayage, we use bond-building treatments during this stage. A conditioning mask or leave-in serum may be applied to keep the hair strong and shiny after lightening.

• Cut & finish:

After rinsing and drying, we proceed with your haircut. We blend highlighted strands with layered or textured cutting. Then style you with pomade or paste to show off the new dimension. If any blond/brassy tones remain, we give a quick spray toner or gloss for a silky sheen.

Duration: Foil highlight services usually take 2–3 hours or more if many foils are used.

Balayage or Highlights: Which One Is Best for My Hair / Beard / Skin Tone?

Here’s a quick checklist to help decide:

• Desired look: Want natural, sunlit highlights? Choose balayage. Want visible blonde streaks or all-over lightening? Go with foil highlights.
• Hair length: Balayage works beautifully on medium to long hair. For very short hair, foil highlights may be easier for lifting near the roots.
• Beard/Grey coverage: If your goal is to blend greys smoothly, a hand-painted approach (balayage with toned-down highlights) can subtly mask them. Foil highlights or a demi-permanent tint all over might be better for uniform grey coverage in shorter beards.
• Skin tone: Cool-toned skin usually pairs well with ash or neutral highlights or balayage; warm skin looks great with golden or honey tones. In a consultation we’ll match your highlight colour to your complexion.

Not sure? Consult with us at Barber Nation. Our hair colour specialists will assess your hair, beard and style goals, then create a custom plan to get you the look you want.

Pricing Guide: What Men’s Highlights Cost in Perth

Here are typical price ranges (A$) to help you budget — local prices vary by salon, hair length and lift required.

Typical price ranges in Perth:

• Partial highlights cost around $100 – $150.
• Half-head / simple balayage (short to medium) ranges from $150–$200.
• Full-head balayage / corrective colour costs $250+.

What affects the hair treatment cost:

• Hair length, thickness and desired lift (dark → blonde costs more)
• Number of foils or amount of hand-painting (balayage vs full head)
• Toner, bond-repair treatments and deep-conditioning add-ons
• Corrective or extra-lightening work increases time and price

Balayage Aftercare & Maintenance: Keep Your Colour Looking Fresh

Taking care of your new highlights ensures they look great for longer.

• Right after your appointment, avoid shampooing or heavy sweating for 48 hours as it lets cuticles settle and toner set.
• Use a sulfate-free, colour-safe shampoo & conditioner to prevent fading, e.g., American Crew 3-in-1. Rinse with cool/warm water as hot water strips pigment faster.
• Use purple/blue shampoo once a week for blondes to neutralise brassiness.
• Use salon-grade hair care products for best results.
• Deep condition or bond-builder weekly to restore moisture and strength.
• Minimise heat (low blow-dry setting) and use a heat protectant when styling.
• Wear a hat or apply a UV-protective spray outdoors.
• For beard & skin care, use a gentle beard wash and beard oil e.g., Proraso Beard Oil to keep hair soft. Also, use a soothing aftershave e.g., 21 Shaving Glide after trims.
• Get toner refresh every 6–8 weeks to maintain tone.
• Get full touch-up / assessment: after 8–16 weeks depending on contrast and growth.
• Book a short colour check if you notice brassiness or uneven fade as small fixes save time and cost later.

Tired of your old hair colour and want a fresh change?

Don’t settle for flat, dull looks when Perth’s leading men’s barber and hair colourists are here to help.

Visit Barber Nation: Get the Best Balayage & Highlights in Perth

Barber Nation is a Perth’s best men’s barber shop for balayage & highlights with 17+ years’ experience. Our licensed barbers and certified colourists specialise in men’s hair colour, from classic greys and tints to bold blondes and balayage.

We use only premium brands and have won a reputation as one of the top men’s barbers in Perth. Whether it’s a subtle ash-grey blend or a dramatic bleach-job, our team will customise it for you. We’ve got online booking and friendly stylists waiting.

Just call 1300022723 or go online to pick any f our six barber shops in Perth; Rockingham, Morley, Karrinyup, Maddington, Midland or Innaloo, to get the full hair colour services.

Book Your Appointment Now

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between balayage and regular highlights?

Highlights are usually applied in defined slices (with foils or a cap) to lift strands from root to tip for a more structured, higher-contrast look. Balayage is a freehand painting technique that places lighter tones mainly on the mid-lengths and ends for a softer, sun-kissed, blended finish and more natural grow-out.

Q2: Which lasts longer, highlights or balayage?

Balayage typically lasts longer because the blended application makes regrowth less obvious. Expect 12–16 weeks between refreshes for balayage, versus 6–8 weeks for traditional highlights, depending on contrast and hair growth.

Q3: What is a reverse balayage?

A reverse balayage adds darker lowlights or root-shading to lightened hair to introduce depth, soften brightness, and create a more natural, lived-in finish with less obvious demarcation.

Q4: Do men get balayage?

Absolutely. Balayage isn’t just for women. It’s a classic hair colouring technique for both men and women. Men can get natural-looking, sun-kissed highlights with balayage just like anyone else.

Q5: How much do men’s highlights cost in Perth?

Men’s highlights or balayage in Perth can cost around $100–$300. Short hair and partial highlights start at the lower end ($100–$150), while full-head or premium balayage services can reach $200–$300. Factors like hair length, number of foils, toners and corrective treatments affect the price.

Q6: Is balayage safe on men’s hair?

Yes. When done by a professional with quality products, balayage is very safe for men’s hair. Our colourists use protective bond-building treatments to preserve hair health. Just make sure it’s done in a salon. At home bleaching can be risky.

Q7: Can you do grey blending for men?

Definitely. We specialise in blending out grey hair with highlights or lowlights. By using warm or ashy tones and painting them into grey strands, we softly neutralise the grey. This “grey blending” technique looks very natural on men, especially when combined with a fade or taper. Our colourists tailor the formula to ensure a seamless, modern grey look.