Lived-In Colour and Balayage in Buderim

At The Ivy we’re known for long-lasting lived-in colour, from classic balayage to bright blondes, that grows out softly without harsh regrowth lines. We customise your colour to you and your lifestyle, so you can go as long as you like between appointments. Our salon is on Jones Road in Buderim, central and convenient for clients across the Sunshine Coast.

or call 07 5378 3172

What is a lived-in look?

A lived-in look is natural, low-maintenance colour that grows out seamlessly, with soft, blended results and no harsh regrowth line. You can go longer between appointments without feeling like you need your hair done every 6 weeks.

Balayage is one of the main techniques we use to create it. The word comes from the French for “sweeping”: colour is painted on freehand, heavier towards the ends and softer near the root, so it looks like hair lightened naturally by the sun. For more brightness we use foilayage or teased foils, where the painted sections are wrapped in foil so the lightener lifts further.

Lived-in styles we do

Lived-in balayage with a soft, natural root
Seamless, blended colour with no visible lines
Sunkissed and beachy blonde
Soft and dimensional blonde
Caramel and mocha tones for brunettes
Teddy bear blonde, a warm mix of golden and beige
Reverse balayage, adding depth back into hair that has become too light
Ombre, a stronger fade from dark to light

Not sure what to ask for? Bring a few photos you like and we’ll work out what suits your hair and skin tone at your consultation.

Who a lived-in look suits

Lived-in colour works on most hair lengths from a long bob down, and on both blonde and brunette bases. It suits anyone who wants colour that looks natural and doesn’t need a touch-up every few weeks. If your hair has previous colour or box dye in it, tell us when you book. We may need to do some colour correction first, and we’ll explain that in your consultation before we start.

How long it takes

A lightening service for a lived-in look takes between 2½ and 4 hours, depending on the service you book. We’ll give you a time estimate at your consultation, and the online booking form shows one too.

How often to come back

We can tailor your colour to how often you’d like to come in. For lived-in colour we usually recommend a lightening service every 6 months, with a toner every 3 months in between to keep your colour fresh.

Looking after your lived-in colour

Use a colour-safe shampoo such as Keune Color Brillianz to slow fading.
Book a toner around every 3 months, between lightening appointments. Hair has natural warmth underneath, and toner keeps it from turning brassy.
Use a heat protectant and keep straighteners between 150 and 180°C. Heat opens the cuticle and makes toner fade faster.
Hard water can leave a yellow or orange tint. Ask us about treatments if you notice this.
Wash every 2 to 3 days, not every day.

Lived-in colour and balayage prices

Half balayage from $231
Full balayage from $308
Toner from $61 (short hair) or $86 (long hair)

Your final price depends on your hair’s length, thickness and starting colour. We’ll confirm it at your consultation before we start. See the full price list.

Your lived-in colour stylists

These team members specialise in lived-in colour:

Tiarna: lived-in blondes and bright blondes
Cole: lightening and lived-in colour
Emma: highlighting, balayage and colour correction
Pipp: colour correction, highlights and balayage

Read more about the team on the Our Team page.

Common questions

How long does a lived-in colour appointment take?
Between 2½ and 4 hours, depending on the service you book.

How often should I come back?
We usually recommend a lightening service every 6 months and a toner every 3 months, but we can tailor it to how often you’d like to come in.

Should I wash my hair before my appointment?
No need, as long as you’ve washed it within the last 3 days and don’t have heavy product build-up.

Why is my blonde going brassy?
The usual causes are hard water, the natural warm tones in your hair coming through, and heat styling, which makes toner fade faster. A toner between appointments and a colour-safe shampoo will help.

What’s the difference between a lived-in look and traditional foils?
Traditional foils place colour in fine, even sections from the root for a brighter, more uniform result. For a lived-in look, colour is painted on freehand and wrapped in foil, so it’s softer at the root and grows out gently. Many clients have a mix of both, and we’ll recommend what suits you.

Can I have a lived-in look on dark hair?
Yes. Caramel, mocha and honey tones look great on brunettes, and foilayage gives a lighter result if that’s what you’re after.