Rush’s Brighton salon’s most-booked colour category is all-over cherry and violet colours! This is rather than partial colouring techniques such as the balayage or money pieces. The past few years colour trends have leaned toward low-commitment, or natural-grow-out techniques such as a balayage or soft highlights. This all-over vivid colour is a deliberate move in the opposite direction; it’s a statement of full commitment.
Brighton is one of the UK’s most creative, alternative seaside cities; it’s a place where bold, self-expressive colour choices are part of the local culture and not just a passing trend.
One of our Brighton stylists said that she thinks clients are asking for full commitment over subtler techniques right now, because they are looking to make a bold self-expressive statement among such an inclusive and welcoming culture.
All-Over vs. Balayage: What’s Actually Different
I hear you asking what the difference is between all-over and balayage. Well, the all-over colour is a single-process application from root to end, versus the balayage’s hand-painted, gradient approach, which results in a flat, uniform, high-saturation finish rather than dimension.
Balayage grows out softly because the colour was never applied at the root, while the all-over colour shows regrowth as a visible line much sooner, since the whole head, including the root, is coloured.
The key consideration is commitment because all-over techniques have no “safety net” or gradient to hide fading or regrowth. The all-over colour requires a different relationship with maintenance and a clearer-eyed decision going in.
Cherry or Violet, Choosing Your All-Colour
When it comes to choosing the right colour for you, the two-colour families differ extensively; Cherry sits in the warm-to-neutral red spectrum and tends to fade toward a softer copper or brown, whilst violet sits in the cool, blue-based spectrum and tends to fade toward an ashier, sometimes grey-lilac tone.
If you are looking for warmth, richness and depth, then here at Rush we recommend you gravitate towards cherry, and those who want something graphic, cool and fashion-forward opt for a shade of violet.
What Actually Happens in the Chair
So, what should you expect within your appointment? Well, there are four main stages through an all-over colour process.
Before any colouring appointment, a skin test will be completed pre-appointment to ensure you have no skin irritations from the products.
Step 1. Consultation and strand testing: The stylists will talk through your hair type, preferences and conduct a strand test. This standard practice is conducted before any full-head vivid colour is applied. As the stylist needs to check how the hair will take the colour, how much lift is needed from the current base and that the condition of the hair can handle the colour service.
Step 2. Pre-lightening (if needed): Typically, violet shades in particular often require a lightening service first to achieve a true, vibrant result, which may mean the transformation happens over more than one appointment.
Step 3. The all-over application: Next comes the single colouring process; colour is applied root to end with even, saturated coverage as this is the goal rather than the deliberate variation used in balayage.
Step 4. Once the colour has processed, it will be rinsed out and the hair cleansed with colour-specific shampoo and conditioner.
Step 5. A toner or gloss may be applied at the backwash for additional shine or to counteract any banding (uneven bands of colour that can appear through the hair).
One of our Brighton stylists shares that for a first-time all-over transformation, an appointment could take roughly 2-4 hours and cost approximately £150 to £200 depending on the complexity of the colouring and stylist level you choose.
Living With All-Over Colour – The Brighton Reality Check
The all-over colour typically requires root attention much sooner than a balayage, since regrowth is far more visible against a flat, saturated colour. We highly recommend a colour-enhancing conditioning mask between salon visits to top up vibrancy, particularly for those violet tones, as they can drift toward an unwanted ashy or grey shade as they fade. It is also recommended that you use a protective leave-in or UV-protecting spray such as the L’Oréal Solar Sublime spray for invisible protection for those of you who swim or spend a lot of time on the beach.
Ready to Go All-Over? Book Your Colour Consultation at Rush Brighton
If an all-over colour sounds like the right fit for you, then get your all-over colour consultation at Rush Brighton booked in, and you can discuss cherry or violet ideas with one of our expert colourists.
FAQ's
What's the difference between all-over colour and balayage for cherry or violet shades?
All-over colour is a single-process application from root to end, compared to the balayage’s hand-painted, gradient approach, which results in a flat, uniform, high-saturation finish rather than dimension.
Do I need to lighten my hair before going all-over violet?
You may need to get your hair lightened by a professional, but this will be discussed within your consultation and depends on your hair type, texture and condition.
How often will I need a root touch-up with all-over colour?
This depends on the speed at which your hair grows; the frequency of touch-ups is roughly every 5-6 weeks; however, this is dependent on your personal hair.
Can I go all-over cherry or violet in a single appointment?
Most likely yes; however, this depends on your hair type and history. If your hair is naturally darker, you may need lightening before any colour can be applied.
