Mane Escape Studio · Hair Color · Near Wheeling, WV
Mane Escape Studio · Hair Color · Near Wheeling, WV
Soft, lived-in color that grows out without a harsh line. Our independent artists paint balayage, foilage and teasylights for blondes and brunettes, in a cozy studio in Benwood, just south of downtown Wheeling.
Balayage is French for "sweeping," and that is exactly how it is done. Instead of stacking foils in a tight grid, your artist paints lightener onto the surface of each section by hand. The brightness sits where the sun would naturally hit and fades softly into your root, so it reads like your own hair, only better, and it grows out gracefully instead of leaving a stripe.
Classic balayage is left open to the air for the softest possible lift. Foilage is painted the same way and then wrapped in foil so it lifts brighter, which is why many blondes choose it. Teasylights tease each section before painting for an even more seamless blend. Most guests end up with a custom mix of these, finished with a gloss or toner to set the exact shade.
Lived-in blonde. Bright face-framing pieces, a soft root and low upkeep. A favorite for anyone tired of monthly touch-ups.
Brunette balayage. A rich base with ribbons of caramel, honey or toffee. Dimension without going blonde.
Grey blending. Painted brightness that softens the line between natural grey and the rest of your color, so grow-out looks intentional.
Balayage is a great fit if you want natural-looking dimension, fewer salon visits, and color that still looks intentional at week ten. It works on straight, wavy and curly hair.
It is less ideal if you want an even, bright blonde from root to end, or if your hair is heavily compromised and needs repair first. If your ends hold old box dye or dark color, plan on a correction path, which can take more than one visit. Your artist will be honest about what is realistic for your hair today.
It starts with a consultation. Bring your hair history from the last two years (color, box dye, lightener, smoothing treatments, henna), a photo of your hair today in natural light, and three inspiration photos. Consultations are always free.
Your artist maps where the light should fall, then paints section by section, with some areas in foil for more lift. A gloss or toner sets the exact shade, whether that is creamy, golden, icy or warm caramel, and you finish with a blowout and a quick lesson on keeping it fresh.
Lightened hair is more porous, so home care matters. Use a color-safe shampoo, a weekly conditioning treatment, a leave-in and heat protection every time you style. Emily's go-to picks are Amika The Kure, Redken Color Gloss Heat Protectant Treatment and Joico Heat Hero, and the retail shelf carries Amika, Paul Mitchell, K18, Pureology and Biolage.
Most guests book lightening every eight to twelve weeks, with a gloss in between if brass creeps in. For correction, vivids and root work, see the full hair color guide.
The studio sits at 1567 Marshall St. in Benwood, just south of downtown Wheeling, with parking right at the salon. Guests come in from Wheeling, Elm Grove and Triadelphia, from McMechen, Moundsville and Glen Dale, and from across the river in Bellaire, Bridgeport and St. Clairsville.
Katie Glines paints lived-in blondes and takes on box-dye rescues. Ayla Wilson specializes in effortless, lived-in color and beautiful, low-maintenance blondes. Maddie Dean is the one for rich lived-in brunettes, teasylights and seamless root taps. Emily Campbell focuses on foilage and color correction, and Megan Helms creates soft dimensional color. Each artist sets her own schedule and books her own clients.
Both are hand-painted. Classic balayage is left open to the air for the softest, most diffused result. Foilage is painted the same way but wrapped in foil, which lifts brighter. Many guests get a blend of both, and your artist will recommend the mix that gets you to your goal.
Because it is placed to grow out softly, many guests go eight to twelve weeks or longer between lightening appointments, with a gloss or toner in between to keep the tone fresh.
Yes. Brunette balayage keeps a rich base and adds soft ribbons of caramel, honey or toffee. Maddie specializes in lived-in brunettes, teasylights and seamless root taps.
Often, yes, but it may take more than one visit. Katie regularly takes on box-dye rescues, and Emily and Ayla both do color correction. Bring photos of your hair today and your goal, and your artist will map out a realistic plan.
Yes. The studio is at 1567 Marshall St. in Benwood, just south of downtown Wheeling, with parking right at the salon. Guests also come from McMechen, Moundsville, Glen Dale, Elm Grove, Triadelphia and across the river in Bellaire, Bridgeport and St. Clairsville.
Each artist is independent and sets her own pricing, and balayage depends on your length, density and color history. Message the artist you want to see for a quote. Consultations are always free.
Ready for softer, brighter color? Book the artist whose work matches what you want and start with a free consultation.
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