@stephanie_stylist
This color melt is reminiscent of chocolate peanut butter swirls and it’s just as irresistible too. Super loose waves give this style enough body and movement. The gorgeous color scheme looks just as stunning on straight hair as it does on loose waves.
Balayage is a French hair coloring technique where the color is hand-painted onto the hair, unlike the traditional highlighting methods. This freehand approach creates a more natural, modern look with smooth transitions between shades – whether you’re going for blonde, brunette, red, or even trendy pastel and neon tones. Read on for ultimate balayage color inspiration and stay on top of hair trends!
@cris_cobucci
Long hair, tumbling curls and caramel highlights make for a timeless combination. A variety of beautiful V-cut layers will add movement to locks and emphasize the warm undertones running throughout. Sophisticated and stylish!
This hairstyle looks stunning with touches of golden bronde on the smooth waves. Wear it wavy for special occasions or go sleek and straight for a different vibe – either way, this color job will have you looking amazing.
@southmarksouth
Every hair color works with balayaging strands – dark hair included. It’s all about finding the right hue to complement your natural locks and the vibe you’re aiming for. If you want something a bit more subdued and understated, opt for an ashen brown to lighten up your look.
@kellymassiashair
One can never go wrong with a classic Cali girl hairstyle. Platinum blonde complements ashy brown tones beautifully, creating a sun-kissed, girl-next-door vibe. Paired with a V-cut, this color works wonders on fine hair by boosting its volume and dimension.
@hairby_gabbs
Thanks to the hand-painted technique, hair can look like a true work of art, full of dimension and beautiful color blends. The mix of shades is so captivating – it’s impossible not to admire all the stunning tones. A wavy finish really brings this masterpiece to life.
@glamhairbymarie
If you’re after color ideas for brown hair, ash blonde is a great way to brighten things up. A dramatic center part with waves cascading over the shoulders makes for a lovely date night look.
@frances_hairartist
A smattering of super-fine highlights can create a beautifully subtle effect. Ask your colorist to paint luscious honey hues around the face and lightly through the lengths, focusing on where the light naturally hits.
@prettylittleombre
Brunette with rich caramel tones is a truly gourmet combo! It’s especially flattering on warm complexions, and the long, glossy waves look like silky caramel cascading down. This hairstyle is sure to turn heads!
@lifewiththedehners
Forget the foils and try balayaging your mane at your next salon visit. This clever contouring technique gives hair a naturally sun-bleached look. Here’s a great idea for dishwater blondes: add icy streaks to break up the darker dirty blonde base. To keep brassiness at bay, use a purple shampoo at least once a week.
@soraverly
Going lighter from black hair takes a bit of extra care, since it’s such a dark shade. Bleach can be tough on your strands, but with lightweight oils and nourishing treatments, your hair can stay shiny and healthy. Honestly, just a subtle lift with chocolatey highlights is enough to make a stunning statement.
@coloredbycaitlin
Natural brunettes — if you don’t want a completely new hairdo but still want to change up your look, freshen your style by lifting your color to the delicious bronde pictured here. It’s a low-risk update that looks especially current on medium-length hair.
@aimee_cuts_and_dyes
Ombre hair is still beautiful and stylish, but it’s gradually fading in popularity due to its dramatic contrast. For something that feels more God-given than salon-made, opt for a subtle balayage ombre that will enhance your features without overwhelming them.
@hugosalon
Silver hair isn’t going anywhere! Accentuate a millennial grunge wardrobe with gray brunette balayage. There is a high contrast between the two tones, but a skilled colorist can seamlessly blend both into each other.
@hellobalayage
If you love the idea of lighter ends but want to incorporate the trendiest coloring technique, go for balayage ombre. In this particular look, the beach waves seem to melt towards the ends – the most relaxed look ever!
@johnnyramirez
Do something different and try a metallic bronde balayage on your long hair; it’s an easy way to try a statement color while remaining sophisticated-looking. Any updo is sure to show it off and you’ll definitely stand out!
@hairbyamybee
Balayage highlights can be as subtle or bold as you desire. The more contrast between dark roots and light ends, the more dramatic the look. To keep it more refined, stick to the best hair color for your skin tone.
@hairbyjpark
Brunette balayage can have as many varieties as you can imagine. If you prefer a natural look of sun-faded locks, caramel and blonde tones are a worthy choice. Those shades can breathe new life into your hairstyle.
@kccarhart
Rich, food-inspired hues like chocolate and caramel make for an irresistible color combo. With a chocolate brown base softened by caramel highlights, this look is absolutely fuss-free and flattering. The undone waves placed throughout also keep this look modern and fresh.
@jobi_hair
A bob cut is super cute on its own and flatters most face shapes. A mix of dark brown, light brown, and golden blonde shades can really bring out the beauty of this style. Concentrate the lighter shade at the tips for a cool contrasting look.
@saloncouture_ny
How gorgeous is this caramel highlighting? If you want to break up very thick brown hair, illuminating streaks can add dimension and movement. Hints of amber and rose gold complement brown and black hair, offering a great transitional shade if you’re planning to go lighter in the future.
@amy_ziegler
This gorgeous color job is the perfect example of blonde and brown shades melting seamlessly into one another. To recreate the look, ask your stylist to include honey, creamy beige, and platinum hues into the mix for a sublime finish.
@hdresseronfire
These tresses boast a beautiful blend of hues that are impossible not to admire. The trick to this ‘do is using shades that suit your skin undertone and blending high-contrast colors through transitioning hues like caramel and copper in this example.
@sharchang
There is something about the blonde and brown color combo that feels easy and natural. Teaming a balayage with a medium hair cut enhances that casual feel even further. Throw in some bangs for an added texture and depth.
@raylorojohair
Ladies with short hair, spice up your bob by dyeing tips a caramel or sandy shade. Highlights that have a reddish nuance flatter deep brunettes amazingly. It’s a great option for women who are looking to grow out their short manes, too!
@erinstonerstylist
Lighter shades sprinkled throughout your curls bring out your curl pattern beautifully. The texture and mix of dark and light shades draw the eye into a mane of never-ending depth. The lightest highlights accent the curls to make them look even fuller and shinier.
@colorbycon
Straight hair is a neat canvas for all the beautiful colors. Even though there aren’t big curls and lots of texture, there is no shortage of movement. The dark roots help to amplify this effect, creating a polished finish.
@whitneyd.hair
You can be subtle and still stylish. The faintest highlights keep the hair from feeling flat and break up the dark brown color. Plus, loose waves dial up the cool factor and give the hairstyle some fullness.
@prettylittleombre
Bronde, the hybrid of blonde and brown, is not only great for the indecisive but also rich in color. The stunning shades make this look easy to wear all day and night.
@colorbycon
Nothing enhances your fresh color quite like a glossy finish. That sheen is always a sign of healthy and strong hair. It’s as simple as applying a lightweight oil or hair serum to get that glow in an instant. To bring even more life to your hair, add wispy layers for movement.
@hairbyraquell
This color melt is reminiscent of chocolate peanut butter swirls and it’s just as irresistible too. Super loose waves give this style enough body and movement. The gorgeous color scheme looks just as stunning on straight hair as it does on loose waves.
@stephanie_stylist
If you are looking to add some oomph to your tresses, but not too much, a subtle contrast of browns is the way to go. The lighter ends almost create a sun-kissed appearance.
@stephanie_stylist
Balayage doesn’t have to be dramatic or overly noticeable – sometimes, it’s as simple as subtly illuminating your hair with light brown tones and just a pinch of color.
@sammiiwang
Sometimes deep brunettes hesitate to try highlights, since they are often done with light blonde shades. A big tone gap between the highlighted strands and base color can sometimes look outdated. These days, effortless hair is in, so opt for a few hints of caramel to brighten your complexion!
@jadergeneroso
The bright blonde highlights really make the light brown hair pop. Add richer color near the face to brighten up your skin tone and for a more noticeable effect. Whether worn straight or with waves, this hairstyle is sure to draw admiration!
@carleejo.locks
Brunette hair really pops when you opt for warm-toned copper and gold highlights. These shades bring richness to the brown base. When you don’t have a lot of length to play with, adding highlights is one easy way to stand out from the crowd with a simple hairstyle. Perfectly messy waves are another go-to.
@mikaatbhc
Gray hair has been trendy among young women for several seasons now, and it shows no sign of slowing down. This balayage starts with a classic blonde and fades into a playful purple-gray that’s as bold and fun as your superhero vibes.
@hairbykacie1
Reddish brown tones are a super popular choice for balayaing your locks. You can start with a deep chocolate brown or dark burgundy base and add bold caramel highlights, finishing with a touch of blonde to really make the colors pop.
@salonalexandriachs
Want a budget-friendly and uber trendy look? Money piece is a great way to experiment with color without fully committing to an all-over change. The face-framing strands that are one or two shades lighter will illuminate your face and leave you feeling fabulous.
@styledbycarolyn
Turns out, chocolate and cherry make a killer combo for your hair too. The deep tones are a bold twist compared to the traditional bronde looks. And that sharp A-line cut takes the vibe to the next level.
@texasbalayage
Platinum ends don’t always have to be stark when teamed with a dark base. When the highlights are blended well, from the roots to the ends, the hairstyle comes across as fresh, cool, and not over-the-top.
@catherinelovescolor
Babylights are a relatively new technique, perfect for a refined appearance. A slightly more mature version of balayage, babylights are a fantastic option for older women or those who prefer understated locks.
@hairbykatlin
An angled lob is a fabulous cut for all ages! Calling all fashionistas who have a desire to chop off their locks – this youthful blonde balayage style is chic and low-maintenance!
@chrismcmillanthesalon
With the ability to place highlights more freely and seemingly randomly, balayaging can brighten up any color or style. If your hair is dark, request chocolate, auburn, or honey colored streaks to keep things looking natural.
@singi.vo
When deciding on the color scheme for your balayage, dark brown hair offers plenty of options. With blonde hair, you can’t go too much lighter. However, the deeper your natural hue, the more shades you can experiment with. Mix your chocolatey locks with golden and caramel highlights for a toasty, chic hairstyle.
@goddamneddavid
The good thing about highlights is that no matter what hair type you have, from pin straight to curly, an optical illusion of movement is created. On textured messy hair, particularly, golden blonde tones give off a carefree beauty vibe.
@amhair_
Dark roots not only give this cut depth, but they also make it easy to maintain as it grows out. You don’t need to stick to your routine 6-week touchups. All you need is to keep your big and loose waves fresh with a wide-barrel curling iron.
@mane_ivy
Cinnamon makes for a stunning addition to dark hair. The lighter pieces really help the layers stand out, creating an effortless, feminine style that is modern without appearing overdone. Ask your stylist for highlights that start from the temple and angle backwards to the nape level.
@blondiemobilesalon
Tired of espresso brown hair? Why not try a sprinkle of gorgeous burned caramel highlights? Introduce them slowly, with just a handful of fine streaks placed through the front. It will not only create a beautiful face-framing effect, but also look luxurious and cool simultaneously.
@mallonyfarias
The best dye jobs are the ones where all the colors beautifully melt into each other and seamlessly blend together. As stunning as the mélange of shades is, it’s important to have a good haircut to match. Have your stylist incorporate layers for movement, especially if you have long hair.
@kellynaso
Find yourself having a hard time committing to light or dark hair? Your conundrum is over. Brown and platinum hair can actually coexist on the same head thanks to our dear friend, balayage. Start with your natural shade at the roots to make maintenance a breeze.
@simplicitysalon
The subtlety of your tresses transitioning from brown to blonde is what makes the hand-painting technique so magical. It’s much more refined and elegant than its predecessor, the classic ombre. The piecey highlights melt together in this luscious mane, giving the already full-bodied hairstyle even more dimension.
@muhamed_balasiev
The medium brown blend with smears of dark honey, streaks of flaxen blonde, and occasional chocolate ribbons in between creates a complex color that won’t be so easy to duplicate. This color solution is particularly flattering for tanned skin.
@chrisgreenehair
Incorporating blonde into brunette hair has never been easier, smarter, or more beautiful. Of course, it’s easy for those experienced with the technique, as it requires blending the lightest blonde shades through muted golden brown strands. Focus the lightest shades around the face for a flattering frame.
@domdom
A modern textured bob worn effortlessly in loose tousled waves always wins from subtle touches of color called to enhance the texture and dimension of your hair when you wear it undone.
@peypaintshair
Medium-length cuts often get overlooked in favor of sassy short or lusciously long hair. Embrace your in-between length with some flattering bangs and a head-turning color. Shades of brown with blonde tips make for a gorgeous palette.
@corynneylon_hair
It’s not the common streaking. The major benefit of this dye technique is creating dimension in the hair. If you enjoy being a brunette, opt for medium-toned brown balayage, remaining on your natural dark brown base. This color will look beautiful on medium-length wavy layered hair.
@rachelringwood
A high-contrast ombre is a stylish way to blend brown and blonde hair. The dark hair from roots to midshaft and the light tips actually make the strands appear longer by drawing the eye downward. This is a great option for those who would like to lengthen a round face shape.
@raylorojohair
For those who like their total look to be a little edgy, pick a color palette that is high in contrast. Platinum highlights against the near-black roots are super bold. Want to take it one step further? Pair the balayage with the sharp angles of an asymmetrical bob. Keep things somewhat soft and feminine with easy waves.
@mikaatbhc
There are several tricks to making medium-length hair look its best. First, start with a killer cut with lots of layers and texture. Then, make sure you throw in some complementary coloring to show off those layers. Lastly, finish with some fun loose curls to set off the cut and color.
@romeufelipe
This is an exquisite example of how subtle this coloring technique can get. Whether you like your base color or you’re nervous to experiment with heavy highlights, slightly lightening the tips and face-framing strands gives enough of a look update.
@hairbybrae
If you’re aiming for a more neutral look, try this: a dark brown base underneath, medium browns blending into light ash tones at the ends, with delicate streaks of bronde scattered throughout for a soft, natural vibe.
@hairby_chrissy
Say goodbye to flat color with soft honey blonde highlights. Upgrading a shorter, choppy cut with delicate streaks feels modern and cool. Add some understated waves, and you’ve got a winner.
@hairbyliaa
This mix of browns looks adorable on shaggy waves. It’s truly an art to create a blend that appears so natural, yet remains sophisticated and exquisite. A woman who prefers to keep her beauty efforts under wraps will love this look.
@hairby_chrissy
This hairstyle effortlessly adds depth and dimension to the hair. Hairstylist Kristen Ewing gave her client “a mix of warm and neutral tones while still keeping the brightness we worked so hard for.
@kristen.lumiere
If you prefer a more natural look, start with a medium shade of brown and add in very subtle beige highlights focused around the face and blurred towards the back. The change is just enough to introduce some interest without looking like you’ve done much to change your hair color. A slightly messy straight-wavy style finishes the effortless vibe.
@mizzchoi
A mix of light brown and blonde pieces is an extremely popular choice. Why? Because it can be tweaked to suit just about anyone. Ask a stylist you trust for their expert opinion on which combo to try — then take the plunge.
@styledbylizsustaita
This pretty hair color solution is dazzling, as it reaches the brightest platinum notes at certain points. Brown and blonde blend can give the feeling of warmth or coolness. This is the coolest combination possible.
@josievilay
Are you thinking about going red but not quite sure if it’s right for you? Strawberry blonde might be the perfect transition color. This warm tone delivers a gorgeous, creamy cinnamon shade you can’t take your eyes off!
@southmarksouth
Everyone will be asking for your colorist’s number after seeing this flawless blend of blonde shades woven skillfully through your hair. Dark blonde roots paired with a chamomile-toned gradient from midshaft down are always a surefire choice for those with naturally light locks.
@sebastian_marshall
Brunettes going blonde who want to significantly lighten their hair may opt for a cool-toned caramel hue around the face, dark blonde at the ends, and a sprinkling of the lightest blonde throughout the length.
@marissasuebeauty
With balayage, you can achieve the most bespoke hair colors, fine-tune the palette to brighten up your overall look, and express your individuality. Surprising as it may seem, a balayage done by a professional colorist is less damaging than a solid hair color, requires less maintenance, and looks more expensive. Here’s to a dimensional, exquisite, and most exclusive dye job ever!
There’s something about balayage hair color that just gets modern hair. It adds depth without the drama and grows out as if it were always there. This isn’t your typical salon style – it’s a one-of-a-kind look tailored just for you.
The name comes from the French word that means “sweeping” because colorists sweep a brush dipped in a lightener or dye along your strands. They place the highlights where they feel they are best suited for your texture, color, and length, which results in the most bespoke hair color.
In most cases balayage is soft, well-blended, and natural, with no showy sections or harsh contrasts. Gorgeous dimension, low maintenance, customizable style – what’s not to love? However, here are more contrasting options too. Let’s check out the full range of options!
@balayagebylex
Balayage is taking a creative stance in 2025 – bolder placements, unexpected tones, and personalized blends that don’t play it safe.
Copper balayage is making a bold return but with softer, more wearable strokes this time. Think peachy undertones, golden warmth, and hand-painted pieces that beautifully complement olive and warm skin tones. It’s fiery but polished.
@ali_theartist
This blonde isn’t icy or over-processed – it’s creamy, mellow, and sunlit. Buttercream hair color blends light blonde with beige and warm vanilla tones for an expensive-looking finish that’s a subtler alternative to platinum.
@nicolebrinsdenhair
Instead of thin streaks, bright, more defined strands interlace through the hair in ribbon highlights. These stand out well on wavy or curly hair and create dimension without looking too stark or stripy.
@_hairbypaula
Does it feel like your hair is overly lightened and lacks depth? Reverse balayage will bring dimension back into play. Your colorist will apply a deeper tone to the areas that are naturally darker, like the back of your head and the roots.
@melissamcsimmonshair
If you want to warm up dark hair colors without lifting too far, try caramel balayage. It softly blends golden brown and toffee shades that look especially rich under natural light. It’s subtle sweetness, not sugar overload.
@andre.does.hair
Prefer to play it cool? There’s mushroom brown balayage for you. It blends cool ash browns, taupes, and smoky beiges. The result is a little moody but utterly refined palette.
@veronica_glamstreetsalon
Bronde isn’t just a mix of brown and blonde – it’s a tone that shifts depending on the light. In natural daylight, it might lean more golden, while under indoor lighting, the brown tones take center stage.
@sarazolahair
Raise your hand if you want high impact with low effort. The money piece was designed with this concept in mind. It features front strands with lighter tones and keeps the rest softly blended.
@6thandbigbeautybar
Pastels go grown-up when paired with balayage. Soft lilac, peach, or sea-glass green softly melts through a base, creating a dreamy watercolor effect that fades beautifully over time.
@tofutofudiane
Foilyage takes the best of both worlds – you get free-hand painted color from balayage, and color lifting from foils. They lock in the heat and make the lightening process more effective. Best for thicker or darker locks.
@michelletanghair
Balayage and layered cuts go hand in hand. The color catches on every flip and curve, adding definition and movement. It’s a truly genius way to make both the cut and the color work harder for you.
@radmanez
Now, balayage has come full circle and has every shade from the softest neutrals to the boldest blends. These shades are catching our eyes for all the right reasons this year.
There is no simpler way to add richness to dark hair than this. Chocolate brown tones work like a soft filter, adding warmth, shine, and just the right amount of contrast, but not straying too far from your natural tone.
@ali_theartist
Mocha is that sweet spot between cool and warm, with a velvety finish that flatters almost everyone. It’s low-key but stylish, especially when layered into medium-to-dark brown bases.
@thenewenglandstylist
Do you want summer hair all year round? Golden, sun-kissed tones woven into your mane will give you that soft and breezy feel. The best part? It grows out gloriously!
@theamericanhairstylist
Platinum hair, but without the constant touch-ups? Yes, please! If the upkeep of all-over platinum feels like too much, this soft balayage lets you enjoy the shade in a more relaxed, wearable way.
@vidogisalon
Auburn shades bring fire and depth to brown or dark red hair. The warm, reddish tones shimmer in the light, giving your strands a multidimensional finish that is slightly spicy but not too loud.
@sarahmitchell_hair_
Honey brown is an ultra-flattering warm golden color idea for medium skin tones. With a balayage technique of your choice, honey brown creates even softer, more natural-looking hair with an easy, sunlit feel, without any harsh lines.
@claudia_grisi_
Properly done, balayage on black hair adds subtle depth and texture without breaking up the base too much. Think dark chocolate, espresso, or cool chestnut peeking through for a moody glow.
@mac_daddybeauty
Silver balayage isn’t only for those who are going gray – it’s a cool-toned, more edgy option that complements ash bases or naturally light hair. It adds shimmer and dimension without going full metallic.
@blendsbyveronica
Red tones don’t have to scream. From cherry to copper, these hues flirt with your base to create movement and warmth. They’re particularly striking on curls and textured hair.
@dropdyedhair
If you love color but are not ready for a full commitment, try purple balayage. It looks surprisingly good on brunette hair and naturally fades into soft lavender hues over time.
@cosmo.alondra
Not everyone wants a bold contrast. And that’s what subtle balayage is for. It adds just enough shift in tone to catch the light without feeling like a total transformation.
This blonde won’t make you much blonder; it rather adds subtle dimension and luster to your hair. It’s perfect if you want that just-back-from-the-beach feel without going overly bright or processed.
@naturallymiriah
We love soft tonal shifts of subtle browns that add depth without looking like you’ve had anything “done.” It works especially well on brunettes who want a hint of warmth or contrast.
@bylwood
Soft balayage isn’t tied to a specific color – it’s more of a technique than a color. Light, diffused strokes are hand-painted to blend into your base shade so gently that even at their best, people can’t tell it was done on purpose.
@anna_hairstyle_76
Want to bring a warm glow to medium or darker hair without going blonde? Light brown balayage layers in golden and sandy notes that brighten the overall look without stealing focus from your natural base.
@hairbysamrodriguez
It looks exactly like what it sounds – delicate golden highlights placed where the sun would naturally fall. It is one of the gentlest warm tones for your look, with a touch of glow.
@brit_bellasalonco
You’ve probably heard the word “balayage,” but what actually goes into it? From babylights to Airtouch and lowlights, these techniques are responsible for how soft, bold, or dimensional your color turns out.
The difference between these techniques lies in the effect they produce. Traditional highlights use foils to create a uniform, often brighter effect from root to tip. Balayage, on the other hand, is painted on by hand for a more delicate and gradual lift, with a less visible regrowth line.
@schnittgefuehl
What do you get when you mix the dip-dyed fade of ombre and the smooth hand-painted finish of balayage? The result is a hair color that changes from darker roots to lighter ends but has a more fluid and natural transition.
@_hairstyle_di_simonaromeo_
Babylights are super-fine highlights lightly painted all through your hair that mimic the way kids’ hair naturally lightens in the sun. They give your hair a nuanced look that’s super blended and subtle – until the light hits and brings it to life.
@hair_by_sarahrose
You probably know by now that lowlights are used to add depth and shadow, often underneath brighter pieces. When hand-painted, they tone down overly light hair, adding structure and depth to a flat look.
@grace.lospastel
Your hairstylist will backcomb your hair at the root before applying the lightener. This is done to soften the transition and blend the color higher up without stark demarcation lines. It feels like your highlights are “grown-in” but still fresh.
@hairgoeschels
Airtouch uses a blow-dryer to push out shorter, finer hairs before coloring. Whatever is left from that process gets further lightened, so the result is super seamless and dimensional. Ideal for soft blending, especially on fine or layered hair.
@alessa77mix
What works on sleek, straight hair won’t always hit the same on waves or coils. Here’s how balayage can be customized to flatter every texture.
Every brushstroke pops up on straight locks, so precision is paramount. For this reason, stylists tend to favor soft fades and face-framing accents that blend in rather than stand out. A few carefully placed highlights can add some depth without appearing stripy.
@hairbyrejhan
Naturally, balayage appears to be that much more lived-in on wavy hair. Lighter pieces are often painted on the bends and curves of the waves to emphasize the texture. It wonderfully intensifies the shape with minimal styling effort.
@beautiful_by_natalie
Curly hair soaks up dimension, so balayage on curls concentrates on painting each curl cluster, not just random sections. It keeps the color from getting lost in the volume and makes the shape pop in the best way.
@hairbyreema
Pintura is a hand-painted technique designed by DevaCurl specialists specifically for curly and coily hair types. It allows colorists to place the lightener where your curl naturally forms the S-shape and match the highlights to the individual curl pattern.
@curledbylj
Hair length totally changes how balayage reads. Here’s how color placement changes based on the space your hair length offers to work with.
With long hair, there’s room to play. Stylists can build soft fades, layer in tones, and stretch the color over a wider area for that true “sun-swept” look. It’s ideal for blending multiple shades without visible transitions.
@daphnejdiaz
Medium hair strikes a great balance – it’s long enough to show color movement but short enough to keep the shades looking cohesive. Balayage here tends to start higher up, with lighter pieces softly framing the face and blending into the mid-lengths.
@hairby_emmyg
Bobs bring a bit of a challenge since there’s less length to work with. The art of highlighting here lies in subtlety and strategy (usually around the face and through the ends) to bring out movement without making the color look blocky.
@hairbykatieoakes
Having short hair doesn’t mean skipping balayage – it just calls for a lighter hand. A few lighter pieces near the front or crown will add contrast and allow the shape to pop out in balance with the whole style.
@pamela_cabelos
How much coverage you want – and where you want it – can make or break the final look. Some styles need bold sweeps, others just a few well-placed highlights to get that lived-in finish.
When you go for a full balayage, it means the color is painted throughout the entire head. It’s amazing if you want a big shift or lots of dimension, especially on longer hair, where space allows for more creativity.
@communitystylehouse
Partial balayage focuses on the top layer and front sections, leaving much of the hair underneath untouched. A very subtle method of adding sparkle to your look, it will spare you from full-head color commitment.
@calistambeauty
Root balayage brings in lighter shades to the color of your natural root to reduce harsh grow-out lines. This is especially handy if you’re growing out highlights or want something that fades gradually without frequent touch-ups.
@_ryanlarissa
This technique targets just the front pieces to create a lovely halo effect around the face. The lighter-colored strands around the face are low-maintenance, easy to grow out, and brighten up just the right areas – perfect for refreshing your look without going all in.
@ali_theartist
Hair contouring uses balayage placement to shape the face visually. By painting lighter and darker tones in specific areas, stylists can highlight cheekbones, soften the jawline, or add lift, kind of like makeup for your head, but with hair dye and lightener.
@gabrielabaldassini
Balayage may be more low-maintenance than traditional highlights, but it still needs some love. A few simple habits can help your color stay saturated and bright between salon visits.
If you’re after low effort, stick with face-framing or partial balayage. They grow out gracefully and need fewer salon visits. Don’t over-highlight or start too close to the roots – this disrupts that natural feel of the hairstyle and creates more upkeep than necessary.
Most people can go 3–4 months between balayage touch-ups, depending on the color contrast and how fast their hair grows. If you like a brighter look, you might want a gloss or toner in between.
Why start all over to refresh a grown-out balayage? A quick toner, gloss, or just a few added face-framing pieces will bring life back to your color and tone, so there’s no need for any major touch-ups.
Not ready for all-over color to cover up your grays? Balayage is a smart option for blending them in without covering them completely. Instead, add lighter tones, like ash and beige, that distract the eye and soften the contrast.
Washing your hair less frequently in lukewarm water and using color-safe shampoo and conditioner is a good start. If you cannot skip heat styling, dial down the heat on your tools, and don’t skip a heat protectant. A purple shampoo now and then helps tone out brass, especially in blondes or cooler shades.
It could be a totally different story with your balayage when a new season hits. Many people go warmer or deeper for winter, then lighten things back up for spring. It’s a nice way to keep your color feeling current without starting from scratch.
Whether you’re debating your first balayage or just want to avoid a color mishap, these quick answers break it all down in plain speaking.
Is balayage very damaging to hair?
Balayage is gentler than traditional highlights since it doesn’t usually hit the roots or require foils. Still, any lightening can dry your hair, so conditioning care is key.
Who should not get balayage?
If your hair’s super damaged, breaking, or heavily processed, balayage might not be the best move. Also, if you want a solid, root-to-tip color, balayage probably won’t hit the mark.
How do I know which balayage suits me?
Start with your undertone: cool skin looks great with ashy or icy shades, and warm tones glow with caramel or honey hues. A pro stylist can help to find the perfect match for you!
Play with shades and placements to accentuate your texture and shape for the most tailored dye job of your life.
