Karen Hill is a writer and graduate of Fordham University, with works published by MarieClaire.com, Her Campus, CNN.com, amongst others. She's been on her own natural hair journey for five years and has a freakish knowledge and collection of hair oils. (Jamaican black castor oil is a fave!) In her rare moments of free time you can catch her bargain hunting, deep-conditioning her curls, or binging on the bachelor.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Caramel balayage is trending and for good reason. The sought-after shade is universally flattering and looks stunning against all skin tones. The contrast between the caramel highlights and brown roots is simply divine, although that is not to say caramel won’t look just as good mixed in with blonder shades as nice lowlights. See the top 20 variants of this trendy coloring technique!
Balayage is popular, not only because it offers effortless style, but also because of its equally effortless maintenance. There is no need for a touch-up every few weeks. Honestly, it looks prettier the more it grows out. Maybe you don’t want to curl your hair every day, but the impressive blend of highs and lows in your tresses will speak for themselves.
Whether your hair is curly or straight, this dye job works with a variety of textures. Curlier manes beautifully show all the hues mixed together, while straighter strands lay the colors on display.
Short hair is a great canvas for a warm balayage. The caramel highlights swirled throughout the loose waves deliver delectable style. It’s an easy look for brown-haired girls who don’t want to fully commit to being blonde. Plus, the shoulder-sweeping length is sassy and exudes confidence.
@hairbykarissa
Beauty starts with amazing hair. This glossy balayage is one way to ensure that your locks (and your total look) stun every day. Have your stylist give you layers towards the end of your tresses for the effect of added fullness.
@hairbystevie
A lush caramel hue woven throughout dark strands creates an interesting contrast that plays-up the airy texture of a wavy cut. The wavy tresses are ready for everything from lazy days to dates. Even if you throw these long layers into a ponytail, the color will still shine through.
@jandrewserna
Enliven your elongated bob with some curls. Have your stylist throw in a few piecey layers for good measure. This spin on the bob straddles the line between sophisticated and chic. The balayage simply amplifies its modern allure.
@chrisweberhair
Highlights are the answer to no-fuss style. The gorgeous color really carries your hairstyle, no matter the texture you choose. The highlights don’t need to be dramatic either. They can be more on the subtle side so that you add just a touch of color to your dark hair.
@hairbyedwin
It is simply breathtaking the way the varied colors in a balyage wrap around and flow through the coils of curly hair. There is so much depth and dimension. Plus, when you’re not feeling like curls, the color is super versatile. The balayage starts high, closer to the scalp, so as it grows out it needs little maintenance. It’s a win-win, right?
@hairbyangelaalberici
Balayage is a great color choice on its own, but maybe you are currently rocking the classic ombre. Ask your stylist to convert that ombre into a balayage for a more natural look with a subtle fade from black to caramel. Even though you are adding more color, the overall hairstyle will be more understated.
@hairxjojo
Dark brown locks with thin caramel strands are the perfect combo if you’re looking to experiment with color but don’t want to be too dramatic. The subtle contrast delivers effortlessly chic style, especially when paired with easy waves.
@petermenezes
Dark roots are no longer taboo. Use them to your advantage with a balayage like this. The blend of colors is mesmerizing; it enhances the appearance of fullness and dimension in your hair.
@little_lele_scissorhands
There is a fine line between bed-head and tousled waves. That line is known as the “done-undone” look. Effortless, cool, and sexy all in one, it’s an it-girl essential hairstyle. Caramel coloring on short dark hair only makes the coif even cooler.
@salsalhair
Subtle balayage on black hair can bring life and dimension to your noir tresses. While a solid jet black mane is sexy, adding some color is a chic change. The darker your hair, the more subtle you want the highlights to be, which is why caramel is the perfect complement.
@the_blondologist
Waves and balayage seem to go hand-in-hand, but don’t be so quick to dismiss straight hair. Auburn hues can beautifully be shown off with sleek, back-skimming strands. Sans curls and waves, the balayage is more subdued.
@hairprintbylizz
For all the brunettes out there who can’t decide if they want to go blonde, highlights like these are a sweet compromise. The mix of chocolatey and lighter hues accentuates the texture of curled hair, and creates an illusion of light reflecting off your tresses.
@caitlinfordhair
Use soft highlights for sun-kissed locks. Maybe bold colors aren’t your cup of tea and you are more focused on hair with volume. Slightly lighter ends create the appearance of fullness you’re seeking, without being over the top.
@alexgodoy
Long hair means much work for a colorist, but that’s not to say you can’t keep the balayage simple. It’s just more length to show off with glossy caramel highlights strewn throughout. The warmth of the style will stun all year round.
@hairbyangelaalberici
If you are looking for a very fashion forward hairstyle, definitely have your stylist use very light blonde towards the ends. The blonde and browns are gorgeous and command attention. All of these hues mixed in one dye job work well with short to medium-length locks, so that you don’t have too much of a good thing going on at once.
@kristen.lumiere
Make your balayage stand out with sleek layers and big barrel curls. The luscious curls are perfect for an evening event, and when you brush them out in the morning, you will have the perfect beach waves.
@parrucchieridelcorso
The auburn hue teamed with the chocolate brown creates just enough dimension, that is subtle while still visually intriguing. The beauty of balayage is how the color blends into your natural hair color so smoothly.
@off7thsalon
Strawberry blonde locks channel the “rose gold” trend with their pinkish hues. Throwing some light brown highlights into the mix makes the style even more fashion-forward. Loose curls beautifully put those shades on display.
@hairbyac_alcorn
For a partial balayage, ask your stylist to have the lightest shades at the front of your style to bring attention to your face. The lighter shades against the dark brown will instantly attract everyone’s eyes.
@rootedhairstudiolq
If you want that cool-girl vibe, balayage is the way to go. For all the dark-haired ladies, the lighter browns with your naturally chocolatey, deep brown, and black strands are a way for you to experiment with color without being afraid that it will result in a high-contrast dye job. There is a range of shades you can play with.
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
