@a_kool
When you consider partial or full highlights, you need to think of maintenance. With full highlights, you have to make sure your hair is moisturized and that everything looks natural when your hair grows out. In case it is only partial, there won’t be as much dye, and when your tresses grow out, the lighter strands will obtain a sun-kissed sheen.
Partial balayage targets specific sections of your hair with hand-painted highlights, typically focusing on the top layer or face-framing pieces. This selective coloring technique creates dimensional shade while preserving most of your natural base and giving you a sun-kissed effect without the commitment of all-over color. Here are the top 20 hair styling ideas for you to consider next!
@richiemiao
Selective highlighting creates an understated dimension on wavy hair, giving you a noticeable change without a bold transformation. This approach allows you to test lighter tones while maintaining your natural base as the dominant feature.
Brown hair with highlights is a gorgeous way to add depth and dimension without a drastic change. If you’re aiming for a more natural look or want to avoid excessive bleaching, a subtle balayage is the perfect entry-level option. Lightening your strands just a shade or two creates a fresh, sun-kissed effect that’s easy to maintain.
@chrisweberhair
When you consider partial or full highlights, you need to think of maintenance. With full highlights, you have to make sure your hair is moisturized and that everything looks natural when your hair grows out. In case it is only partial, there won’t be as much dye, and when your tresses grow out, the lighter strands will obtain a sun-kissed sheen.
@a_kool
Targeted color doesn’t always mean surface-level application. Placing highlights on your underlayer creates surprising dimension when movement reveals the lighter pieces through your curls or waves. These concealed streaks surprise viewers as your hair shifts.
@anthonyholguin
Cinnamon and caramel accents scattered through dark locks create a rich blend of warm tones. When applied only to your top layer, the contrast between your dark base and lighter shades becomes striking. The medium length keeps the overall appearance clean and polished.
@dawntraceyhair
Surface-layer lightening blends beautifully when you style your hair in beachy waves. These loose waves add enhanced volume and texture to your style, creating natural movement that showcases the dimensional color throughout
@meaganelise87
Highlights work well on a wide range of hair textures, including Asian hair, which is notoriously dark and straight. Just a few chocolatey highlights brightening the face and accenting your ends will give your everyday bob a stylish boost.
@mizzchoi
High-contrast lighting on dark hair stands out dramatically. Semi-selective application means reduced damage to your strands, letting you enjoy contemporary color while maintaining healthy hair.
@hairbynn
Selective color placement refreshes straight hair beautifully. Combine platinum streaks with warm browns on medium length for a distinctive style. Adding a two-tiered choppy cut increases the drama without excessive contrast, creating a decidedly modern edge.
@hairxjojo
Partial balayage on black hair is the way to go when you want to break up the monotone look of a dark mane. The beauty of only doing partial highlights lies in their simplicity. A chestnut brown will complement black well, while not being too bold. It will add just the right amount of contrast.
@ashdoescolor
Messy barrel curls paired with blonde and caramel streaks create polished dimension on long brunette hair. The limited color placement demonstrates how restrained highlighting can produce maximum visual impact.
@hairbynoora
Make your red hair even more dynamic by adding just a few natural-looking blonde highlights. You just need to apply dye to spare sections of hair and wrap it in foil. Make sure you only apply the dye to the top layer of hair for that subtle effect. Follow the directions on the box of the product to determine how long you should leave it in.
@hairbyjustineb
Selective lightening strategically brightens dark blonde hair without full bleaching commitment. Platinum face-framing pieces illuminate your features while adding dimensional interest to wavy texture. Bottom layers create increased fullness throughout the style.
@kccarhart
Placement is key when opting into partial highlights. You have to make sure they are placed in a way that is flattering to your face shape and hair color. With medium brown hues, it always looks nice when you have the lightest shades at the front. It draws attention not only to your hair but also to your face.
@theglosserie
Selective highlighting warms auburn hair through tonal variation. Balance your base with slightly lighter and darker shades for multidimensional depth. Create loose barrel curls with a 1½” iron, then brush them through for added fullness.
@immortalbelovedsalon
Targeted color adapts to all hair shades, including jet black. Black hair’s consistent tone creates an ideal canvas for bold and vibrant shades. Purple front pieces add unique interest while remaining current and wearable.
@hairbyedwin
Caramel and chocolate create a complementary pairing in hair color. You don’t need full-head coverage for dimensional results—scattered placement throughout your brown base brings your color to life with minimal product.
@headrushdesignsbyjulieann
Selective color on short hair becomes particularly striking. Limited length means every colored piece creates a visible impact. Ask your stylist for piecey highlights and layers, creating a wispy bob that’s distinctly textured.
@alexkhoeunhair
Make sure you frequently use a deep conditioning treatment on your locks because the highlights may dry their ends out. Although, if you keep your hair dark, deep highlights on even deeper tresses won’t be so much of an issue.
@thescissorsammurai
Partial balayage can mimic gradient ombre effects by lightening only the ends of your top layer. This technique adds dimensional color without extensive bleaching, giving you dual benefits. Finish with loose waves for an appealing texture that moves naturally.
@jennkhair
Partial balayage is as fun as it is fashionable and totally versatile. It works well on any hair texture and protects your tresses from unwanted damage. So, feel inspired to give this color treatment a chance!
