Balayage isn’t just another hair coloring technique—it’s a movement that has taken over salons worldwide. Unlike ombré or highlights, balayage is unique in its approach and effect. Derived from the French word meaning “to sweep,” this freehand painting technique involves applying lightener directly onto the hair for a soft, blended gradation of lightness.
The result? A natural, sun-kissed look that grows out beautifully without harsh lines or frequent touch-ups. Whether you’re a first-timer exploring color or a seasoned dye enthusiast, balayage offers endless customization to suit your preferences. From subtle highlights to bold contrasts, it works across all hair colors—blonde, brunette, red, or even silver.
Ready to transform your look? Dive into these balayage ideas that are sure to inspire your next salon appointment.
Warm Blonde Balayage
A lived-in, melted blonde balayage is the epitome of effortless beauty. With darker roots that blend seamlessly into buttery blonde tones, this style mimics natural regrowth, leaving no harsh grow-out lines. Perfect for a warm and soft appearance, this look flatters most skin tones while offering low-maintenance elegance.
Pixie Balayage
Balayage isn’t just for long locks! A tousled, grown-out pixie can look stunning with a bronde-to-blonde gradient. This style, as seen on Evangeline Lilly, adds depth and dimension to short hair, proving that even cropped cuts can benefit from the magic of balayage.
Dark and Milk Chocolate Balayage
Soft transitions from dark brown or black roots to creamy milk chocolate highlights create a rich and subtle balayage. This look is ideal for those who prefer understated dye jobs with natural warmth. The gradual blending through the mid-lengths and ends adds depth and dimension, making it a perfect pick for brunettes looking for a gentle update.
Platinum Balayage
A classic chin-length bob paired with cool-toned balayage is pure sophistication. The hand-painted blend of bronde, cool blonde, and platinum tones catches the light beautifully, especially when styled with soft waves. This look is perfect for those wanting a sleek yet multi-dimensional style that stands out with every movement.
Strawberry Blonde Balayage
Pale strawberry blonde balayage offers a fresh take on the blonde spectrum. Starting with warm strawberry tones at the roots, the color transitions into a platinum-like shade toward the ends. This unique blend is ideal for those seeking a soft, romantic look that’s not quite blonde but close enough to turn heads.
Red Velvet Balayage
For a bold red look with depth, consider rich merlot tones that transition into a velvety red hue. Inspired by Zendaya, this balayage style offers a perfect balance between ginger and deep red, making it ideal for anyone looking to add warmth and drama to their hair.
Honey Blonde Balayage
Honey blonde midlights are a fantastic way to grow out old highlights or blend natural roots with lighter shades. This warm hue connects the root color to the highlights seamlessly, creating a sun-kissed effect that flatters every skin tone and adds softness to the overall look.
Ruby Red Balayage
Bright red balayage with a touch of plum fading from the roots creates a striking, dynamic look. The bold red tones with hints of plum add richness and intrigue, especially on bouncy curls. Perfect for those who want to make a statement, this style is all about vibrant energy and dimension.
Mixed Balayage
Alternating bronde and wheat blonde shades create a beautifully blended balayage that looks both natural and eye-catching. This mix, as seen on Lily Aldridge, offers a subtle yet glamorous way to add dimension and depth, making it a versatile choice for brunettes looking for a lighter touch.
Candied Ginger Balayage
A fusion of carrot and blonde tones, candied ginger balayage is warm and inviting. This shade complements warm skin tones beautifully and offers a gentle introduction to red hair for those hesitant to dive into a full red look. It’s bold yet approachable.
Cream Soda Balayage
Rihanna’s cream soda balayage blends soft brown tones with naturally dark hair to create a warm, dimensional look. The light brown highlights add depth and brightness, proving that balayage isn’t just for blondes—it’s a versatile technique that flatters darker bases too.
Beach-Blonde Balayage
Channel iconic beachy vibes with a look inspired by Jennifer Aniston. Beach-blonde balayage with shadow roots or root smudging offers a low-maintenance, sun-kissed style. The soft blonde tones add brightness, while the rooted effect ensures a natural, lived-in appearance.
Smokey Balayage
For natural brunettes, smoky balayage is a game-changer. Dark roots blend into silvery, cool-toned ends, creating a chic, “smoked out” effect. It’s perfect for those embracing their natural gray streaks or transitioning into a gray hair era. The seamless blend adds sophistication and depth to your look.
Rose Gold Balayage
A fade from light brunette to rose gold is the perfect balance between subtle and bold. This cotton candy-inspired hue allows you to experiment with non-natural colors without committing to an all-over dye. The soft, pastel tones add a playful yet polished feel to any look.
Copper Balayage
Copper balayage is the perfect mix of trendy and timeless. Inspired by Camila Morrone, this style combines rich copper tones with tousled waves for a look that’s subtle yet eye-catching. Tucking the hair behind the ears highlights the texture, giving off effortless “cowgirl chic” vibes.
Box Braid Balayage
Box braids get a modern twist with balayage highlights. Storm Reid’s cool-toned ash blonde ombré, styled in a high bun, showcases a seamless mix of natural hair color with subtle balayage tones, adding depth and dimension to braided styles.
Cool Wheat Blonde Balayage
Cool wheat blonde balayage is ideal for those avoiding warm tones. With icy undertones and subtle highlights, this shade ensures your color stays crisp and fresh over time. Inspired by Ciara’s signature look, this balayage style pairs beautifully with shadow roots for easy maintenance.
Bronde Balayage
Bronde balayage is the ultimate versatile shade. It’s perfect for brightening up brunette hair, toning down blonde, or creating a subtle change for those new to coloring. The mix of brown and blonde offers a soft, sun-kissed look that works for any season and flatters most skin tones.
Light Brown Balayage
Subtle and glossy, light brown balayage is perfect for brunettes wanting a soft refresh. By keeping the base dark and adding delicate highlights, this look creates a natural, effortless vibe. It’s an understated way to add dimension without a drastic color change.
Pastel Balayage
Pastel tones get a makeover with baby pink and light blue hues melting into a rose gold balayage blonde base. This dreamy, whimsical combination offers a fresh and playful take on unconventional hair colors while remaining soft and wearable.
Balayage Locs
Balayage isn’t just for loose hair—locs can shine with it too! Rich brownie-batter hues transitioning into vibrant carrot tones create dimension and vibrancy. This technique adds warmth and character to locs, enhancing their natural texture and movement.
Money Piece Balayage
Face-framing balayage highlights, often seen on Beyoncé, create a radiant, lit-from-within glow. The lighter tones around the face enhance your features and illuminate your skin, making this a timeless choice for anyone wanting a chic yet simple update.
Extended Money Piece
An extended money piece, as seen on Miranda Cosgrove, takes the face-framing trend a step further by blending highlights farther back along the hairline. This golden balayage on soft curls adds depth and dimension, perfect for those seeking a luminous and polished look.
Deep Plum Balayage
Justine Skye’s deep plum balayage starts high, delivering a dramatic and vibrant effect. This bold color transitions beautifully through the lengths of the hair, creating depth and richness for those who love dark, moody tones with an edge.
Sun-Kissed Bronde Balayage
Sophia Bush’s sun-kissed bronde balayage blends warm chestnut tones with natural highlights. The subtle face-framing effect brightens the complexion and adds a radiant glow, making it a versatile option for brunettes looking for a low-maintenance summer vibe.
Auburn Balayage
Auburn balayage, as seen on Selena Gomez, offers brunettes a softer alternative to blonde highlights. The warm auburn streaks add richness and dimension without creating a stark contrast, making it a flattering and understated option for darker hair.
Fire Orange Balayage
FKA Twigs takes bold to the next level with fiery orange balayage on wavy locks. The highlights near the temples draw attention to the face, creating a striking pop of color that’s perfect for anyone ready to make a daring statement.
Coffee-Toned Balayage
Jessica Biel’s coffee-toned balayage leans into the ombré spectrum, with caramel and mocha tones blending naturally through varying starting points. This multi-dimensional look adds warmth and movement, perfect for brunettes looking to spice up their locks.
Amber Balayage
Jasmine Tookes’ amber balayage highlights brighten the face with natural placement along the front strands. The sun-kissed effect mimics natural lightening, creating a soft, radiant glow that feels fresh and effortless, even with high-contrast tones.
Silver Balayage
Silver-blue balayage with dark roots offers a bold yet elegant option for brunettes. The ashy tones lighten without venturing into blonde territory. To keep the icy hues fresh, incorporate a blue or purple shampoo into your routine for long-lasting vibrancy.
FAQs
1. Can balayage work with bold colors like orange or purple?
Yes, balayage is versatile enough to accommodate bold tones like orange, purple, or even silver. The gradual blending ensures the colors look sophisticated and wearable.
2. How can I maintain pastel or silver balayage tones?
Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and incorporate purple or blue shampoos to prevent brassiness and keep cool tones vibrant. Regular gloss treatments can also refresh the color.
3. Is balayage suitable for textured or braided styles?
Absolutely! Balayage adds depth and dimension to all hair types, including textured and braided styles like box braids. It enhances the natural beauty of the hairstyle while creating a unique look.
