Balayage is a French hair coloring technique where the color is painted on the hair by hand as opposed to the old school highlighting methods with foils and cap highlighting. The free-hand application allows to achieve a more natural and modern effect with subtle transitions between the chosen hues, whether blonde, brunette, red or unnatural colors, such as popular pastels and even neons. Balayage is a popular and stylish hair color technique. The gallery below showcases the hottest balayage looks, featuring a perfect blend of shades, by top colorists from around the world. Read on for ultimate balayage color inspiration and stay on top of hair trends!
1. Long Waves with Warm Caramel Balayage
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.
2. Shiny Golden Bronde Balayage Hair
The balayage hair looks stunning with touches of golden bronde on the smooth waves. Wear wavy for special occasions or straight for another style – this balayage will always make you look your best.
3. Soft Cool-Toned Ash Brown Balayage
Every hair color works with a balayage – dark hair included. It’s about finding the right hue to complement your natural locks and the vibe you’re going for. If you want something a little more subdued and understated, go with an ashen brown to lighten up your look.
4. Ash Blonde V-Cut for Fine Hair
One can never go wrong with a staple Cali girl ‘do. Platinum blonde highlights compliment ashy brown hair beautifully and give off a sunkissed girl-next-door vibe. Moreover, this color paired with a V-cut works wonders on fine hair by boosting its body and dimension.
5. Medium Hair and Multi-Colored Balayage
Thanks to the hand painted technique that balayage brings to the table, hair can truly look like a work of art full of dimension and gorgeous color blends. This collage of shades inspires and leaves us staring at all of the different tones. A wavy finish really shows off this masterpiece.
6. Shiny Ash Blonde Highlights for Brown Hair
If you want to balayage brown hair, try ash blonde for a perfect glow-up. The dramatic center part with waves cascading over the shoulders is a lovely date night style.
7. Shaggy Lob with Partial Balayage
A smattering of super fine highlights can create a beautiful subtle balayage. Ask your colorist to paint luscious honey hues mostly around the face and a bit through the lengths, focusing on where the light naturally hits. Beautifully understated.
8. Caramel-Toned Layers for Brunettes
Brunette balayage can be also performed with some delicious caramel tones involved. This hair color choice will be particularly flattering for women with warm complexions. The long luscious waves flow like real caramel. This mane is made to drive someone crazy!
9. Dark Blonde Hair with Platinum Pieces
Forget the foils and opt for balayage highlights at your next salon visit. This clever contouring technique leaves hair looking sun-bleached. Here’s a cute idea for dishwater blondes: icy streaks breaking up a darker dirty blonde base. Keep your balayage free from brassy tones by using a purple shampoo at least once a week.
10. Black Hair with Chocolate Brown Balayage
Black hair might require some special attention, going from such a dark color. While bleach can be damaging to your locks, as long as you keep it nourished with lotions and lightweight oils, you’ll have waves as healthy and shiny as the ones below. Plus, it only takes a subtle lift with chocolatey highlights to make a statement.
