Balayage is still a major hair trend and one that brings us back to the roots (literally). Focused on healthy shine and natural gradients, balayage is a coloring technique that has French origins. Nowadays, it has taken the beauty world by storm, owing to the effortless, pure beauty it provides. Explore these gorgeous balayage hair color ideas for inspiration.
Balayage highlights are a quick pathway to a refreshed, lovely hair color. This timeless hair coloring technique has rapidly grown into every woman’s favorite hairstyle. Whether you’re looking for a subtle, natural looking hair color, that sun-kissed look, or to experiment with more unconventional hair colors, balayage are an ideal way to get started.
1. Ash Blonde Balayage
A wonderful way to bring a bit of color to your locks without getting too flashy is ash blonde. While it maintains the natural impact of blonde, it has silvery tones that bring this whole balayage hair color to life.
This type of balayage is ideal to refresh your natural hair color if you’re a blonde. The studied mess of curls frames the face and adds more luminosity thanks to the lighter shades of blonde.
2. Blonde Balayage Long Bob
One of the best parts about balayage hair is that it works for various lengths. Even if you don’t have waist-length locks, you can rock a blonde balayage on a long bob amazingly.
Blonde hair colors have the power to make brown hair color shades really pop. Get this sun-kissed look that’s flattering for everyone.
3. Sun-Kissed Brunette
Many brunettes opt for subtle blond accents to emphasize natural hair color. This is a great example of how these light blond tones can make your dark brown hair shine.
Nevertheless, when you’re looking to spice up your look, get a layered haircut and chunky dark brown and caramel highlights to make your hair the star of the day.
4. Dark to Light Balayage Hair Color Gradient
Owing to the visible difference between the roots and tips, this example reminds us more of ombre hair. However, the gentle technique that fades the tones of brown and blonde is exemplary for balayage.
5. Soft Balayage Highlights
Natural, discrete and healthy are key words when describing balayage. This is how you can go from simple highlights to an all-around sun-streaked look. No matter if you have dark or light roots, this look can definitely work for you.
6. Silver Ash Balayage
The image above shows how you can take ash blonde to the next level with balayage. While maintaining a rich ash base, the color is brightened by the sweeping silver tones that reach almost white tips. This edgy hairstyle is recommended for its versatility. It’s suitable for casual or more formal environments and it looks great.
7. Honey Brunette Balayage
Honey, caramel, and latte are all popular tones when experimenting with balayage ideas. If you are a natural brunette, you can combine all three harmoniously to highlight your dark hair.
Fiery red and deep brunette hair colors meet in a balayage meant for a powerful and edgy look.
8. Dark Balayage Hair Color with Auburn
Another way to enhance your naturally dark roots is to fade out into a slightly lighter tone. For instance, instead of fading into blonde, you can go for a rich auburn secondary color. This looks absolutely gorgeous if your natural hair color has reddish undertones.
9. Curly Balayage Color Fade
Straight or wavy hair isn’t the only variety that looks splendid with balayage. Curly locks, for example, really accentuate the natural blend of colors quite like no other. Likewise, the impact can be enjoyed for both long and short curly hair.
10. Subtle Honey Hues
Want to make your balayage almost undetectable without losing all that natural glow? Try a tone that is just a shade or two lighter than your hair color and have your stylist ‘sprinkle’ some honey brown or blonde streaks here and there.
11. Black to Blonde Balayage for Straight Hair
The complexity of balayage can be greatly appreciated on perfectly straight hair. If this is your case, you can try out a balayage that’s a bit flashier. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to use rainbow colors, but that the gradient can be easily admired from top to bottom.
12. Curly Caramel Balayage
Corkscrew curls are always a beauty to behold, especially when they bounce around in their natural color. Nevertheless, the healthy glowing base can be accentuated with a subtle caramel balayage that highlights the tips.
13. Shades of Gray Balayage
Gray hair, both dark and light, has become ever more popular in the past years. Another benefit of balayage hair is that you can combine your favorite nuances of grey, starting with rich charcoal and ending with soft ash tones.
14. Brown and Pink Mix
Pink and brown have always gone well together, hair color included. Recently, pink has also regained popularity, in all sorts of tones and levels of intensity. To achieve a lovely balance, consider a light pink balayage over your natural brown hair.
A soft feminine look with lovely pastel colors. Whether your hair is straight or wavy, try it on. The mesmerizing choice of colors is flattering for every skin tone.
15. Gray to Silver Balayage
As we previously mentioned, you can rock grey hair in various ways. The lighter alternative to the charcoal balayage is this grey to the silver gradient. Fine detail is that all the grey tones in this style have ash blonde undertones.
Reserved for the daring ladies out there, this edgy look features silver blonde highlights on silver ash hair. The transition is smooth, yet the final result is nothing short of stunning.
16. Copper and Auburn Balayage
Some of the most beautiful red-based hair colors are rich auburn and honey copper. Thanks to balayage, you don’t have to choose just one. Furthermore, you don’t have to undergo a steep transition from one to the other (like with ombre hair).
17. Violet Red Balayage
The same goes for violet and red. This tone of burgundy looks stunning on black hair, adding just enough color to bring out those natural dark tones. Additionally, it’s super low maintenance and easy to refresh once or twice a year. Let your roots show if you’re a natural brunette. Add chunky red highlights for a chic glam look.
Wine-inspired red hues are a must-try if you’re planning to change your look with balayage highlights this upcoming season. Toned down hair colors like this cherry-infused red are perfect for a soft feminine touch to your hairstyle this season.
18. Steel Blue Balayage
Do you want to try something different? Go for unconventional hair colors when considering a balayage. Green, pastel colors, purple or blue are some of the hottest colors you can try out.
Moving on to cooler tones, this steel blue color is dazzling when melted with black and periwinkle. It looks even better if your hair is wavy, so don’t forget about it as an option when choosing your balayage colors.
19. Balayage & Braids
But what happens after you get balayage hair? This loose half up half down French braid is an excellent way to style your hair so to emphasize the color transitions. If you have thick hair, this is definitely an idea you shouldn’t overlook.
This hairstyle looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. If you’re willing to go for a more radical change, then this is a great idea.
20. Natural Light Brown Balayage
If you have chocolate brown eyes, one of the best ways to complement them is with honey balayage hair. It maintains the natural essence of balayage, all while venturing into lighter shades that accentuate the rich color of your eyes.
The golden rule with respect to naturally looking balayage results is to use hair color shades in the same color spectrum which are only slightly darker or lighter than your hair color. This is a beautiful example of light brown hair highlighted by a golden brown, almost blonde shade.
21. Colors in Fishtail Braid
Another way to style your balayage hair is with a side fishtail braid. In this example, you can appreciate the deep violet undertones and the copper blonde blend that’s highlighted in the braiding.
22. Dark Ash Blonde and Brown
Furthermore, you can combine ash blonde and ash brown in a perfect balayage. It’s yet another one of the limitless options for melting your favorite tones together until you get the gradient you have always dreamed of.
23. Balayage for Curly Black Hair Roots
Fortunate enough to have a full head of voluminous curls? Make those corkscrews stand out even more with copper tips, leaving the base your natural dark color. It looks the best when your hair is extra curly, but it’s also pretty on wavy locks.
24. Turquoise Balayage on Short Hair
So, you’ve made the big step of chopping off your hair for a chic A-line bob. What’s next? Spicing it up with a bit of color. Kylie Jenner has already proven that a turquoise ombre long bob can work like a charm, so you can try it without a doubt.
A perfectly smooth bob haircut on black hair embellished by subtle balayage highlights in complementary colors that everyone can rock.
25. Copper Melt Balayage
With such rich tones of copper, bronze, and caramel, how can you not love this reddish-blonde melt? Don’t hesitate to add these special ‘ingredients’ to your balayage recipe for natural shine.
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26. Curly Silver Balayage Bob
If your base hair color is dark or even black, you have already seen the magic that silver balayage hair can work. Top it all off with extra curly locks and you have a hairstyle that will make heads turn as you walk down the street.
27. Highlighted Ash Brown Balayage
Nostalgic for the highlights trend? Well, you can incorporate highlights and lowlights into your ash brown balayage. After you get the superb coloring done, you can style it into a half up half down back fishtail braid to show off the shades.
An easy way to add texture and volume to wavy layered brown hair is to get these delicious caramel highlights. They blend in naturally as the shade is only slightly lighter than the natural hair color.
28. Reddish Brown with Blonde Accents
Redheads are going to love this one. Ginger kids can combine those natural tones of brick red with some cinnamon and honey shades in this beautiful balayage idea. Even if you’re not a natural redhead, you can get inspired by this lovely look for your next hair appointment.
When hand painting is involved in the balayage coloring technique, the results are as dazzling as this. Mix brown and chocolate for this refined, stylish look.
29. Balayage Brunette and Copper Combo
This style is quite similar to the black and copper-tipped curls we described earlier. However, this one goes a bit further and shows the light auburn until it’s close to the roots. This makes your curls more dynamic and voluminous than ever.
30. Lavender Gold
Rose gold is all the rage recently, but an original approach to the idea is lavender gold. This style combines subtle shades of light purple and honey gold, with just the right amount of variety that you can make them out in the lower half.
Purple, pink, blue, and a dash of blonde for additional highlighting are the rock stars of summers. Nevertheless, the trend seems to transition into fall.
31. Indigo Fades to Violet
Have an outgoing and fearless personality? Choose vibrant balayage colors to match it. For example, you can blend indigo and violet for a deep, rich balayage that you’ll adore.
32. All-Natural Brown Hair Balayage
Keep that caramel coming. This all-natural gradient from light brown to blonde looks fabulous on wavy hair, but you can also try it out if you have straight hair. Any way you style it afterward, the two main tones will look brilliant.
33. Short Balayage Hair Color with Bangs
You can choose this coloring technique if you have bangs or you plan on getting them too. It won’t affect the overall impact of the color blend. Quite the contrary, it will strengthen the darker base to contrast with the second half.
What’s lovelier than a well-styled short hairstyle for women? One featuring a perfect balayage in blonde and auburn highlights.
34. Pastel with Dark Roots
This pastel blue-lavender color is already a superb color. But when you combine it with dark roots, the results are breathtaking. Top it all off with a choppy long bob and a deep side part and you have a magnificent hairstyle idea.
35. Balayage on Dark Hair with High Ponytail
We wanted to include this example so you can understand how lovely this hair color choice looks when styled in a high ponytail. As you can see, the dark base stands out beautifully against the lighter shades in the ponytail.
36. Angel Hair Balayage
A truly unique hair color idea is this marvelous mix of silvery pastels. The mesmerizing combination is often regarded as ‘opal hair’ or ‘angel hair’ and is an amazing choice if pastel colors reflect your personality.
The proof that this technique works on short hair too. Furthermore, it’s an edgy balayage featuring pastel blue and pink highlights on silver, almost white hair.
37. Fine Balayage Ombre Hair
If you’re not sure whether you want balayage or ombre hair, you can ask your colorist to mix the techniques. About ¾ of your hair will be the lighter color, but the smooth transition associated with balayage will offer a boost of elegance.
38. Discrete Balayage on Blonde Hair
To make your coloring as subtle as possible, opt for various similar tones of blonde. This example shows that the color blend itself is almost undetectable, while the person looking focuses on the natural radiance of the blondes.
39. Minty Fresh
Do you tend to think out of the box and want to stand out from the crowd? Nothing quite beats this light lime color melt, even so more when applied to a wavy long bob.
40. Deep Navy Balayage
Brunettes with long hair will love how these discreet sweeps of navy highlight the lower part of their locks. You can also combine dark blue with other shades, such as brown, but it truly looks stunning against jet black hair.
41. Twisted Braids
Braids are an excellent way to show off the color blends in your new hairstyle. With just a bit of patience and work, you can go over the top with this intricate knotted braid. It starts out as a tight French braid that you loosen into cute bows as you go down.
42. Chocolate Brown Balayage
Milk chocolate isn’t sweet only when it’s enjoyed as a treat. This shade is just as spectacular when incorporated into your hairstyle. This is yet another awesome idea for natural brunettes that want to emphasize their dark locks.
Pamper yourself and your hair with these delicious chocolate brown highlights. If you’re a natural brunette, the two work together like a charm. An instance of a brown hair balayage with a soft transition between the chocolate and caramel hair color shades.
43. Purples and Pinks
If you get inspired by sunrise, you can take key colors and brighten them into a unique and breathtaking mixture. You can start with dark violet and blend out into magenta, pink, and strawberry blonde at the tips. Thin purple highlights on dark wavy hair bring just the right punch of color for a refreshed, vibrant look.
44. Choppy Short Balayage Hair Color
It’s crystal clear that this technique makes even short locks look glamorous. A short choppy bob can be taken to the next level with some latte undertones and a few streaks in the front to frame your face nicely.
Start with this cute asymmetric bob haircut, styled in loose waves. Add a punch of color with the help of baby blonde shades. Your lovely, feminine hairstyle is ready to be flaunted.
45. Braids and Bun
Double French braids with a top knot have become increasingly popular among recent hair trends. It’s an exceptional styling option for showing your color gradient, especially when you work with bold nuances like lavender and silver.
Ash hair and subtle silver and blue balayage highlights. Can you think of a reason why this lovely look shouldn’t be yours this year?
46. Sleek Silvery Top Knot
As an alternative, you can go for a simple top knot with your hair half up half down. Your darker roots will be accentuated, allowing the rest of your hair to flow freely down the sides.
47. Light Magenta Balayage on Black Hair
Some women choose to highlight just a few key areas of their hair, like around their face. You can try a light shade of magenta for this mixture, which works amazingly when paired with jet black as a base color.
48. Gray Balayage on Short Hair
No matter how short your hair is, you can melt colors gorgeously in a way that they all stand out. We already know that dark roots with grey hair is a beloved choice, but we can now appreciate how dazzling it looks on a short A-line bob.
Short haircuts can easily become boring. However, with a punch of color and volume packed with balayage highlights, you hardly run that risk.
49. Wavy Beach Hair
Beach hair is eternally charming, especially when worn by a boho gal. These sun-streaked locks are playful and sexy at the same time for both long and short hair.
50. Balayage Highlight Emphasis
Finally, you can maintain all the attention on the different types of caramel highlights you have. Long locks work this best for this style, and at least 3-4 types of highlights.
51. Dark Pink Balayage Hair Color
An utterly cool color that matches the balayage style perfectly is the dusty, dark pink. If you dream of looking like a mermaid, this is the ideal style that will turn heads wherever you go. Easy to maintain, these long, wavy locks are both classy and edgy.
This hairstyle isn’t for the faint of heart. We also wouldn’t recommend trying a DIY approach. With such gorgeous hair colors, it’s a pity to not get the balance right.
52. Intense Copper
This classy warm color is both intense and versatile. The copper balayage is ideal for medium length to long hair, as the highlights will pop out more on longer strands of hair. Match it with a long bob and you are sure to have a perfect look!
The balayage hair coloring technique is really a one-size-fits-all. You simply can’t go wrong by choosing the subtle changes brought about by these hairstyles.
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
In conclusion, there are more than enough balayage hair color ideas to pick from. Regardless if you go for earth tones or experiment with pastels or bright hues, this technique will make your hair glow beautifully. Before you go balayage, make sure you choose the tones that are the most representative for you. And have fun doing so!
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Thelma Ewart started painting and drawing as a hobby when she was young. She pursued arts which eventually lead her to the fashion industry. She is now a hairstyle artist that considers all of her projects as a work of art. Pursuing creativity is what drives her to become the best in what she does.
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