Beautiful balayage: 11 stunning ways to wear the coveted hair trend
Whatever your taste and base colour, there's a balayage hair look out there for you.
Thought balayage was just for blondes? Think again. Now you can jump on-board the balayage trend-train, whatever colour you want to rock. This hand painted technique caters to most shades and is a great option for adding depth to your natural tone!
Balayage is, undeniably, one of the most popular highlighting techniques used today. And with more and more celebs, style icons and the beauty bloggeratti sporting ultra-cool variations of balayage hair, finding inspiration for your own take on the trend has never been easier.
Below, we’ve collected some of our favourite balayage hair examples that gave us major mane envy. So if it’s an understated, sexy and naturally sun-kissed look you’re after, we think this tried and tested colouring method could be your new BFF.
11 balayage hair colour ideas we love — and you will too!
1. Toffee tones
Feel like giving your mane a seasonal shake-up, but tired of the same brown hair colours? Don’t fret, because it’s totally acceptable to give your tresses a bright and uplifting feel, with some stunning toffee tones!
Another great way to mix up deep brown locks, this look works shades of blonde, toffee and caramel in streaks, that gradually lighten towards your tips. Trust us, this is one delicious balayage colour that’s hard to beat! Credit: @studiodenisemacedo
2. Dramatic dark balayage colour
This look is all about working in some bold contrasts and throwing a bit of ombre into the mix, for totally bespoke hair. The ends should be coloured a lot lighter than the base colour of your hair – think light caramel tones on very dark brown – and can be softly curled for extra style points! Credit: @balayagesbytyler
Remember: When you dye your hair, it’s best to swap your regular wash and care system for one that has been designed specifically for coloured hair. We suggest trying the TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Vibrance Protection Shampoo and Conditioner to help maintain colour vibrancy for longer!
3. Orange hair balayage
If you’re the non-conformist type and like your hair bright, bold and playful, fear not – balayage hair can also work well with more vibrant, eye-catching hues.
If you have naturally dark hair, try working in some darker shades (such as deep red or purple) near the roots, then allow it to transition into lighter orange or even blonde tones towards the tip. Credit: @jesss_sz
4. Blonde without the upkeep
If you want to go blonder but can’t be bothered with the hassle of regular root touch-ups, then this method offers the perfect solution (plus it’s kinder on your hair, too!).
Carefully placing bright blonde tones thoughout your hair creates a lived-in effect that will look just as good after a few months of growth as it does when you first step out of the salon. Who said maintaining your hair colour had to be hard work? Credit: @carlymartone
5. Cinnamon swirl
If you don’t feel ready to add really light, golden tones into your dark hair, then working subtle (yet delicious) cinnamon swirls through your tresses could be the ideal solution. Remember: even the subtlest injections of colour can make a big impact! Credit: @km_stylist
6. Mermaid balayage hair
If you’re a ‘go bold or go home’ kinda gal, this is the look for you. Think bright, gorgeous waves of colour to channel your inner mermaid.
Whether you want a more subtle violet to turquoise graduation, or a playful mix of rainbow shades, this hand-painted highlighting technique, is the one to use when it comes to the most magical hair look. Let your creativity run wild! Credit: @aj_techniques
7. Sun-kissed blonde
Sun-kissed beach waves aren’t just the perfect look for summer, they’re also an ideal way to brighten up your cooler winter days! Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these stunning highlights, which are a great way to achieve this hot year-round hairstyle without even setting foot on the sand! Credit: @catherinelovescolor
Editor’s tip: To get that casually tousled finish on your waves, simply add a spritz of texturising spray, like the TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray, to your hair to really amp up the textures and volume.
8. Splashlights
This ultra-edgy take on the technique involves painting bright hues onto the middle of the strands, making it appear as though the hair has been ‘splashed’ with colour.
This look has just started making its debut on the world’s catwalks and red carpets, so we’re predicting big things for it over the next few seasons! Watch this space. Credit: @vika_la_viktoria
9. Grey hair balayage
Grey ombre balayage? Yes, please! The only thing we love more than one hot hair trend is a 2-in-1 look. Stick with natural roots, add a range of strategically-placed silvery grey highlights and the end result will be an ultra-cool, grungy look that’s sure to wow. Credit: @krismac01
10. Sun-kissed brown
This is another look that’s ideal for anyone looking to achieve an au naturel finish to their coloured hair. With these subtle, sun-kissed brown highlights, no one will dare claim brunettes are boring ever again! Credit: @hairbykimtran
Tip: Try adding in some loose, casual waves to this look to really accentuate the highlights. To do this, follow the expert tips of a TIGI stylist on how to get loose waves, here.
11. Edgy blonde hair balayage
This cool and contemporary look sees light blonde highlights worked mainly through the mid-lengths of the hair, creating an amazing contrast with a darker base.
Easy to wear and maintain, this technique is the perfect go-to for anyone who’s not quite sure which look to go for, as well as those who want a super low-maintenance hair colour. Credit: @hair_by_taylorm
Have these hot-to-trot balayage hair colour ideas give your colouring fever? Then to cure what ails you, we suggest getting over to our Hair Colour page ASAP, to discover all the latest hues from the beauty scene!
