Top 10 On-Trend Balayage Hair Ideas You’ll Be Obsessed With This Year.

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Ready to take your hair game up a notch this year? Yes, balayage hair is very much still on-trend with endless ways to blend different shades, hues and colors into multi-dimensional awesomeness.

There’s no denying that balayage is having a moment. This sassy hair coloring technique has taken the world by storm, with celebs and influencers alike rocking the sun-kissed look. 

This hand-painted highlighting technique can create gorgeous, natural-looking results that bring sunshine and lift to your hair and are perfect for any season.

Plus, with so many different ways to wear balayage, you’re sure to find a look that suits you. Here are 10 of our favorite balayage hair ideas this year.

Top 10 on-trend balayage hair ideas

#1 Sun-Kissed Blonde Balayage Highlights

This soft and natural balayage is perfect for summertime and the most popular way to wear the look.

The subtle almost-ombré effect is achieved by using a light brown base with blonde highlights. Ask your stylist to place the highlights around your face to frame it and give you a sun-kissed glow.

#2 Caramel Balayage

Caramel balayage is a great option if you’re looking for something a little warmer.

To achieve this look, your stylist will use a darker caramel brown base with caramel blonde highlights. The end result is a luxurious and head-turning hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions.

#3 Espresso chocolate balayage

This rich and decadent balayage combines a chocolate brown base with darker espresso brown highlights.

It’s a super on-trend way to add some depth and dimension to their hair without going too light. Plus, it’s a great way to transition from dark to light if you’re a brunette thinking about trying balayage for the first time.

#4 Burgundy Balayage

Burgundy is so on-trend right now as a bold and dramatic look.

This style pairs a deep purple-red base with burgundy highlights. It’s perfect for making a statement, and it’s sure to turn heads wherever you go.

#5 Auburn Brown Balayage

Auburn balayage is perfect for adding some warmth to your hair.

The technique uses an auburn base with lighter red highlights. This is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s both trendy and classic. We love auburn tones for making your skin shine and your eye color pop.

#6 Rose Gold Balayage

Rose gold is one of the most popular trends in hair right now, so it’s no surprise that rose gold balayage is on the rise as well.

If you have brown hair, opt for a cool deep rose, if you have blonde hair, golden strawberry blonde will compliment your warmer skin tones.

#7 Copper Balayage

Copper-bronze balayage is perfect for adding some dimension and depth to red hair. The technique uses a dark brown or ginger base with copper highlights.

This is a great way to add some warmth to your hair without going too light. Plus, it looks amazing against all skin tones! 

#8 Butter Blonde and Honey Balayage 

For those of you with warm skin tones who want to go lighter, creamy butter blonde balayage is the way to go!

This technique uses a blonde base with lighter blonde highlights and warmer honey tones throughout. The result is a bright and beautiful hairstyle that’s perfect for summertime or any time you want to feel like you’re on vacation

#9 Light Ash Brown Balayage 

Brunette balayage is perfect for adding some richness and depth to your hair. The technique blends an ashy brunette base with darker ash brown highlights.

This is a great way to add some definition to your hairstyle without going too heavy. Plus, the contrast of colors creates an incredibly flattering effect. 

#10 Silver-gray balayage

Silver balayage is the ultimate statement. This trend combines gray and silver hair to create an eye-catching and unique look. If you don’t want to go too gray – try silver-blonde for a lighter, brighter smokey blonde look.

What is balayage hair?

Balayage hair is a type of highlights that are usually done by a professional hair stylist.

The word “balayage” is French for “to sweep,” and that’s exactly how the highlights are applied – by sweeping them onto the hair with a brush. This technique results in a more natural-looking highlight, as opposed to the traditional foil method.

Balayage can be done on any hair color, but it tends to look especially striking on blonde hair.

It’s a low-maintenance option for people who want to add some dimension to their hair without having to commit to regular touch-ups.

And since the highlights are applied freehand, each person’s balayage will be unique. So if you’re looking for a modern, trendy hair color option, balayage could be the style for you.

Is balayage hair still on trend?

If you’re considering a balayage hair color, you’re in good company. This technique has been one of the most popular hair coloring trends for the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

There are several reasons why balayage is still on trend:

It’s a low-maintenance option for busy people who don’t have time to visit the salon every few weeks for touch-ups.

It can be customized to suit any hair type, skin tone and color – from blonde highlights on dark hair to lightened ends on red locks.

The subtlety of this technique means that it grows out gracefully, so you can go longer between appointments.

The reality is, balayage hair simply looks gorgeous. Whether you’re aiming for a sun-kissed look or beachy waves, it’s a trend that’s here to stay.

What is the difference between Balayage and Ombre?

If you’re looking to add some dimension and interest to your hair, you may be considering balayage or ombre.

These two popular color techniques can both create beautiful results, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Balayage is a highlighting technique that involves painting color onto the hair. This can be done with any type of color, but is often used to create natural-looking highlights.

Ombre, on the other hand, is a gradual lightening of the hair from the roots to the tips. This can be achieved with bleach or color, but is most commonly seen with blonde hair.

So, if you’re looking for a subtle change, balayage may be the way to go. If you’re wanting a more drastic transformation, ombre may be the better option.

What is the difference between balayage and highlights?

Balayage is a French word meaning “to sweep.” It’s a hair coloring technique in which the color is applied by hand, sweeping the color from root to tip.

This technique creates a natural, sun-kissed look. Balayage can be done with any color, but is typically used with blonde or light brown hair.

Highlights are also a hair coloring technique, but the color is applied with foils. Highlights can be any color, but are typically done with lighter colors to create a brighter, more youthful look.

Highlights can also be used to add dimension to your hair. Both balayage and highlights can give you beautiful results.

What’s the difference between balayage and sombre?

Sombre (also called “subtle ombre”) is a softer, more gradual version of the ombre hair color trend.

Whereas ombre typically features two distinct colors (e.g. dark brown roots with blonde ends), sombre hair color transitions from dark to light in a more subtle way.

Sombre is usually done with darker colors, such as black or brown. This technique is used to create a soft, gradual transition between colors. It can also be used to add depth and dimension to the hair.

It’s a more subtle take on the more banded, ombre look.

What is flamboyage?

Flamboyage is a hair coloring technique similar to balayage, but with one key difference – the highlights are applied using a special tool that resembles a paintbrush.

Like balayage, flamboyage can be customized to suit any hair type, skin tone and color. The main advantage of this technique is that it’s less messy than balayage, and it can be done in a shorter amount of time.

If you’re considering flamboyage, keep in mind that the end result will be similar to balayage – so if you’re looking for something with a bit more edge, this may not be the right style for you.

How much does it cost to balayage your hair?

The good news is that the price of balayage varies depending on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the level of complexity of the style you’re after.

To get a rough idea, most salon-quality balayage styles will start at around $100.

Of course, you can always save a few bucks by doing it yourself at home – but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a pro!

Can you balayage your own hair at home?

Although it’s not easy, it’s totally possible to balayage your own hair at home – but we only recommend attempting this if you’re confident in your abilities!

If you decide to go ahead, make sure you invest in high-quality balayage kit that will come with everything you need and detailed instructions.

Although it may seem daunting at first, with a little practice, you can definitely achieve salon-worthy results.

The key to success is to start with small sections of hair and use a delicate hand.

When applying the color, be sure to sweeping motion downwards to create a natural, sun-kissed look.

And don’t forget to seal in your new color with a good quality conditioner. With these tips in mind, balayaging your own hair at home is definitely achievable – and you’ll save yourself a pretty penny in the process!

Does balayage damage your hair?

While it’s true that any chemical treatment has the potential to cause damage, balayage is actually a relatively gentle process. 

Unlike traditional highlights, balayage doesn’t require the use of foil, which means it’s much gentler on the hair.

Bleach is typically used during the balayage process, and if not done correctly, it can cause your hair to become dry and brittle.

But the color is applied more subtly and only to the hair that is exposed to the sun. That’s what makes it look so effortlessly natural.

As long as you choose a reputable salon and stylist, and look after your hair before and after, balayage should not cause any damage to your hair.

Is balayage high maintenance?

As trendy hairstyles go, balayage is actually quite low maintenance.

Once the initial color has been applied, you can typically go several weeks or even months between touch-ups.

It’s a great hair style to grow out too, with root blur and shadow roots becoming increasingly popular.

Of course, you’ll need to take good care of your hair with the right products to ensure it stays looking its best.

How long does balayage hair last?

One of the best things about balayage is that it doesn’t require touch-ups as often as other hair color methods.

But how long does balayage hair last? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of balayage used, the health of your hair, and how often you wash your hair.

Generally speaking, balayage can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 months before it starts to fade. 

The more hair dye you use, the shorter your balayage will last and the more frequently you will have to top up the color.

How to care for balayage hair.

To make your hair color last as long as possible, avoid washing your hair too often.

When you do wash it, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping away the color.

Use a hair mask or deep conditioner once a week to nourish your hair and restore moisture to your frazzled strands.

And be sure to use a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools. Regular trims will also help to keep your ombre looking fresh for longer.

Parting words

There are endless possibilities when it comes to balayage hair color.

Whether you’re looking for something subtle or dramatic , there’s an option out there for you.

These on-trend balayage style ideas are sure to inspire your next look. So what are you waiting for ? Find a stylist near you and get started today!

This article was written by:

  • Nicola Freeman, Creative Director & Content Lead
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    Creative Director & Content Lead

    With over two decades of passionate hair dyeing experience, I've experimented with nearly every shade imaginable. My journey began long before blogging; as an award-winning copywriter in London and New York, I shaped narratives for iconic brands. However, when friends sought advice during lockdown for at-home hair dyeing, I realized my true calling. Beyond being your hair color expert, I'm a mom of two girls, wife to artist Tony, and an avid soccer player!