Be still our beating hearts, caramel balayage is the hair color trend that just keeps on giving.
Whether you’re craving a sun-kissed finish or want to try something new, this shade is the perfect way to spice up your look.
The soft blend of toffee colored shades will give your hair an amazing depth and dimension. It’s subtle but stunning, and it will make everyone think you just got back from vacation.
Not sure how to get the look? We’ve got all the info you need right here…
From whether it’s a shade that will suit you, to how to style and maintain it, we’ve got all the need-to-know details.
So let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- What is caramel balayage hair?
- 10 best caramel balayage hairstyle ideas.
- #1 Honey blonde caramel balayage
- #2 Ash blonde caramel balayage
- #3 Platinum blonde caramel balayage
- #4 Chocolate caramel balayage
- #5 Caramel blonde highlights
- #6 Auburn caramel balayage
- #7 Cinnamon caramel balayage
- #8 Toasted caramel balayage
- #9 Dark caramel balayage
- #10 Caramel balayage ombre
- How do I know if a caramel balayage is right for me?
- What skin tone suits caramel balayage?
- Will caramel balayage suit me?
- Which Hair Color Suits Me?
- How do you get caramel balayage?
- What maintenance does a caramel balayage require?
- How much does caramel balayage cost?
- Can I balayage my hair at home?
- Watch and learn: How to do a balayage at home step-by-step.
- How do you do a caramel balayage with brown hair?
- Can you do caramel balayage on dark hair?
- How long does caramel balayage last?
- How do you keep caramel balayage?
- Parting words.
What is caramel balayage hair?
Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep.” It’s a highlighting technique where the color is painted on by hand instead of using foils. This gives a more natural, sun-kissed look.
It’s similar to that of traditional highlights, but with a more subtle and gradient finish.
The beauty of this style is that it can be tailored to suit any hair color and skin tone, making it a versatile option for anyone wanting to experiment with their do.
Caramel is one of the most popular colors for balayage because it can be used to create so many different looks.
Whether you want a light and natural finish, or something more dramatic and glam, there’s a shade out there for you.
The best thing about caramel balayage hair is that it’s totally customizable. You can go as light or dark as you want, and you can even add in some lowlights or extra curls for an even more dimensional look.
And because the highlights are placed strategically throughout the hair, it will always give a more natural look.
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
10 best caramel balayage hairstyle ideas.
#1 Honey blonde caramel balayage
This is a great option if you want to add some brightness and dimension to your look. The honey-colored highlights will complement your dark hair perfectly, and the overall effect is of a very natural honey caramel hair color that’s low-maintenance too.
#2 Ash blonde caramel balayage
If you have cool undertones in your skin, this is the perfect choice for you. The ash blonde highlights will help to balance out the warmth of the caramel, resulting in a beautiful color that’s perfect for any season.
#3 Platinum blonde caramel balayage
This is a great choice if you want to make a statement with your hair. The icy platinum blonde balayage waves will really stand out against the dark caramel strands, creating a lighter look that’s very glamorous and sophisticated.
#4 Chocolate caramel balayage
This is a rich and decadent option that’s perfect for those with dark brown hair who want to add some depth and dimension to wavy hair. The chocolate brown lowlights will complement the caramel hues perfectly, giving you a look that’s both warm and glossy.
#5 Caramel blonde highlights
This is a classic option that’s perfect for those who want to add some brightness to their hair. The caramel balayage highlights will really stand out against your dark hair, and the overall effect is very natural and low-maintenance.
#6 Auburn caramel balayage
This is a beautiful option for those with warm undertones in their skin. The red-brown tones of auburn will pick up on the gold in your skin and give you a stunning, sun-kissed look. You can also add copper streaks around your hairline or add a copper money piece to bring out light colored eyes like green or blue.
#7 Cinnamon caramel balayage
This is a lush and delicious alternative for people who want to add complexity and dimension to their locks. The cinnamon highlights will go great with a touch of caramel, and the overall effect is spicy and warm.
#8 Toasted caramel balayage
This is a great choice if you try out the darker side of this look. The warm caramel tone and toasted layers make a golden glow, and the overall effect is very natural and low-maintenance.
#9 Dark caramel balayage
This is a fantastic option for people who want to add some depth and texture to their hair. The technique combines two rich and gorgeous tones to create a dimensional look.
With darker lowlights under the top highlight color, dark caramel balayage creates depth to any brown-toned mane while also maintaining a natural vibe.
#10 Caramel balayage ombre
This is a wonderful choice for people with brunette hair who want to liven up their locks. The caramel ombre is a sister style to balayage but still maintains that same low-maintenance, natural look.
The best thing about this style is that it can be customized to your liking – so if you want more or less of the caramel color, just let your stylist know!
How do I know if a caramel balayage is right for me?
This sassy look is suitable for almost anyone. If you have dark hair, your stylist may need to pre-lighten your hair before they can start painting on the highlights.
This technique works well on both straight and curly hair, and it’s perfect for those who want to add some brightness and dimension to their look.
It’s also a great way to transition from a dark hair color to a lighter one. If you’re thinking about going blonde, this rich, warm hue is the perfect way to ease into the change.
What skin tone suits caramel balayage?
This rich golden shade looks good on almost any skin tone, but it’s especially flattering on those with warm undertones.
If you have cool undertones, you can still rock this look by blending it with cooler blonde shades like ash or platinum.
If you’re not what skin tones you have, you can use our handy checklist below!
If you have cool undertones:
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- You blush easily!
- Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
- The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
- Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
- You might have freckles.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades better.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you.
Will caramel balayage suit me?
– Do you have dark hair?
– Do you want to add some brightness and dimension to your look?
– Do you want to add texture and waves to straight hair?
– Do you want a low-maintenance hair color option?
– Do you have warm undertones in your skin?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then this is definitely the right choice for you!
If you’re not sure which colors suit you, you can take our quick quiz!
Just answer a few questions to find out which hair colors suit you.
Which Hair Color Suits Me?
How do you get caramel balayage?
If you’re thinking about getting involved with the latest trend in hair color, any hair color, the first thing you need to do is book a consultation with your stylist.
They’ll be able to assess your hair and give you an idea of what’s possible.
From there, they’ll be able to create a bespoke color plan that’s perfect for you.
Once you’ve decided on the right shade, your stylist will hand-paint the caramel highlights onto your hair.
They’ll start by lightening your hair, before painting on the color. The whole process can take up to two hours, but it’s worth it for the stunning results!
What maintenance does a caramel balayage require?
Another great thing about this balayage hair color is that it’s a low-maintenance option. Because the highlights are placed strategically, they will grow out seamlessly.
To keep your hair looking its best, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and be sure to use a heat protectant before you style your hair.
You should also get your hair trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent split ends.
With just a little bit of care, you can keep your sweet-colored tresses looking fresh and fabulous for months.
How much does caramel balayage cost?
The price of getting the gorgeous do done varies depending on the salon you go to and the length of your hair.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 (£115) to $350 (£265) for the service.
Can I balayage my hair at home?
Balayaging is a complex hair technique that’s best left to the professionals!
That said, if you’re feeling confident and have experience of dyeing your own hair at home, there are plenty of great balayage and ombre kits around that will help you get the look.
We also have a great guide: How to balayage hair at home | The ultimate guide.
Watch and learn: How to do a balayage at home step-by-step.
Here’s a great video that walks you through how to get the balayage technique right first time!
How do you do a caramel balayage with brown hair?
If you have brown hair and want to add some caramel balayage, the best way to do it is by starting with a light brown base.
Your stylist will then hand-paint the highlights onto your hair, before adding a glaze to help blend the colors together.
Brown is a great base for balayage color blending so it’s perfect for those who want to try it out without making a big commitment.
Can you do caramel balayage on dark hair?
If your hair is very dark or you h ave black hair, you may need to start with a pre-lightener to lift the color first.
This is a complex process, so it’s best to book a consultation with your stylist beforehand.
The whole process can take up to two hours, but it’s worth it for the stunning results!
How long does caramel balayage last?
This look can last up to 12 weeks, but it’s always best to touch up your highlights every eight weeks or so.
This will help to keep your color looking fresh and prevent those pesky roots from showing through.
How do you keep caramel balayage?
After you’ve achieved the look you love, you’ll need to take extra care of your hair to keep it looking its best.
Use a shampoo and conditioner that are designed for color-treated hair, and avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible.
If you do need to use them, make sure you use a heat protectant spray first. When drying your hair, use cool or lukewarm air instead of hot.
And once a week, use a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and shine.
Parting words.
There you have it – everything you need to know about caramel balayage.
This stunning style is perfect for those who want to add some brightness and dimension to their hair, and it’s surprisingly low-maintenance.
With the right care, your balayage can last up to 12 weeks, so there’s no need to worry about touch-ups too often. So what are you waiting for?
Give this sweet style a try today!
