Not to be confused with hair coloring techniques like ombré, babylights, sombré, and highlights, balayage is a technique in a category of its own when it comes to popularity—and for good reason. Originating from the French word meaning “to sweep,” balayage is a freehand brush technique where a lightener is hand-painted onto the hair to create a soft and natural gradation of lightness towards the ends. The result? A soft, multi-dimensional look that allows your natural color to grow out without a harsh demarcation. Completely customizable to your aesthetic and shade preferences, balayage is perfect for coloring first-timers and dye job lovers alike. To provide inspiration for your next salon visit, we’ve rounded up the best balayage hair ideas for every hair color, from blonde to brunette, silver to red.
Keep scrolling for 25 screenshot-worthy balayage looks that are sure to wow.
Warm Blonde
Lived-in, melted blonde balayage creates a look that has a natural regrowth with no noticeable grow-out line since the darker regrowth blends seamlessly into the lighter hair. As seen on Maude Apatow, this classic, warm butter blonde is the perfect example of that technique.
Dark and Milk Chocolate
The dark-to-milk chocolate balayage is for you if you prefer soft dye jobs over high-contrast ones. To replicate Keke Palmer’s hair color, keep the roots dark brown or black before painting subtle highlights down through the mid-lengths and ends.
Platinum Balayage
One can never go wrong with a classic chin-length bob and cool-toned balayage. Subtly wavy styling really shows off this masterpiece of handpainted bronde, cool blonde, and platinum as the colors catch the light with each bend.
Ruby Red
Bright red hair is (and will always be) a popular choice for those looking to make a statement. We adore the touch of plum that fades in from where the natural color meets the red, adding an extra level of dimension and intrigue to these springy curls.
Pixie Balayage
Who says that balayage is reserved for long haircuts only? Certainly not Evangeline Lilly, who is rocking a cool bronde-to-blonde gradient with her touseled, grown-out pixie.
Mixed Balayage
Lily Aldridge is a big fan of balayage and has tried many iterations over the years. But we must admit—this mix of alternating bronde color and wheat blonde shade is one of our favorites.
Strawberry Blonde Balayage
If you’re looking for a unique balayage take that’s close to being blonde (but not quite), consider pale strawberry blonde. We love how this color skews further towards platinum as it moves towards her ends.
Candied Ginger
The candied ginger balayage looks as delicious as it sounds. A fusion of both carrot and blonde shades, this color adds a dose of warmth to the skin while allowing you to dip your toe into the red hair color waters.
Honey Blonde
Balayage midlights—as seen in the gorgeous honey hue—are a great way to grow out old colors. Think of this technique as using an “in-between” shade to connect your root color to your highlights.
Rose Gold
This cotton candy-coated light brunette fade has satisfied our sweet tooth. It’s a great way to dabble in the world of non-natural hair colors without fully committing to an all-over dye.
Bronde Balayage
Bronde is one of the most versatile balayage shades out there. It can brighten up brunette hair, tone down blonde, and offer a subtler change for those who are new to coloring.
Balayage Locs
Vivid, rich, and dimensional are just a few words we’d use to describe Kerry Washington’s brownie batter-hued locks that fade softly into a vibrant carrot color.
Cool Wheat Blonde
Is it cold in here, or is that just your new color? If you’re trying to avoid warm tones, draw inspiration from Ciara’s balayage. The cool undertones of the wheat shade help keep the overall look from skewing too brassy over time.
Light Brown Balayage
If you want to break up your brunette without making a major change, try barely-there brown balayage. Keep your base dark, but ask for some soft, glossy balayage highlights.
Beach-Blonde Balayage
Jennifer Aniston’s hair color will always be at the top of our list of most iconic beachy blondes. Keep your look low maintenance by asking for shadow roots or root smudging.
