Brittany Clark, an experienced stylist specializing in hair coloring techniques, shares her expertise on achieving brown balayage on black hair. With a focus on matching different skin tones and maintaining the color, Clark provides valuable insights and recommendations.
Meet The Expert
Brittany Clark
Brittany is a hairstylist with over 7 years of experience
You can find her at Rendezvous Hair Salon in Columbus, OH
Choosing the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
Balayage on black or dark hair is suitable for all skin tones, but it’s essential to consider undertones. To determine the ideal color, ask yourself whether you lean more towards gold or silver. Consider the color palettes you usually wear in your clothing and makeup.
Additionally, identify the season’s color palette that complements you best. By considering these factors, you can find a hair color that truly suits you. Trends can be exciting, but ensure they align with your undertones for the best results.
Maintaining Brown Balayage on Black Hair
If you have dark to black hair, you may notice warmth in your hair, appearing as orangey or brassy tones. Your stylist will use a toner to counteract this warmth and make the color more manageable. Purple and blue shampoos are specifically designed to address these issues. Use them as maintenance and upkeep, not with every shampoo.
When you see more orange or brass, opt for blue shampoo, and if you notice more yellow, turn to purple shampoo. Green shampoos are suitable for subtle balayage, countering red undertones often seen in lifting out very dark and coarse hair. Remember, excessive use of these shampoos can lead to dullness, so use them only when necessary, ideally no more than every 4th shampoo.
Key Considerations When Consulting Your Colorist/Stylist
When discussing your desired hair color with your stylist, several factors should be considered. These include your lifestyle, hair color history, products you use at home, and the number of sessions required to achieve your desired look. If your hair has no color on it, it will lift more easily compared to hair with previous professional or at-home color.
Balayage is a low-maintenance technique, as it typically doesn’t reach the roots. However, you should still discuss treatment, toner, and haircut maintenance with your stylist. Regular hair care between lightening appointments is crucial to prevent breakage and unwanted tones.
Photos of the Most Magnificent Brown Balayage on Black Hair
#1: Dark Brown Partial Balayage
Ask for a stunning balayage finish on level 2 dark brown hair. Although this can be challenging, it creates a low-maintenance blended look when it cooperates. If you’re naturally dark, this can take a lengthy appointment to get your hair light, but worth the wait. Toning will help blend the color together and help cancel out any leftover reds and oranges.
#2: Subtle Brown Balayage with Voluminous Layers
If you have dark hair, you should try a subtle brown balayage with voluminous layers. The slight color change will add depth to your already dark hair.
#3: Mushroom Brown Balayage with Hints of Blonde
Mushroom brown balayage with hints of blonde creates a dramatic hair color combo. The rich and earthy tones of mushroom brown add depth to the hairstyle. The blonde woven in the hair provides a contrasting touch. It adds brightness and dimension. This color choice is perfect for those seeking a bold and eye-catching transformation.
#4: Chocolate Brown Balayage Highlights
Chocolate brown balayage is a perfect choice to complement your skin tone and get a natural look. The warm undertones of the chocolate brown shade add richness and depth to your hair. Both create a stunning contrast. This balayage technique provides a seamless, sun-kissed effect that enhances your overall appearance. Styling options for this hair color are versatile. Wear it in loose waves for a relaxed and effortless vibe or style it sleek and straight for a more polished look.
#5: Natural Brown Balayage Hair
Try a deep-rooted ombre balayage if you want a soft, edgy color. Dark black roots blended into a chocolate blonde have a beautiful contrast. You will need to do lightening through the ends of the hair before toning with a chocolate blonde. But it can be maintained with great products for washing and styling to keep it healthy.
#6: Black Choppy Bob with Golden Highlights
Try this black choppy bob with golden highlights if you have dark hair. The super dark root really helps enhance the golden tones in the highlights. This combo of short hair and contrasting tones will really give you a trendy, lived-in look!
#7: Reverse Brunette Balayage with Soft Waves
Do you want to change from a global blonde to a more low-maintenance color option? Try a reverse balayage. This technique can work with your natural color. Ask your stylist to apply peaks and valleys of the darker root color through the ends of the hair. Then applying two-three other colors to melt them together. This creates a beautiful, low-maintenance, dimensional effect.
#8: Rich Mocha Brown Balayage
Darker babes don’t always want blonde highlights. Instead, try a rich mocha color of a level 5 or 6 with red-brown undertones. This pairs well with a darker level two, three, or four base color.
#9: Long Black Hair with Brown Accents
Try lightening your mid-lengths and ends with a foilyage to keep your long hair brown with dimension. This creates a soft, diffused effect where the hair looks sun-kissed. Using a gloss with browns, reds, or mahogany will give richness to your hair and is also more natural looking.
#10: Dark Hair to Beige Brown Ombre
Here’s a dark hair color with a beige brown ombré. Ask your stylist for a beige brown tone with your gloss if you want to be blonde with muted gold tones. An ombré color effect is great for darker bases or those who do frequent grey coverage. An ombré is focused through the mid-lengths and ends. This allows you to have fun, lighter hair and also keeps your love for the dark root color.
#11: Warm Brown Ombre Balayage
This warm brown ombré balayage is a great option if you’re looking to add dimension to your brunette hair. The caramel-like tones on the ends give the color dimension. And this happens while keeping maintenance low!
#12: Loose Waves with Dark Brunette Teasylights
Try these loose waves with dark brunette highlights. The brunette highlights give dimension to her overall color, while the waves add texture.
#13: Dark-Rooted Glossy Brown Balayage Highlights
Glossy brown balayage highlights on dark-rooted hair are beautiful on women. I recommend getting a gloss every other month when I add highlights to dark hair. Glosses help to maintain the tone and add shine.
#14: Subtle Highlights with a Money Piece
Subtle highlights with a money piece create a sophisticated and trendy look. The highlights add depth and dimension to the hair, while the money piece adds a pop of brightness. The highlights and money piece create a blend of colors that look effortless. This hairstyle is perfect for ladies who want to enhance their natural beauty.
#15: Face-Framing Honey Highlights for Black Hair
Face-framing honey-toned highlights will stand out boldly against long black hair. Honey tones look best on women with neutral or warm undertones in their skin. Highlights for black hair will make the skin look healthy and glowing.
#16: Sun-Kissed Balayage for Dark Base
A sun-kissed balayage is a gorgeous way to lighten dark bases for summer. Remember that it will mean warm or golden tones when asking for a sun-kissed balayage. This is a great way for women with dark hair to add highlights without over-lightening and causing excess damage.
#17: Long Dark Hair with Cinnamon Brown Accents
Long dark hair with cinnamon brown accents is a flattering choice. It adds warmth and dimension to your hairstyle. The cinnamon-brown accents create a beautiful contrast against the dark base. This enhances your overall look. This color combination is particularly flattering for those with warm skin tones. Styling options for this hair color are versatile. Add loose curls or beachy waves for a romantic and effortless vibe. Or wear it straight for a sleek and polished appearance.
#18: Dark Reddish Brown Balayage
Dark reddish brown balayage is a beautiful choice that adds depth and richness to your hair. The dark base transitions into a stunning reddish-brown hue. This creates a captivating and eye-catching effect. This color combo enhances your natural beauty and adds a touch of warmth to your overall look.
#19: Mid-Length Soft Caramel Balayage Waves
Soft caramel balayage waves are a stunning choice that complements your skin tone. The caramel highlights add warmth and dimension to your hair. They create a natural, sun-kissed look. This color mix enhances your overall appearance and brings out the best in your features. The mid-length waves add movement and texture to your hair, giving it a soft and romantic vibe. Styling options for this hair length and color are versatile. Go for tousled beach waves for a relaxed style to polished and defined curls for a more glamorous look.
#20: Long Choppy Hair with Brunette Subtle Balayage
Long choppy hair with brunette balayage creates a stunning hairstyle. It embraces texture and a natural look. The choppy layers add movement and dimension to the hair. The subtle brunette balayage adds depth and richness. This mix creates a beautiful contrast and enhances your hair’s natural beauty. Styling this look is versatile. Add loose waves for a bohemian vibe, or straighten it for a sleek and polished appearance.
#21: Dark-Rooted Light Brown Balayage
Light brown balayage is perfect for lighting up your hair and creating contrast. The dark roots blend into a beautiful light brown shade. They add depth and dimension to your hairstyle. This balayage technique provides a natural-looking transition that enhances your overall look. Styling options for this hair color are versatile. Wear it sleek and straight for a polished appearance, or add loose curls for a more romantic vibe.
#22: Long Wavy Dark Chocolate Hair
Try this glossy wavy dark chocolate hair! This look is trendy and classic.
#23: Bronde Balayage Waves
Try this bronde balayage with waves if you are looking for dimension! This color is classy with a fun vibe.
#24: Subtle Brunette Balayage Highlights
This subtle brunette balayage with highlights is stunning! The cool brown tone gives the hair depth.
#25: Smokey Caramel Balayage Ombre
Give this smokey caramel balayage ombré a try! This look uses warm and cool shades to give the perfect dimensional balance. This look is also very low-maintenance! It’s a win-win!
#26: Golden Toffee Brown Highlights
Try this pretty golden toffee brown color with highlights for your summer look. This color combo would work well with just about any complexion.