Most clients that come into my salon and ask for a balayage leave my salon without a balayage service because I still don’t understand what they mean by that. I’m a stylist. I am trained to understand that when someone uses the term ‘balayage,’ it has lost its original meaning. While I am with my client who is requesting a balayage, I see her reference pics, and to my surprise, she has one picture for each highlight with a different method, placement, tone, and density of the highlights. To be honest, a good balayage is supposed to look like your hair grew out of your head like that.
People tend to miss the core of what a good balay is all about when they look at the photos of ‘balayages’ on Instagram. There is a lot of analysis involved when a stylist does a balayage. A couple of years back, I had a client with really fine hair who had a cooler undertone than most people. She wanted a warm honey balay. I had to convince her to do something that was ashier than honey and also do face framing highlights. When the hair dried, her expression was priceless because that was the first time she had received so many compliments on her hair colour from complete strangers. With a well done balayage, it doesn’t really matter what technique the stylist used. What is most important is for her to fully understand your hair, face structure, and your lifestyle.
#1: Warm Caramel Balayage with Soft Waves
The caramel in the mid-lengths looks pretty as it adds nice subtle dimension rather than *screaming* highlights. All the colors work well together and instead of going too cool or golden, it captures that lived-in warmth. The gentle waves also work well to break the color up. Right before the ends, there is nice soft layering which shows me the stylist was considering balance and how the color and cut play off each other so that it doesn’t look blunt. If this is what you are considering, keep in mind that the lighter ends will warm up over time, but it’s nothing a toning shampoo every few washes can’t fix!
#2: Ash Blonde Balayage with Gentle Movement
The ash blonde color is very sleek and classy. Since the shade is light, it looks great up against the client’s natural color at the roots. With this finer hair texture, heavy balayage can get stripey pretty quickly, and so the, uh, the lack of saturation is definitely what makes it work. There’s only a tiny bit of wave here, just enough to give the color some surface area to play across. If you have cool undertones, I think this color palette is worth it, just keep in mind that ashes are the most high-maintenance in the blonde family, and it may not be too great for what you want. They fade and shift faster than people expect.
#3: Ash Brown Balayage with Natural Texture
When looking at the ashy finish, it may seem like achieving this color is easy but it takes a lot of skill. This is because ashy tones and warm tones are a bit of a contradiction and can be tricky when blending. To tie in a warm end, ashy mid tones are super important as it then provides a sun kissed hair after summer look. It is great that the natural waves do a lot of the work here. Finer hair often does better when it is not over styled, and this is a prime example of that.
#4: Golden Balayage with Loose Curls
The warmth is a bit noticeable from across the room. Depending on your comfort level, that could be right or a little too much. The curls open up the color nicely and create that layered light effect where you see three to four different tones depending on how the hair falls. I would say this is more of a statement balayage than a subtle one, and I think it works because the base is dark enough to anchor everything. If you’re starting from a darker natural color, this kind of lifts do require some patience and likely more than one session to get right without compromising the hair’s integrity. If you’re committed, it’s worth it, but be honest with yourself about the upkeep.
#5: Deep Chocolate Balayage with Flowing Waves
I would love to see this type of balayage done more frequently. The chocolate hues are super rich, and the transition from roots to ends is so seamless, that the goal to have an almost undetectable color shift is achieved. The hair thickness really helps the color to look as if it has depth with a nearly glassy effect when the light hits it. I try to explain this to clients whenever someone shows me a picture of hair. The hair in that picture is a huge factor in the final look of the color. With that said, this particular balayage will be a lot less maintenance because the darker color palette will grow out a lot better.
#6: Chestnut Balayage with Defined Waves
This chestnut color brings heat and texture to the overall appearance. It shows a polished finish without looking like you’re trying to. The waves here are more structured than in some softer looks which allows for the highlights and lowlights to be defined in strips of light and dark. That contrast creates volume, even if the density is low to start with. A 1.25 inch curling iron would get you this type of wave pattern, assuming your hair does not do it naturally.
#7: Light Brown Balayage with Defined Curls
I especially love the way the pattern of curls and the use of color compliment each other. The defined curls separate the different color tones and give each tone its moment. It adds so much more complexity than a balayage would. The light brown color is in that range where it could be warm or cool depending on the light, and I think that range adds to its appeal. This color complements your hair’s natural texture and it is so nice to see that you worked with what you have instead of fighting it.
#8: Dark Ash Balayage with Long Waves
The Dark Ash family looks very good when someone commits to the look. It has a smoky, charcoal-y quality in the mid-lengths which makes the lighter pieces towards the ends look like they’ve been done on purpose rather than just grown out. With hair this thick and shiny, the multi-tonal effect can even look a bit metallic which is particularly lovely. I enjoy this color palette on people with minimal and architectural styles the most, because it’s not trying to look sunny or beachy, which is exactly why it works.
#9: Warm Chocolate Balayage with Bouncy Curls
The definition of the curls showcases the color work, which appears to be intentional. The bounce makes each curl lift away from the darker base, which highlights each individual piece. The warm chocolate base color allows the overall feel to remain rich and grounded while the lighter pieces provide the perfect amount of contrast. This is an excellent choice for those with medium to thick hair. On finer hair, the same technique might be used, but it would need to be scaled back to avoid looking overly done. Given the shine, the health of the hair looks great, which plays a significant role in how the color is captured versus how it appears in person.
#10: Ash Brown Balayage with Long Cascading Waves
The transition gradient is smooth enough to mimic the nuances of color shifts in hair. Ash brown is more understated, and the highlights are spaced to keep everything neat. I also like that the waves are styled just enough. It has that second-day look where the curl has relaxed and fallen. This is one of the more versatile balayage options I’ve seen if you’re not looking for anything too dramatic.
#11: Caramel Balayage with Beachy Texture
I immediately noticed how the lightness around the face enhances the face-framing effect. The warm buttery caramel shade lightens the hair without being too much around the face. The warm buttery caramel shade compliments many skin tones and the beachy texture creates a loosened vibe. The thickness of this hair really shows the balayage off well since there’s enough hair to show multiple tones without one being too dominating. If your hair is darker right now and you want to go warmer, that is a realistic and flattering goal, although I would recommend booking multiple appointments for this to be achieved gradually.
#12: Chocolate Balayage with Subtle Warmth
This is such a great example of balayage because it adds dimension without being too obvious. The rich chocolate base is so deep, and the lighter contrasting colors are so well placed and blended, that it could be perceived from a distance as a natural color. The colorist demonstrates proficient technique and artistry when it comes to blending and melting shades. The slight wave adds just enough movement to the hair so the color can really shine. If you are considering your first balayage and would prefer to not have an obvious contrast, then this is an ideal starting point.
#13: Warm Brown Balayage with Layered Movement
I appreciate the warmth of the color along with the layers creating a soft feel. I like the warm brown; it adds natural softness. The highlights by the face are brightening and do a great job. On fine hair, I like this soft gentle layering because it gives the illusion of more hair and doesn’t detract from the fullness of the ends. The hair looks good for any occasion, and it’s pretty and understated. This is great for hair that doesn’t require much effort.
#14: Sun-Kissed Blonde Balayage with Flowing Length
This is what most people think about when they think of the term. I get it. The execution is flawless. The lift is bright but not brassy, the waves are relaxed and the whole thing looks like they just got back from a warm holiday. The darker roots gives it practicality as it grows out which is the genius of balayage. I do think maintaining this brightness is a bigger commitment than people think. A home toning treatment will really affect how this looks at week four vs week six.
#15: Caramel Balayage with Rich Waves
Thank you for the work. The warmth in the caramel has character compared to the usual one. The face framing pieces are just right to accent the face without causing the look to be like cheap highlights. The waves are nice and heavy. The color is allowed to do its work without being overly defined. This palette works perfect for warm and medium skin tones and it fades nicely versus going muddy.
#16: Dark Brown Balayage with Strategically Placed Highlights
What works for this one is the restraint. The dark brown base is untouched for most of the hair, while the lighter pieces are placed where they’ll capture the most light, through the layers and around the face. That type of thinking is what defines the intentionality of balayage versus the more simplistic look of highlights with a fancier name. The long layers also help a lot with this as they create a natural movement that shifts the hair and highlights in and out of view. This type of placement is especially flattering on those with rounder features as it draws the eye more vertically.
#17: Ash Brown Balayage with Effortless Beachy Texture
The cooler tones running throughout are what set it apart. The lighter pieces have an almost smoky silvered appearance which gives the whole thing a more modern look than a warm balayage would. For fine to medium hair, this is the right amount of color density as it adds dimension without being oversaturated. The beachy texture really keeps it youthful and playful. I want to prepare you for the fact that a cool toned balayage is going to require a lot more upkeep than any other color family. The ash will be the first to fade and warmth will creep in whether you want it to or not.
#18: Warm Lived-In Balayage with Beachy Waves
What looks current here is the purposely shown darker roots. It reads like someone who had a hair color done some time ago and has grown in beautifully, which is right the kind of aesthetic most of my clients seek but struggle to articulate. The warm tones throughout the mid-lengths and ends are soft and flattering. The beachy wave adds just the right amount of texture to stop it from seeming flat. This kind of lived-in color is especially forgiving on finer hair because the grow-out is built into the color right from the start.
#19: Warm Caramel Balayage with Voluminous Waves
The waves create movement that makes the balayage pop, each wave captures a different color. The caramel is bold, and the dimension comes through without losing the base color. This is great for someone wanting a more brightened look but without the commitment. The face framing color is just enough to lift the complexion and is very strategic. You can tell a good colorist thinks about the client and not just the technique.
#20: Silver Balayage with Soft Waves
When it comes to silver hair, it is a very polarizing color. With that said, this is a case where it seems to land on the positive side since the placement is soft and the waves make it more soft and flowy, which is better than harsh or costume-y. This mid-length cut is a good choice for silver hair since it helps keep it looking fresh, as opposed to long silver hair which can look unkempt or go in a direction you may not want. Very few clients can pull off silver hair, but those that do have an almost ethereal quality to them, which I enjoy. Just know that silver hair comes with high maintenance. Silver is one of the highest maintenance colors and silver toning shampoo will be a permanent fixture in your shower if you choose to get this upkeep. You can also expect to do a lot of washing.
#21: Warm Brown Balayage with Sun-Kissed Dimension
I don’t even know where to begin about this amazing look. The warm brown base to caramel blend is so effortless and buttery, it’s clear the colorist put a ton of work into it. The placement of the face framing highlights could not have been more ideal to catch the light from every single angle, and the soft wave texture allows the color to flow more freely as opposed to looking stiff. This is the kind of medium density hair balayage that looks just as good three days unstyled.
#22: Mahogany Balayage with Cascading Waves
This color is really unique, and I’m here to back it up. The red hues offer a richness that a flat brown doesn’t, and those swooping waves really catch the light and provide warm glimmers. With this length and thickness, you’ll see the entire spectrum of the color from the deep burgundy-brown at the root, to warmer and lighter pieces at the ends. I would say this is a color for someone who prefers richness and warmth over cool brown shades. While it may look like a lot of upkeep, the grow-out is really lovely so it becomes quite easy to manage.
#23: Ash Blonde Balayage with Smooth Dimension
Coloring hair provides a seamless transition to different hair textures, which makes the balayage look more interesting because most stylists rely on the hair’s texture to show the fullness of the style. With hair that is easier to straighten, the blend must be perfect because there are no uneven bends to hide, and this one was executed well. The ash blonde is muted so that it doesn’t starkly contrast like classic highlights, but has just enough brightness to stand out. I think it is a modern and fresh approach that I think suits a minimalist style. Logically, it will require little maintenance, but those ashy tones will warm up in a few weeks without a toning routine.
#24: Rich Chocolate Balayage with Textured Waves
The tips that are lightened give a more natural look as if the color developed over time. Textured waves help break the color into its separate pieces giving it dimension. This is important to differentiate from ombré. On fine to medium density hair it creates the illusion of more fullness. The reason for this is that the layers are broken up with light and dark tones as though there are separate layers of hair even when the density isn’t heavy. It’s an excellent everyday balayage that looks good with minimal styling.
#25: Soft Caramel Balayage with Relaxed Waves
The combination of dark roots and lighter shades makes the hair look more dimensional than simply having an overall lighter color. I appreciate the restraint used here. The caramel color is not applied throughout the entire head, rather it is positioned at the mid-lengths and ends so that the overall look feels more natural. The soft waves appear to be done with little effort. All in all, this is the type of hair that looks like it is just your hair on a good day. This is what most people expect to achieve with balayage.
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.