43 Stunning Balayage Hair Color Ideas for a Natural Look

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Balayage hair colors
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Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Balayage is a contemporary method of hair coloring using foils and free-form painting to smear hues into strands. The name is derived from a French term that means “sweeping.”

It provides a more gorgeous and natural growth than traditional highlights, but the typical extra care is required to keep the color. Learn more about this trend from Canadian salon owner and hairstylist Melanie Ibacache.

💡 Key Things to Know First

  • Benefits. It provides brightness or depth, and dimension with less maintenance. You can save money by skipping the salon for six months.
  • Suggested products. Ask for Olaplex 1 and 2 to protect hair during lightening. After the service, use Milkshake Incredible Milk and Whipped Cream to protect it from heat when styling and prevent color fading.
  • More recommendations. Slowly adjust your hair tones over several appointments to avoid damage and maintain hair integrity. Discuss with your hair colorist how much dimension, lightness, or money piece you want. Use color-specific shampoos to maintain vibrancy.

I’ve gathered some of the best and trendiest balayage hair ideas to consider. Look!

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Straight Pearly Balayage Hair
Instagram @mirall_hair

#1: Straight Pearly Balayage Hair

Just how beautiful is this pearly, straight balayage hairstyle? This is the perfect look if you’re looking for icy-blue-violet tones and are up for the maintenance that goes with blonding services. To incorporate this look into your schedule, schedule a consultation with your stylist. The stylist will give you a heavy blonde highlight with cool tones and a root shade to soften the grow-out and add dimension. Make sure to pre-book and return every 12 weeks for services, including a trim, a highlight, and a toner application. At home, you can style this look straight or curled. Also, don’t forget to keep Fenolla Purple Shampoo in your shower. Use it once a week to keep brassy tones at bay.

#2: Bright Light Ash Blonde

Brighten up your locks with bright light ash blonde. Balayage is one of the best techniques to get a blended natural color. It may take a few sessions to achieve a bright blonde if you’re looking for a traditional light balayage. If you want a faster result, foils can be used to lighten in less time. Use an ash toner to keep brassy tones away.

#3: Blonde Balayage for Thin Wavy Hair

Do you have flat, dull hair? Get a blonde balayage for your thin, wavy hair and shine as bright as snow! This bold, voluminous take on blonde will make your hair look luscious and eye-catching.

Balayage for Straight Tresses
Instagram @eunicekimhair

#4: Balayage for Straight Tresses

If you prefer to wear your hair straight and love balayage, consulting a color specialist is a good idea. The right blending makes the hair look soft and seamless. With straight hair, any coloring errors are easily noticeable, so precision is key. Consider adding a face-framing highlight it can provide a bold pop of color.

Subtle Caramel Balayage on Mid-Long Black Hair
Instagram @naviinasalon

#5: Subtle Caramel Balayage on Black Hair

A subtle caramel tint on black hair makes a lovely change for those wanting lighter shades. When you lighten black hair, remember that it can reveal warm tones. Using warm tones can create a striking effect and add depth to your hair.

#6: Refreshed Balayage

Time for a refreshed balayage? Consider a balayage for your medium-length locks to refresh your hair with a new color. The benefits of a balayage are that it adds dimension and depth to your hair while being low-maintenance. This hair color balayage works best for women with warm skin tones and dark eyes.

Vivid Hair Transformation Blue Balayage for long wavy hair and a middle part
Instagram @bricia.g_artistry

#7: Vivid Hair Transformation

Consider a vivid hair transformation if you’re tired of your hair. If you want to do an all-over vivid color on dark hair, you must start with a global blonding. But it could take more than one session to get light enough. It helps to stay consistent on maintenance. This is because the hair keratinizes after about an inch of growth. Thus, making it harder to create seamless blondes without banding. The proper upkeep and qualified stylist will save you money if you stay consistent.

Related: Best blue balayage hair colors.

Vivid Black to Purple Balayage Ombre
Instagram @youdoyou.hair

#8: Vivid Black to Purple Balayage Ombre

This black-to-purple balayage ombré will leave you speechless! When dyeing your hair with vivid colors, ask for products to help you keep the longevity of your color. Washing your hair with cooler water can also help keep your hair bright.

#9: Fun & Flirty Rose Gold Balayage

A deep, rich, rose gold balayage is a great hair color to consider if you want something that’s colorful and fun without being too bold and vibrant. Rose gold is a great example of what is sometimes considered a “natural” fashion color. Rose gold tends to start fading after a few weeks, but the darker it is, the longer it will last. Ask your stylist about color-depositing shampoos, re-toning your hair every 4-6 weeks, and invest in a good dry shampoo because it’s about to be your new best friend.

Subtle Balayage on Natural Curls
Instagram @jhonyveiga

#10: Subtle Balayage on Natural Curls

Try a subtle balayage if you want your natural curls to stand out more. A balayage can help give your hair natural color dimension and depth, no matter the color you choose for your balayage. You’ll want to avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry to prevent it from looking dry and frizzy. Remember to use curl products in your hair to keep your curl pattern hydrated and bouncy. Have bangs? See more balayage with bangs hairstyle ideas.

Messy Mid-Length Balayage Hairstyle
Instagram @anhcotran

#11: Messy Mid-Length Balayage Hairstyle

This messy mid-length balayage hairstyle is gorgeous and low-maintenance. If you want a soft wave that’s natural looking, you can do so by using a flat iron and curling away from your face. Please give it a quick brush to keep it looking very lived-in that matches a warm balayage.

#12: Yummy Caramel Balayage on Brown Hair

Spice up your brown locks with a caramel balayage. Warm up your hair and your complexion with swirling colors of golden and caramel tones. This caramel brown balayage is a beautiful natural technique that will give your hair the brightness you want with little maintenance.

Rooted Balayage
Instagram @locksbylaurynn

#13: Rooted Balayage with Sandy Brown

A rooted balayage can be a great choice if you’re like other women looking to visit the salon less frequently. Ask your stylist for a root color close to your natural hair color for added longevity.

#14: Sweet Honey Balayage with a Money Piece

A honey balayage paired with a money piece can be a big impact but low-maintenance. The balayage mimics how the sun naturally lightens your hair, leaving a nice, natural-looking root. A naturally rooted balayage won’t leave a harsh line of outgrowth. If you can, avoid washing your hair too often.

#15: Balayage Brown Dimension for Curly Hair

A brown and blonde balayage style will highlight your best features if you have curly hair—the perfect bronde with a dark root pairs together well, which will grow out beautifully. Curly hair and balayage go hand in hand with showing off beautiful hand-painted dimensions.

#16: Low-Maintenance Platinum Blonde Balayage

A platinum blonde balayage is the perfect low-maintenance hair color for naturally lighter hair. If you have darker hair, achieving this platinum balayage will take several color appointments to achieve the tone. But once you do, this French coloring technique will look amazing.

Related: Best blonde balayage on dark brown hair.

#17: The Reverse Balayage

A reverse balayage will add depth and dimension to your hair if you have darker hair tones. You can play with tones that match your skin tone best by talking with your hairstylist. You can keep as many or little light pieces in your hair as possible and tailor them to suit your style.

Stunning Partial Balayage
Instagram @oretdyeshair

#18: Stunning Partial Balayage

A partial balayage is often all that is required to maintain your balayage look. Doing a partial balayage instead of a full balayage can be more financially beneficial and easier on the health of your hair. Ask your stylist if a partial balayage may be better for your hair maintenance schedule.

Dimensional Brunette Balayage Hair
Instagram @cocoon_styling

#19: Dimensional Brunette Balayage

Dimensional brunette hair brings out the richness in your natural base color. A hand-painted hair highlighting technique is common to achieve a soft dimensional brunette balayage.

Trendy Platinum Blonde Babylights with Dark Roots
Instagram @pcxhair

#20: Trendy Platinum Blonde Babylights with Dark Roots

Platinum blonde babylights with dark roots are a color to try once in your life. The contrast with a dark root makes the platinum blonde pop. You can achieve this by using the rooted blonde balayage technique. The high-maintenance, hand-painted style will be worth it when you receive tons of compliments.

Related: Best blonde balayage on dark hair.

Natural Balayage
Instagram @salonmusecluj

#21: The Natural Balayage

Natural balayage is perfect if this is your first-time balayage experience. Keeping a natural hair-toned balayage on dark brown hair will give you a low-maintenance look. Being so soft, this look can be worn straight or curled and still look phenomenal. Check out more blonde balayage for straight hair ideas.

#22: Amazing Copper Balayage

Copper balayage is the color of the year. The warmth and brightness will make you look and feel ready for any occasion. A painted hair trend will give you a soft, natural, low-maintenance style, so it’s the go-to highlighting technique for most stylists.

#23: Multi-Dimensional Bronde Balayage

Bronde balayage on dark hair will give you the perfect depth and dimension without overpowering and while keeping your hair natural. This warm, low-maintenance style is suitable for many women of all ages.

Beautiful Honey Blonde Balayage Hair Color
Instagram @davina.d.hair

#24: Beautiful Honey Blonde Balayage

Honey dark blonde hair color is a mix of golden and natural hues. The warmth compliments medium brown hair very well. I recommend you ask your colorist for a honey golden blonde balayage ombre to keep dimension from your base color and achieve this beautiful look. If you like this dark blonde color, you should see more dark blonde balayage ideas.

Related: Best honey blonde balayage ideas.

#25: Frosted Lavender Balayage Color

A frosted lavender color complements lighter hair extremely well. The little hints of lavender bring out the brightness in the ash-blonde highlights. You can style using a one-inch curling iron to achieve luscious Hollywood waves.

#26: Romantic Grey Balayage

A grey balayage is full of brightness and dimension. Using foil highlights will help you achieve this color by getting you as light as possible so the grey tone can be achieved. I recommend you use a dark purple shampoo with this gray balayage for it to stay fresh.

Smokey Purple Balayage
Instagram @silverbeaute

#27: Smokey Purple Balayage

A smokey purple balayage is a unique mix of a purple ash tone. This style is perfect for you if you’re a younger woman wanting to add a vivid shade without going too bright and keeping it subtle.

#28: Red Copper Balayage with a Root Melt

A red copper balayage with a root melt is perfect if you want bright, vivid colors on your red hair. Doing a reserve balayage, with lowlights and a root melt, will give you a softer grow-out.

Youthful Light Brown Balayage Hair
Instagram @jadebyida

#29: Youthful Light Brown Balayage Hair

A light brown balayage paired with a heavy bright money piece will make you feel fabulous. Balayage hair dye ideas are ideal if you want low-maintenance hair while keeping up with the newest hair trends.

#30: Gorgeous Burgundy Balayage on Black Hair

Burgundy balayage on black hair is a favorite for a lot of women. The darkness in the roots helps your burgundy balayage pop. You’ll definitely receive many compliments if you choose this beautiful combination.

#31: Natural-Looking Golden Brown Balayage

A golden brown balayage adds brightness around your face and softness in the back. It’s a beautiful choice if you want natural sun-kissed curly hair. Curls are an ideal hairstyle with balayage since they help show off the contrast between your base color and golden brown balayage highlights.

Feminine Pink Balayage Ombre
Instagram @hairbymissha

#32: Feminine Pink Balayage Ombre

A pink balayage ombre compliments medium brown very well. Ask your hairstylist to use the balayage hairstyle technique to achieve a hand-painted pink balayage.

#33: Mushroom Brown Balayage on Dark Brown Hair

The mushroom brown balayage goes beautifully with dark brown hair. The low-contrast style with hair balayage makes your new color easier to maintain. You’ll need to add toning to keep the brass away.

#34: Charming Silver Balayage

A silver balayage hair color is the go-to style for many younger women. Ash tones are very trendy at the moment. If you get an ash-toned balayage, your hair will need more upkeep since cool tones fade faster than warm tones.

#35: Hand-Painted Auburn Balayage

Hand-painted auburn hair is a very warm overall look. The dark warm base with hair painting might be the perfect blend. You’ll need to style your auburn balayage with a wide curling iron. Finishing with a shine spray will bring you many compliments.

Warm Yummy Chocolate Balayage
Instagram @tiakaseyhair

#36: Warm Yummy Chocolate Balayage

A warm chocolate balayage is the definition of less is more. This chocolate brown balayage style will enhance your dark brown hair with the perfect dimension and warmth.

Ash Blonde Babylights with Balayage
Instagram @hairbykacie1

#37: Ash Blonde Babylights with Balayage

Ash-blonde babylights will make you look and feel very trendy. To achieve this look, ask your stylist for an ash blonde balayage with a dark shadow root. Style with a curling iron and finish with oil to get tousled beachy curls.

Ash Brown Balayage & Babylights
Instagram @hairbykacie1

#38: Ash Brown Balayage & Babylights

Ash brown babylights will give your dark roots the perfect amount of contrast without being too bright. You’ll want to ask for an ash brown balayage while keeping a dark root for a smooth grow-out.

#39: Subtle Balayage on Dark Hair

A subtle balayage on dark hair is very trendy at the moment. The soft grow-out with free-form painting will make this a very low-maintenance hair color for you. You can style it with a curling iron to give you beautiful luscious waves that show off the ribbons of dimension.

#40: Sun-Kissed Caramel Balayage Hair Color

A sun-kissed caramel balayage hair color is a beautiful style if you want a change while keeping it natural. A caramel balayage is very versatile for any age. Its soft, natural tone compliments a wide range of base colors.

#41: Delicious Strawberry Blonde Balayage

Strawberry blonde balayage is ideal for women wanting brightness, with warm golden tones. If you have longer hair, it’s one of the best ways to get the balayage hair color technique.

Balayage & Red Highlights
Instagram @hairbyrachelb

#42: Balayage & Red Highlights

Red balayage highlights are super rich, especially on a dark purple base. Balayage hair colour will give you a soft grow-out, with toning being the only maintenance for a while. You must use red shampoo to keep your color bright and alive.

Related: Best ways to pair red balayage with brown hair.

Creamy Beige Balayage
Instagram @vanessastroot

#43: Creamy Beige Balayage

A creamy beige balayage is the tone that’s suitable for you regardless of your skin tone, eye color, etc. Its medium bronde shade keeps your hair looking soft and subtle and is a beautiful balayage on brown hair.