20 Balayage Hair Ideas That Will Add Serious Dimension to Your Hair
Book your salon appointment ASAP.
In the mood for naturally sun-kissed hair year round? If so, balayage should 100% be on your radar. According to DC-based stylist Quarita Futrell, balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or paint, and it describes exactly what your colorist will do. The technique involves your stylist freehand painting your highlights on, and the end result is a natural-looking finish that makes it appear as though you just spent a week in Bali. Even more exciting is the fact that this trendy technique is perfect for all hair textures and every tone — which means it looks great on everyone. Because of the technique and finish of this hair color trend, it's super low-maintenance, so you can wait a few extra weeks before returning to the salon. Easy on your budget? Check. Easy on your hair? Check. Verdict: We're in love!
We’ve rounded up a bevy of stunning balayage looks to inspire you in 2019 and beyond. And don’t worry, while this technique has been around since the 1970s, the trend shows no sign of slowing down — meaning you won't regret this decision a month from now. Ready for some serious color inspo? Here are our favorite, most inspired black balayage hair ideas.
Brunette Glow
Pops of golden highlights are a surefire way to stand out any season. For brunettes like Regina Hall, strategically placed tones throughout your base color look incredibly natural and are nothing to be afraid of.
Brown Bob
The balayage bob is the definition of the ultimate trendsetter. Untouched at the root yet blended effortlessly, Yvonne Orji highlights that signature gradient affect we all love. If you needed further inspiration for the big chop, this is it!
Brown Babe
A hint of coffee-brown to elevate a look is perfect for balayage newbies. Futrell suggests choosing a placement for your new hue that works with your hair cut. “If you have a bob and want to extend the time in between your color, start softly by painting closer to the root to increase longevity.”
Textured Warmth
We’ve been long-time admirer of Lady O’s healthy tresses and there’s no doubt these expert blends from light-brown red undertones make her the undisputed queen of hair transformations.
Blonde Spirit
This cut is perfect to accentuate the peek-a boo effect of the varying blonde shades. Futrell used Schwarzkopf USA’s Blond Me, then toned with Redkin shade 10v to help balance this black balayage hair idea. “Look for a stylists who listens well,” she warns. “Effective communication is essential so go with your gut.”
Tinted Tendrils
Tresses with more bounce are a hair colorists dream. According to Futrell, the “whisper color” can give you just the right amount of pop. “It gives the illusion of ‘island babe' and there are so many possibilities which makes it so sought after!”
Fancy Foliage
Soft beige-brown tones are expertly swept on for this look. If this is your first color (or blonde) process, aftercare at home is a must, says Futrell, who calls this technique, "Fancy Foliage." “I would actually reject a color service if I feel alarmed by my clients at-home hair care ability.”
Caramel Tints
Naturi Haughton shows us how to rock the trend with minimal commitment. When you’re ready to play with a hint of color, focus on colors that can brighten and frame your face. Bouncy curls are a bonus to emphasize the look!
Baby Brown
Brunette highlights are done right and soften the ends on Naomie Harris for a trés subtle look. According to Futrell, “always look for color tones that compliment your skin complexion & enhance your eyes.”
Bold Golds
Buttery Blonde has made Mary J. Blige queen of the hair color wheel for longer than we can count! Take a few hue-clues from one that knows, going bold while still maintaining a soft and subtle lewk is definitely doable.
RELATED: 40 Balayage Hair Color Inspiration to Lighten Up Your Look
Romantic Fringe
A bold fringe bang with flirty streaks of gold can instantly take any look from daytime-casual to date night. Don’t be afraid to talk to your stylist and make your streaks take center-stage to play-up the contours of your face, just like Kat Graham did.
Soft Mauve Waves
Dusty mauves with a hint of brown shimmer throughout add just the right amount of warmth to any hair style. The beauty of balayage is thinking of your hair as a masterpiece — embrace it!
Honey Waves
A sophisticated palette of hues can bring joy to any style. Joan Smalls's crimped waves have just the right balance of playful appeal to make light of any bad days ahead.
Em-Bossy Hues
Pulling off a full-copper base while incorporating a seamless transition of bold blonde highlights can give your hair the kind of dimensions balayage was made for! “There are no limits except the limits we put on ourselves,” says Futrell of this black balayage hair idea.
Golden Edge
There’s nothing straightforward about rocking a gorgeous new hue. We love how Halle Berry takes it to the pro-level with blonde streaks accented by a party-in-the-back playful feel.
Chestnut Ribbons
Framing the face to highlight your base color is an instant way to make the rest of your look pop and give you something to smile about! Ciara rocks her layered chestnut strands that are fun and perfect for any occasion.
Bronze Glow
Flattering highlights that capture the natural radiance of who you are is what balayage is all about. We love the subtle color that delivers a high-impact here on Gina Torres who exudes confidence and grace.
Light Play
There literally are no limits to color options if you want to try balayage. Eve’s gradient shades of grey are flirty and easy to pull off once you’ve found the right tones and color dimensions.
Summery Blends
Your star power instantly shines through with the most on-trend hair color for the season. Eva Marcille captures the sun-kissed glow perfectly with both high-lights and lowlights strategically placed throughout.
Red Maven
There’s no denying that ultimate hair goals start with bold choices. There’s nothing subtle about going full red goddess, and Dewanda Wise carries this edgy choice with ease. For the added flare, ask your stylist for highlights and lowlights to pull off a sun-kissed black balayage hairstyle.
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