Balayage highlights are meant for everyone! It’s not only that, this technique is so popular that has taken over the hair industry like a storm. Chrissy Teigen, Cara Delevingne, Alessandra Ambrosio, all these stars tried it, and they love it! The craze over the method will not go away, so below we explain what are balayage style highlights, how to get them, and even included 10 fabulous looks.
What is Balayage Hair Highlights?
Balayage comes from a French word which translates to ‘to paint, ‘to sweep’. As the name suggests, balayage highlighting is a coloring technique done by hand with sweeping movements. What sets it apart from other methods is that it provides a much more natural finish.
Foil highlights are very noticeable and you can immediately see a difference between the color of the base and the highlights. With balayage, the hairstylist uses his hands and a brush to create more sun-kissed looks that are usually in several different hues.
Best Balayage Hair Color Ideas for Women with Short Hair
How to Do Highlights with Balayage Technique
Once you’ve chosen which will be the base color of the hair and which for the highlights you can start the process. Most women are wondering how to do balayage highlights on dark hair, and we’re here to let you know that that is very much possible. All you need to do is include several different lighter tones so that the transition is very subtle. Keep that in mind before you start.
The next step is to get the balayage kit. Divide your hair into three sections, one is bottom, one middle, and one on top. Try out the color on a single strand, so that you’re sure you got the right one. Start with the section in the bottom. Grab thin strands and using the brush in the kit apply the color.
The best way to do it is if you being somewhere in the middle and move to the tips. Once you’re done, release the hair from the middle section and do the same. Continue until you’re done with the rest of it as well. Read the instructions very well, to know how long you should wait before you wash the hair. If you notice that there are any parts that you don’t like and you want them to be brighter, you can repeat the process.
Watch The Following Tutorial to Learn How to Do Highlights with Balayage
Balayage Highlights vs. Foil Highlights
There are so many differences between balayage and standard foil highlights, starting with the technique to the final look.
If you’ve already done the foil method, you know that it uses aluminum foil to speed up the process of highlighting. The hairdresser gets the strands, covers them with the product, then wraps them around with the foil. It generates heat, and the hair becomes lighter. The difference with balayage hair highlighting is that they do not use foil. These highlights are a freestyle method, done by the strokes of a brush and the hand of the hairstylist. It’s all very subtle and starts mostly from the middle part, unlike the foils which usually go all the way up to the roots.
When the hair starts growing, it’s very much obvious with the foil technique. With the balayage, the good thing is that it’s less noticeable. In other words, you won’t have to worry about getting it again if you want to grow out your natural hair. The traditional highlights can be very hard to handle when growing out of the mane.
The main reason why so many women love balayage on long hair is the natural, sun-kissed finish. So, if you are still in doubt which way to go, you definitely want to consider this factor. If you want highlights that everyone will see, go for foils. If you are more of a subtle girl, balayage is the thing for you.
The coloring with foil gives you a very controlled final look. Balayage with highlights is all about experimenting and achieving a subtle change that will imitate a hairdo that is naturally lighter in some parts and darker in others. Foils require a touch up every 6-8 weeks, while the other method can last up to half a year.
Unique Highlight Hairstyles with Balayage
Following are the most unique balayage highlighted hairstyles for women.
1. Coral Highlights
Living coral is the most popular color for 2024 according to Pantone.
Ideal for: If you already have red hair, why not freshen it up with these gorgeous balayage highlights.
How to Style: Don’t forget to use a color-protecting shampoo, conditioner, and visit your hairstylist for touch-ups.
2. Purple Balayage
Nothing comes close to purple!
Ideal for: This lilac hairdo was upgraded with brighter lavender hues, which means you have to be ready to make a huge change in your hair color.
How to Style: As your hair grows, it will immediately show in the roots, so don’t forget to schedule an appointment with the hairdresser.
3. Grey Highlights
Grey is always a good idea, especially paired with black.
Ideal for: If you have black hair and want a subtle change, grey is the option for you.
How to Style: Ask your hairstylists for the best toner to use, to avoid that lifeless look in your highlighted hairdo in balayage method.
4. Dutch Braid Crown
Another great example of how to do balayage on dark hair.
Ideal for: The mix of dark brown and flaming red balayage style highlights is very bold, but women who like changes will love it.
How to Style: Get the best color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to protect the red hues.
5. Orange Balayage on Copper Hair
Orange highlights is definitely a vibrant color, but it looks so good when done with balayage.
Ideal for: Brown or dark copper hair will really benefit from orange balayage as highlights hair coloring technique.
How to Style: Tone it and protect it with special products.
Rocking Orange Ombre Hair Ideas
6. Highlighted Blonde Balayage
The OG of highlights, the blonde shades are meant for everyone.
Ideal for: There isn’t a single woman who has not thought of getting balayage blonde highlights.
How to Style: Curls or waves will really do these highlights so much justice.
7. Copper Highlights
Copper tones go very well together with both red and brown colors.
Ideal for: Natural redheads can really freshen up their color with this hue.
How to Style: Create those long beach waves so that you can really show off the new dye.
8. Caramel Balayage
Caramel is the color you choose when you want that sun-kissed feeling on your brown balayage hairdo.
Ideal for: Perfect for women who want to play it safe.
How to Style: Aside from the regular shampoo and conditioner combo, you won’t have to put too much effort into styling this caramel balayage highlighted mane.
Magnificent Babylight Hairstyles for Women
9. Rose Gold Balayage
Balayage highlights on dark hair can be done in so many innovative ways. One of those is a pink upgrade.
Ideal for: All girly women who adore rose pink hair color should try this look.
How to Style: Feel free to add soft waves to the mane.
10. Blonde Highlights on Dark Brown Hair
Blonde and dark brown is a perfect match thanks to this balayage hair highlighting technique.
Ideal for: Great for all ladies who want a fresh hint of blonde but also want to keep their dark mushroom brown hair color.
How to Style: It’s a low-maintenance hair dye.
Balayage highlights hairdos are so popular for a reason. They can be done in a full range of different colors, plus you get that very effortless look. After seeing all the examples, you probably have a lot to think about. Make sure to pick a bright balayage that really fits your style, and don’t commit to colors if you can’t maintain them.