If you’re mad for red hair but can’t quite handle the idea of becoming an actual redhead, then red balayage is the answer to your hair prayers.
Painting on streaks, highlights, and lowlights is so much easier with balayage. There’s total control, which allows for a precise, even distribution of color in patterns that look natural and eye-catching rather than chunky and too concentrated.
We’re not talking about streaking your hair with the candy apple red Manic Panic you bought at Hot Topic over the weekend.
Popular Red Balayage Hair Ideas
You know your hair needs a change, right? Why not go as extreme as possible without veering into the unicorn world of fantasy colors?
The red balayage is hot, it’s sizzling, and it’s on the move to become the next big trend in hairstyles. The maintenance for balayage is relatively quick and comparably affordable.
Also, you don’t have to worry about your color fading as quickly, and when it does, you can go in for a quick sunshine treatment, which is basically a glaze that breathes life back into your color. You can also check these different hairstyles with red highlights here.
1. Rich Auburn Streaks
Let’s get started with a rich auburn red balayage, shall we? Painted onto dark hair, you can see that the color is lighter in some spots, almost a burnished brown, while in others it’s vivid, vibrant, and definitely red. Gotta love that blending, right?
2. Tips on Fire
How about some fiery red ends to liven up your hair? Layered over mocha tresses, the flaming shade stands out, but it’s not garish. On the contrary, it’s quite tasteful. The blending is flawless, right down to the random streaks that start near the crown.
3. Orange You Glad It’s Red?
It starts with a ruddy burgundy-wine shade, then transitions boldly into a bright orange-red hue that almost resembles the copper of a freshly minted penny. This is a hairstyle that brings a little brightness to even the cloudiest day.
4. With Flames in Her Hair
This red balayage reminds us of Katniss Everdeen. It’s a shame she didn’t wear her hair like this to complement her flaming dress. You, however, can rock this look as soon as you like. Just book an appointment with your hairdresser. The crown is dark brown, but a few fiery strands lick their way up through the brunette. The hot ombre ends with the ideal shade of orange.
5. Subtle Burgundy
This burgundy is barely there, it’s so subtle. It’s the perfect shade to choose if you’re dyeing to wear red in your hair, but you have to worry about workplace restrictions or school rules. When painted onto an intense brunette shade, burgundy looks nearly natural, but nonetheless stunning.
6. Curly Red
No wonder red balayage hairstyles are receiving so much attention! They look fabulous, especially when you create a contrast between a vivid red color and a dark nuance used as a base. It does a fabulous job on curls because it highlights the hair texture.
7. Wavy Burgundy
Dark red wine or burgundy nuances are simply stunning, and they create a marvelous effect, whether you keep your hair untied or create intricate hairstyles. If you want something that catches the eye and looks fancy, do a Dutch braid on top and tie the hair in a pony. Curl it with a curling wand.
8. Balayage with Front Highlights
Instead of doing a simple, low red balayage hairstyle, consider adding a few highlights in the front. This way, when you create all kinds of braids, those red pieces will add value to your knits, making them stand out so much more!
9. Red and Orange
A balayage done on dark hair makes hair look so spectacular, no matter its length. And if you want your hairstyle to look even more striking, consider adding some electric orange pieces. To gain more volume, wave the hair but keep the ends straight.
10. Wedding Hairstyle
Style a beautiful gradient with a dark burgundy color for the root area. Turn it into a more vivid red and curl the locks before doing the French twist-inspired bun. You can even use hair jewels or applications to decorate the hairdo.
11. Loose Low Braid
Having long hair gives you immense styling opportunities, and you’ll be able to arrange your hair differently daily. Get a red balayage hairstyle that keeps your strands perfectly straightened. Use a few front pieces to build a loose low braid and wear your locks down your back.
12. Ginger Color
Have you always wanted to be a carrot top? Now’s your chance. Tell your hairstylist to take note of how the red is lighter around the face. Toward the back, where the layers are artfully stacked, the orange-red shade is darker, almost decadent.
13. Red and Blonde Balayage
If anyone ever tries to tell you that red and blonde don’t go together, show this balayage to that dirty, rotten liar. That’s an archaic beauty rule, and it certainly doesn’t apply to hair.
Can you spot the difference that makes it okay to break this fashion faux pas? The red at the roots and further down has an orange tinge, as does the blonde at the tips (it’s strawberry).
14. Wine Red
Any wine lover will recognize this as more than purple, although it admittedly looks rather royal. What is purple but a shade of red, anyway? In all truth, this is a decadent shade of wine red. You could go darker or lighter, with more blue or more red. It’s up to you.
15. Cherry on Top
This red sizzles. The blending of several dynamic shades and the spiraled curls create an almost 3D effect that’s out-of-this-world, or at least this dimension. You’re witnessing balayage magic here, folks.
16. A Paler Shade of Red
This red balayage highlights a gorgeous shade of copper. Actually, there are several shades of copper red here. The roots are dark, burnished, and warm, then the color transitions into a medium, cinnamon-sweet hue before lightening into a golden red.
17. Copper Red Balayage Hair
Make your long curly hair pop with this addition of red balayage. With a black or brown base, red pops for an edgy and rock vibe you’ll love as your new look.
18. Red Balayage Ombre Hair
Here’s a color combination that will get everyone turning heads: a light blue from roots to a quarter of the way down the hair, then a bright red to pop the rest of the long hair.
19. Red Balayage on Brown Hair
To maintain a sophisticated look you can feel comfortable wearing to the office, try this shade of red. On brown hair, the color is surprisingly soft and super flattering.
20. Dark Red Balayage
To update your look, try a shoulder-length hairstyle that combines waves with straight locks. Alternating shades of dark and medium red will add to the spunky style.
21. Red Balayage on Dark Hair
This mix of red and orange is the perfect color combination for summer. Add it to your long hair and throw in some large barrel waves, leaving the hair loose to fall over shoulders.
22. Dark Red Balayage
Deep crimson balayage runs through long dark layers and becomes brighter toward the ends. The low-contrast roots make the red easier to wear while the layered cut exposes more of the color. Use color-safe products and expect red tones to need regular refreshing.
23. Chocolate Brown and Red
Chocolate-brown roots blend into cherry-red balayage through the mid-lengths and curled ends. The curls separate the red ribbons and make the gradual transition more visible. A gloss can maintain shine, while heat protection is important when recreating the curled finish.
24. Pink and Red on Brunette Hair
A straight brunette lob shifts into red and pink through the lower lengths. Keeping the darker base near the roots makes the brighter colors easier to grow out. The pink sections will fade fastest, so use cool water and color-safe shampoo.
25. Copper Red on Brown Hair
Copper-red balayage frames the face and runs through the front of an angled brown bob. The darker base beneath the color adds depth and emphasizes the longer front sections. This placement needs careful salon application and regular toning to keep the copper clear rather than brassy.
26. Maroon Balayage on Brown Hair
Straight brown hair transitions from dark roots into rich maroon through the lengths and ends. The smooth texture makes the gradient appear clean and even. Use color-safe products and heat protectant, as frequent flat-ironing can fade red pigments and dry the ends.
27. Deep Red for Black Hair
Black roots blend into deep wine-red balayage across long glossy waves. The close shades create a subtle result indoors, while the red becomes clearer in brighter light. A red-depositing conditioner can help maintain the wine tone between salon visits.
28. Maroon Balayage Curls
Plum-maroon balayage is concentrated through the curled mid-lengths and ends over a near-black base. The curl pattern separates the darker and lighter ribbons, giving the color more depth. Refresh the maroon with a color-depositing mask and keep curls moisturized.
29. Medium Red and Black Curls
Medium-red balayage ribbons contrast clearly against the glossy black base and loose curls. The wider red sections make this placement more noticeable than a subtle dark-red melt. Red pigment fades quickly, so wash less often and use cool water.
30. Straight Hair with Orange and Red
Orange and red balayage streaks run through straight, layered dark hair. The mix of warm shades creates visible dimension without coloring every strand. Use a color-safe routine and heat protection to reduce fading along the straightened lengths.
31. Light Red Balayage for Brunettes
Light cherry-red balayage brightens the ends of long brunette waves while the roots remain brown. The soft transition keeps the red wearable and reduces the appearance of regrowth. A gloss or red-depositing conditioner can revive the lighter ends as they fade.
Tips for Red Balayage Hair
You should not wash your balayage hair more than two or three times per week. Red hair can be hard to maintain, but it is not impossible.
Here are a few things to consider before getting red balayage hair:
- Go a shade darker than your desired color because you will reach the shade you want as it fades.
- Follow after-care instructions.
- Use cold water to wash your hair. Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, which can speed up color fading.
Follow the aftercare your hair stylist gives you, but a general rule of thumb is to avoid washing your hair for two or three days post-dye.
Red is one of the most popular hair colors, so it stands to reason that red balayage is all the rage. Are you ready to paint the town red, after painting your hair red?
