Your Ultimate Coloring Guide to Balayage

Looking for an easy way to get sunshine hair with lots of dimension but not looking to spend a ton of time maintaining it? Balayage, one of the most popular hair trends is the perfect option.

There are a few color trends as well as different methods of application to choose from. Let’s take a look at the balayage options you should consider for your next appointment.

Caramel and Warm Blonde Balayage

This is a classic look that replicates the effects of sunshine. In fact, it looks very much like what happens when someone is out in the sun, leading to a beautiful beach effect.

Caramel and warm blonde are especially popular with people who have a darker base, due to their lightening effects.

Brunette

Brunette balayage leads to a beautiful multi-dimensional look with different colors that is perfect for brunettes. The stylist lightens the hair while also using different toners throughout the hair. This creates a variety of tones throughout the look.

While some people confuse this and ombre hair, it is important to know the differences. Ombre is a gradient from darker to lighter, while balayage is a highlighting technique.

Ash Brown

Ash brown balayage is popular with people who have a grey tint to their hair. It lends a soft and natural look, while still adding dimensions to brunette hair. The colorist lifts the hair, then uses an ash brown toner to flatten it, leading to the dimensional look.

Strawberry Blonde

Strawberry blonde balayage offers a beautiful option for natural redheads and those who want the look. It’s based on rose colors that lend a soft and delicate look and blend well with pale blonde shades.

A stylist lightens the hair, then uses different toners. These include strawberry blonde in one section and butter blonde in another.

Rosewood Balayage

Rosewood is inspired by the multi tones of the rosewood tree. It adds a pink-brown effect that has a lot of depth. The tones are usually warmer against deep or mid-browns.

Air Touch Balayage

Looking to a softer look that blends seamlessly with the rest of your hair, similar to microlights or babylights? Air touch may be an option.

The stylist holds slices of hair close to the nozzle of a hairdryer set to cold. This blows away the shorter pieces. The colorist then adds hair dye to what did not blow away.

Foilayage

With foilayage, your colorist hand-paints highlights throughout your hair. Then they wrap each in a sheet of foil. This leads to a bright and natural look with lots of dimensional highlights. Plus, foilayage can give you a sunkissed look while taking less time than a classic balayage.

Face Frame Balayage

Face frame balayage is similar to the money piece highlights of the 90s, however, they are much softer. Lightened hair around the face makes the color pop even more than a traditional one.

Reverse Balayage

Where balayage is about adding lighter sections of hair, reverse balayage is about adding darker colors throughout. This adds depth and allows the darker tones to pop against the lighter shade. You may even consider adding a root shadow as well.

Which Color Will You Choose?

If you’re looking to update your hair color and add loads of dimension, balayage is the perfect low-maintenance option. There is a range of color options as well as techniques for applying these tones.

Schedule your appointment with a stylist from Gibson Hair and Makeup to get your perfect look.