Are you ready to add some serious style to your hair? Balayage and highlights are two of the most popular hair coloring techniques, and for good reason! They can add depth, dimension, and brightness to your hair, and they can be customized to suit any taste.
What’s the Difference Between Balayage and Highlights?
Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. The color is applied to the hair in soft, sweeping strokes, which results in a gradual blend of light and dark tones. Highlights, on the other hand, are created by applying color to small sections of hair, which results in a more defined, contrasting look.
Which Technique is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best way to decide which technique is right for you is to consult with a professional hair stylist. They can assess your hair type, color, and style, and help you choose the technique that will give you the results you’re looking for.
25 Balayage & Highlight Techniques
Once you’ve decided on a technique, it’s time to choose a color! Here are 25 balayage and highlight techniques to inspire you:
1. Classic Balayage
This timeless technique creates a natural, sun-kissed look. The color is applied to the hair in soft, sweeping strokes, which results in a gradual blend of light and dark tones.
2. Ombre Balayage
This technique combines balayage with ombre, which creates a gradual transition from one color to another. The result is a look that is both edgy and sophisticated.
3. Reverse Balayage
This technique is the opposite of traditional balayage. The color is applied to the roots of the hair, and then blended down into the lengths. The result is a look that is both dramatic and eye-catching.
4. Babylights
This technique involves applying very fine highlights to the hair. The result is a subtle, natural-looking boost of brightness.
5. Foilyage
This technique combines balayage with foiling. The color is applied to the hair in foil packets, which helps to create a more defined, contrasting look.
6. Pintura
This technique uses a comb to apply color to the hair. The result is a soft, blended look that is perfect for creating a natural-looking sun-kissed effect.
7. Creative Balayage
This technique allows you to get creative with your balayage. You can use multiple colors, or even create patterns or designs in your hair.
8. Sombre
This technique is a combination of balayage and ombre. The color is applied to the hair in a soft, gradual blend, which results in a look that is both subtle and sophisticated.
9. Teasy Lights
This technique involves teasing the hair before applying the color. This helps to create a more lifted, voluminous look.
10. Lowlights
This technique involves adding darker tones to the hair. This can help to add depth and dimension to your hair, and can also be used to create a more natural-looking balayage or highlight effect.
11. Chunky Highlights
This technique involves applying thicker, more defined highlights to the hair. This can create a more dramatic, contrasting look.
12. Partial Balayage
This technique involves applying balayage to only a portion of the hair. This can create a more subtle, natural-looking effect.
13. Full Head Balayage
This technique involves applying balayage to the entire head of hair. This can create a more dramatic, eye-catching look.
14. Root Shadow
This technique involves applying a darker color to the roots of the hair. This can help to create a more natural-looking balayage or highlight effect, and can also help to blend gray hair.
15. Lived-In Balayage
This technique creates a more relaxed, undone look. The color is applied in a more haphazard way, which results in a less defined, more natural-looking effect.
16. Blorange
This technique combines balayage with orange tones. The result is a warm, vibrant look that is perfect for summer.
17. Bronde
This technique combines balayage with brown and blonde tones. The result is a warm, natural-looking color that is perfect for all skin tones.
18. Carob
This technique combines balayage with chocolate brown tones. The result is a rich, decadent color that is perfect for fall and winter.
19. Crimson
This technique combines balayage with red tones. The result is a bold, dramatic color that is perfect for making a statement.
20. Ice
This technique combines balayage with platinum blonde tones. The result is a cool, icy color that is perfect for winter.
21. Lilac
This technique combines balayage with purple tones. The result is a soft, feminine color that is perfect for spring