Hair trends come and go quicker than you can say “salon.” Balayage, however, has managed to stay relevant for almost a decade, with no signs of slowing down any time soon. Following in the footsteps of our beloved ombré, this lived-in hair color process is praised by both the client and the colorist. Thanks to its creative freedom for the colorist and low maintenance hair dye upkeep for the client, it's considered one the most convenient yet stunning hair looks and color application processes. It's also complementary on darker hair, dirty blonde, you name it.
So,
what exactly is balayage? The coloring technique term comes from the French word “sweep,” and that's pretty much exactly what the balayage technique entails. Colorists sweep (or technically paint) highlights as they please onto their client's hair. This gives them a much more natural, sunkissed look than its ombre predecessor, and a much less structured look than traditional highlights. Even as we move away from summer trends, blonde balayage is consistently in. “The modern blonde balayage looks are moving away from the icy, silver, ash tones,” says Gregga LA salon owner
Gregga Prothero, who is noticing a trend among A-list stars. “Celebrities want their natural roots to be more grown out. Their color is more of a lived-in, natural look.”
Face-Framing Blonde Balayage
This color draws attention to your face thanks to the balayage blonde highlights focused around the front. The majority of the hair remains brown with some lightness more towards the mids and ends. This gives the star a subtle yet striking look.
Classic Blonde Balayage
In what's reminiscent of a traditional ombre hair look of the early aughts, this hair color stuns with the dark roots and bleach blonde mid-to-ends gradient gorgeousness.
Blonde Balayage
We've been all about the au-naturel, “grown-out” look for a while (partly because of the low maintenance upkeep!), and this bronde—blonde ends and light brown dark roots—balayage is that look at its prime. “Embrace warmer, golden honey tones to keep it more subtle and rooty,” says Prothero of the dark blonde caramel balayage.
Natural Blonde Balayage
This effortless, everyday color has a been of balayage to add more of a distinct blonde. The natural blonde balayage is definitely a signature look that people have clamored to copy for years.
