14 Pretty Balayage Hair Color Ideas for 2023

Hair strobing. Sandy beige. Cold-brew hair. Color developments come and go before you can even hit up your colorist, which is why it's such a big deal when one has staying power. That's the case with balayage, which first became popular in 2015 and has stayed that way ever since. It's ideal for newcomers (since the impact can be as drastic or as delicate as you favor it) and would not require the insane maintenance of coloring all of your hair. So if you are searching for a change, hold scrolling for the first-rate balayage hair shade ideas. We've gathered professional intel and tons of inspiration.

Iced Mocha

Starbucks has nothing on this great shade. Just be prepared to sit in your colorist's chair for a while. "This technique usually takes four to five hours from beginning to finish," says Orlando-based colorist Gerilyn Ghaisarzadeh, who paints on color in a collection of V's and W's, which she says creates the herbal lightened enchantment of a balayage.

Pink Pastel

If you desire to play with an enjoyable color except for the commitment of an entire head, a pastel balayage is a more state-of-the-art option, says colorist George Papanikolas. He notes that these colorings are a little high-maintenance and recommends using a shampoo, especially for color-treated hair, like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid.

Light Waves

Balayage is kind of an infant in the splendor world—so it's bound to change. "I'm seeing the incorporation of new tools to create slightly extraordinary effects," says colorist Johnny Ramirez, co-owner of L.A.'s Ramirez Tran salon. His signature Lived-In Color method is one of these different effects; it appears similar, however, is extra seamless and blended at some stage in the hair than balayage is.

Sun Stroke

So, if Lived-In Color (shown here) is not the actual equal as balayage, what is it? "Lived-In Color creates a look that has a natural regrowth with no significant develop outline, due to the fact that the darker regrowth blends into the lighter hair with no stopping or starting point," says Ramirez, who's in the back of this color. Think of it as a simply blended, even extra natural, and low-maintenance model of balayage—with all the perks.

Chili Chocolate

Spice up your life—or maybe simply your hair—with chili chocolate brown, the work of balayage professional Amanda Leaman of Joi Salon in Boston. The wealthy auburn painted over deep brown has an autumnal vibe at first glance, but it is honestly meant to provide brunettes a sun-kissed appearance. So if you are still wishing for warmth wave weather, this is the closest you'll get.

Caramel Cues

Warm, caramel balayage adds an unreal glow to Joan Smalls' skin. Plus, it highlights and emphasizes the structure of her waves.

Golden Hour

You can not truly go wrong with gold tones, in particular, if you have darkish skin. "Women of coloration can wear and very own most shades, but reds, golds, and coppers seem to be particularly great," says Taiesha Black, colorist at Khamit Kinks salon in Brooklyn. Here, it appears notable on herbal hair vlogger Nicollette.

Pastels on Pastels

Forget sun-kissed. This mixture of unicorn pastels, considered on way of life blogger Tala Samman of MyFashDiary, is the stuff of our Lisa Frank dreams.

Toasted Coconut

A riff on bronde, toasted coconut is even greater low-maintenance. Unlike your usual bronde, Atlanta-based hairstylist Kayluh Stewart used an icy toner to make the blond seem to be nearly silvery, while the roots are still a deep, dark brown—hence the "toasted."

End Game

Your balayage doesn't have to seem to be like balayage. If you have super-dark hair and think about sun-kissed sort of a stretch, make like Tessa Thompson and decide for a rich shade of chocolate. Going just a shade or two lighter than your herbal color offers impact barring a drastic change.

Double Trouble

We freaked when Lucy Hale went for a two-toned blond—so much so that her colorist, Kristin Ess, broke down the steps behind this awesome balayage ombré for us.

Curls Only

There's nothing subtle about swimwear fashion designer Gabi Gregg's splendid fade from dark brown to deep gold. Bonus: It offers stunning curls like this extra definition.

Star Power

Brushed-out waves, sleek hair, and that multi-tonal look? Olivia Wilde knows how to make the most of balayage.

All About Ends

In case you wished greater convincing, here's the largest reason balayage is better than normal highlights. "Balayage tends to supply you a higher grow-out period," says Lee. "Whereas a normal highlight customer would possibly need to touch up her regrowth every eight weeks, you can stretch it to 12 weeks or longer with balayage."