When it comes to giving your dark hair an update with color, brunette balayage is one of the best choices you can make. Balayage is applied from halfway down your hair in ‘sweeping’ motions for a natural look.
It focuses on using warm shades like golden brown, caramel, and light brown to lighten hair hair, and give it more depth and dimension.
Tips for Brunette Balayage
- If your hair has been highlighted a lot already, you may need to darken and lighten it again first.
- Choose your color based on your skin tone. Dark skin tones look best with golden brown; for a pale skin tone, try hazelnut brown; and for a medium skin tone, opt for warm blonde.
- If you’re doing a DIY job, be careful with how much you add.
Beautiful Ideas for Brunette Balayage
Wondering what the best ways are to rock brunette balayage in your hair? Check out our favorite 30 hairstyles!
1. Long Brunette Waves

Use brunette balayage to draw attention to the waves or curls in your long mane. With color this rich, you only need to comb in a middle part to be ready to take on the day.
2. Balayage on Spiral Curls

Is your hair naturally thick with tight spiral curls? A rich balayage will help enhance their shape and make you fall in love with your coils all over again. Layer hair for a little shape and to give curls new life.
3. Side Bun

Need a classy hairstyle for a special day? Your new brunette balayage will stun in an elegant low side bun. Leave a few tendrils loose alongside your face for softness, and top the look off with a bedazzled tiara or hair clip.
4. Long Dutch Braids

If you always feel like a little girl when you put your hair in braids, then try these boss lady Dutch braids in your long hair.
Not only do they gorgeously show off your brunette hair with balayage, they’re easy to do and style in just a couple of minutes.
5. Space Buns

Space buns, or hair knots, are a great perky/preppy hairstyle. Simply part your hair down the middle, and make two high ponytails at either corner of the crown of your head.
Wind your hair around the ponytail, secure it with a hair tie to flaunt your balayage hair.
6. Messy Low Braid

This sexy bedhead hairstyle is one of the most gorgeous ways to flaunt your new brunette balayage locks.
Spritz hair with texturizing spray to create volume up top, then make a really loose low braided ponytail that is secured with a knot.
7. Half Ponytail

A half ponytail or messy bun is a commonly worn hairstyle for women these days. It only takes a minute to style and is effortlessly cute with a few loose face-framing tendrils. Try the low-maintenance look and see for yourself!
8. Wavy Lob + Balayage

For your shoulder-length brunette hair, opt for a chic lob. Work in some soft waves about halfway down to complement bronde balayage. With or without bangs, this is a winning hairstyle.
9. Wavy Hair with Headband

A headband doesn’t always have to be worn to sweep hair away from the face. Part your hair in the middle and slide on a silky or patterned oversized headband. Fill your hair with waves for the perfect look.
10. Straight Hair with Brunette Balayage

Whether your dark hair is naturally straight or you just prefer to straighten it every day, a bluntly cut lob or other long haircut is a classy, sleek choice that will beautifully display brunette balayage.
11. Long Brunette Balayage

For the base color, go for a brunette shade that gradually transforms into a blonde-brown hue for the tips. If you have a long mane, think about styling a few curls for the ends and part the hair in the middle to get a beautiful face frame.
12. Short Brunette Balayage
ambrence/Instagram
Get a long bob haircut and part the hair in the middle. Opt for a balayage and style a few here-and-there caramel highlights that will make the hairdo look so damn delicious. Messy, smooth waves will also provide significant volume, and you will adore the new look.
13. Brunette Balayage Highlights

When you are styling a balayage for brunettes, don’t be afraid to play with shades that make the hair color look warmer. This way, when designing an elegant bun and braids, those shades will pop out and provide a lot of texture and shine.
14. Brunette Ombre Balayage

Enlighten your mane with a fantastic brunette balayage that makes your tips look glossy and ravishing—style effortless curls for a modern and chic touch. Remember that you can also toss the bangs on one side.
15. Dark Brunette Balayage
hairstylist_meganm/Instagram
When you have a dark skin tone, opt for a dark hair color for the roots and gradually switch to a warmer shade. Highlights can also be styled to obtain that marvelous contrast and shine. Swipe the bangs on one side and make your hair curly with a conical iron.
16. Light Brunette Balayage

Light brunette balayages and highlights go hand in hand, and this is probably one of the best examples. To make those marvelous shades pop out, straighten your hair, and wear it on the back.
17. Braided Balayage

When you want a look that gathers all the attention, this ravishing blend between waves and fancy braids is undoubtedly a hairstyle to go for. Make it look a little bit messy and relaxed and opt for a hair crown on top of the head.
18. Auburn Balayage
thecolourlair/Instagram
Ponytails are fabulous ways to make a brunette balayage stand out. Make a few cornrow braids on sides and pin all the hair on top of the head. Wave the pony to make those dark caramel tips pop out.
19. Curly Blonde Balayage
lakoetsalon/Instagram
To make each curl look astonishing, opt for a brunette balayage that keeps the roots in a darker shade and the tips in a color that makes them look sun-kissed. Use hair gel to tighten the ringlets and obtain high-definition.
20. Wedding Balayage
hairbyhannahtaylor/Instagram
Even if you are attending a wedding or other fancy event, this hairstyle will get you compliments all night. How could t not: the brunette balayage gives the tips a particular texture and glow. Create a low bun and place a sparkling crown on the low top of your head.
21. Mocha, Cinnamon and Caramel

Brunette balayage doesn’t mean brown, brown, brown. The brunette spectrum is just as rich and varied as any other hair color. Just look at this glorious coiffure. The streaks are cinnamon, caramel, and milk chocolate, all brightening up a mocha base.
22. Fade to Blonde

From the blunt ends of the bob to the toasted almond tips, everything about this hairstyle is winning. blonde—and blonde-ish—streaks are the most common adornments for brunettes, but you can clearly see why.
Best Blonde and Red Highlights You can Try
23. Milk Chocolate Drizzle

The balayage spotted here is so subtle that you almost can’t see it. You have to have an eye for colors and textures. Gossamer strands of hair are milk chocolate, which lightens up the dark brown of the natural color.
24. Vanilla Streaks

You might want to go a little lighter, in which case your brunette balayage is going to need some bleach. Don’t worry; you won’t end up with yellow or green toned hair.
An expert stylist can achieve just this kind of vanilla swirl. Just be advised that if your natural color is incredibly dark, you might need to have the balayage done a few times before you reach your desired level of blonde.
Different Shades of Blonde
25. Gradual Brightening Brunette Balayage

The brightening here is so gradual—but that’s the magic of balayage. The blending and balance are flawless. There’s no abrupt change in color or extreme line of delineation. This is absolute perfection.
26. Face-Framing Color

Use balayage to draw attention to your face and brighten your features. It’s simple. Pick a lighter color—lighter than your natural hair color — but make sure it complements your eyes and skin tone.
Tell your stylist what you want—more color toward the front, especially around your face. Notice how the bleaching of the top layer is very subtle, but underneath, she has a sheath of caramel.
27. Golden Tips

The fade from dark brown to light golden brown is exactly what brunette balayage is all about. Observe how natural that looks. This is the look to go for if you want it to appear as if you don’t do anything at all to your hair. Don’t worry—we’ll never tell.
Balayage On Short Hair
28. Two Shades Lighter

There’s no need to choose an extreme color when you go for balayage. If your roots and/or natural color are dark, then anything lighter will pop.
29. Butterscotch Balayage

Here’s another stunning example of gradual change and gorgeous blending. See how a few streaks of gold start at the crown? By the ends, there’s a smooth caramel/butterscotch shade.
30. Sun-Drenched

Spend enough time in the sun and you end up with natural streaks, right? You don’t have to wait for the sun, or the summer.
A caramel as brunette balayage effect does the job even more beautifully, quite frankly, and you don’t have to worry about sunburn.
Dark Honey Blonde Hair Colors for Women
Brunette balayage is perfect for any woman who doesn’t want to make an outlandish or ostentatious change to her hair. Are you tempted by any of these looks?
FAQs
Brunette balayage vs. highlights – which is better?
Both are beautiful – it all comes down to what you want your final look to achieve. Balayage looks more natural, while highlights are obvious and stand out more in your hair.
How much does a brunette balayage cost?
As with any hair service, the cost of getting brunette balayage will vary according to your hair length and stylist. In general, the cost will range between $70 – $200.
Where should a balayage start on brunette hair?
Balayage typically starts halfway down the hair, but some women choose to have it start only a couple inches down from their roots.
How can I maintain a brunette balayage?
To maintain brunette balayage, avoid washing your hair every day, as too much can fade the color.
You’ll also want to use a purple shampoo to nix brassiness, apply a hair mask at least once a month, and get your balayage touched up about every four months.
FAQs
What are the best balayage colors for brunettes? ›
Many different balayage color palettes will look good on dark brown hair. However, some of the most popular options include honey blonde, caramel, and light chocolate brown. A professional hairstylist will be able to help you choose the right colors for your hair type and complexion.
Which haircut is best for balayage? ›This technique gives better results on layered hair, so balayage with straight hair looks much better if the hair is cut in layers as it adds a bit of movement.
Does balayage look better on short or long hair? ›Balayage is not just for long-haired clients. The technique can work perfectly well on hair of all lengths, whether short, mid-length, or long.
How do you know if you would look good with balayage? ›...
What do I ask my stylist for?
- Balayage for pale skin: blonde, red and light brown or dark brown balayage will work best.
- Balayage for medium skin tone: avoid any light colours that can wash out the skin.
Caramel Balayage
Adding caramel highlights can help to warm and soften facial features; and the balayage technique ensures your highlights grow out without a demarcation line. These things all lead to a more youthful appearance.
- Medium Golden Brown Hair Color. Save. ...
- Light Beige Brown Hair Color. Save. ...
- Auburn Brown Hair Color. Save. ...
- Platinum Brown Hair Color. Save. ...
- Blonde Brown (Bronde) Hair Color. Save. ...
- Ginger Brown Hair Color. Save. ...
- Espresso Brown Hair Color. Save. Instagram. ...
- Burgundy Brown Hair Color. Save. Instagram.
- Platinum Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Light Blonde Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Medium Blonde Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Dark Blonde Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Light Brown Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Medium Brown Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Dark Brown Balayage Hair Color. ...
- Watercolor Balayage Hair Color.
Why do you tease the hair? We tease the hair to create a seamless blend without any hint of a blunt line. The technique is somewhat unique. The idea is it pulls some hair out and away from the color so when everything comes backs together, there is a natural blend of highlights and base hair.
Does balayage get darker or lighter? ›Balayage is a technique of applying color or lightener to the hair. An ombre is the look of having darker roots and transitioning to lighter ends. You can use the technique of balayage to achieve the look of an ombre.
Is balayage good for GREY hair? ›Balayage is a smart solution for gray hair because it allows the colorist to specifically target gray strands without touching the scalp. And, because you don't need to do a single process to cancel out a few grays, it's easier on your hair overall.
Should I get half or full balayage? ›
Hair Styling – If someone is looking for subtle style changes then choose partial balayage, whereas full balayage is meant for more radical changes to your hair.
What looks better on straight hair highlights or balayage? ›That said, Kenyon does suggest that for straight hair or smoothed-out hair, highlights that are finer and more "woven" with a brighter face frame are generally the most flattering. "A skillful balayage artist can paint lights to be fine, chunky, sun-kissed, ombré, sombre, or my color-melt method," he confirms.
What are 3 techniques used on balayage? ›Below, we outline three really important balayage application techniques that can help you step up your hair painting game: The C-Motion™, The Glide & Slide™, and The Backflip™.
Who shouldn't get a balayage? ›Who Shouldn't Get Balayage. While balayage works with almost all hair types, colors and textures, it's not recommended for those with heavily highlighted hair. “This hair type will require the hair to be partially darkened and then highlighted,” says Papanikolis.
What are the disadvantages of balayage? ›Balayage cons.
But it's not a very bold hair change, it doesn't create uniform root-to-tip color, and it may not be powerful enough to dramatically lighten darker hair (or hair that's been colored many times). It can also skew a little bit on the red side if your hair is dark.
There are many gorgeous hair colors for women over 50 – from blonde and gray to red and brunette, and those exquisite color blends in balayage and ombre solutions. And just being older doesn't mean you can't have fun with highlights and mix-ins.
What color makes you look younger? ›If you want to experiment with looking younger, start out with reds, pinks, and purples. They all have a youthful vibrancy to them that is widely recognized." Don't just take his word for it, though. Up ahead, see how the chicest over-40 celebrities are putting these youthful colors to the test.
Should you color your hair darker or lighter as you get older? ›Sticking to the hair colour of your youth
'As we lose pigment in our hair, we also lose it in our skin' she explains. 'It's a gradual process, so our hair colour should reflect this. ' Basically, as your skin tone lightens with age, so should your hair colour.
Orangey-reds, gold, bark browns and deep forest greens are a terrific complement to brown hair. You also look great in a range of greens — mossy to olive and sage. Nature's best browns are universally flattering to brunettes, who can wear dark chocolate and creamy lighter tones, as well as browns with a reddish cast.
What shade of brown makes you look younger? ›Caramel, honey, gold, copper, and strawberry give a healthy brightness that makes us look and feel younger. (Framing your face with lighter shades draws the eye away from any complexion concerns, as well.)
What hair color brings out brown eyes most? ›
The beauty of the color brown is that it's a neutral color, so it pairs beautifully with every color! If you really want to make your brown eyes pop, however, stick with vibrant hues like purple, green, and gold that will provide some much-needed contrast to your dazzling deep amber eyes.
What is a reverse balayage? ›Reverse balayage is when your colorist uses dark colors to add lowlights near the roots and throughout your strands to bring depth to your hue. If your blonde balayage has become too bright or brassy, reverse balayage can tone it down while maintaining the depth and dimension you've grown to love.
What color balayage is low maintenance? ›I would personally recommend you go for a balayage that doesn't need a lot of maintenance, such as brown or light brown. For example, if your hair is the shade 1 or 2 (black or dark brown), it is best to get a 4 or 5 shade (brown) balayage.
What is a French balayage? ›Balayage is a French word that means to sweep. It is a hair colouring technique where the Stylist will paint the hair to give golden reflects that the Sun naturally gives the hair in Summer.
What is the difference between teasy lights and balayage? ›The difference between the two techniques lies in the fact that teasy lights involve teasing the hair prior to applying color and that foils are used, which allows the highlights to lift to a brighter shade than traditional balayage.
What makes a good balayage? ›"A good balayage is all about placement and blending. Having contrast between the light and dark tones is what creates natural looking, lived-in dimension," says Blais. "A good balayage blends seamlessly from dark hues to the lightest, leaving the color looking soft with no harsh lines."
Why does balayage cost so much? ›“The reason why people charge more for balayage even though it is 'less work', is because it's not a service everyone offers. And the client can go longer between the retouch so you have to account for that too.” “You charge more because you know a technique that not everyone else does.
Does balayage make you look thinner? ›But, in case you want to experiment, start with a balayage or any other highlights. The coloring techniques involving a smooth transition from dark roots to bright ends is a great way to slim down the face shape.
Will balayage cover GREY roots? ›This question is asked a lot, as many people are interested in whether they can get a balayage to cover grey hair or grey roots as they age. And the good news is, yes, you can! Balayage is a great solution to dealing with grey strands and making your hair look youthful again.
Does balayage make hair look thicker? ›It makes your hair look thicker
Together with a Great Cut, balayage lends hair greater depth, giving the illusion of more fullness. Think of it like comparing a 2D drawing, with a painting that's in full perspective.
What color hair goes best with brunettes going gray? ›
Colors like butterscotch, light auburn and golden brown, or ash brown for those with a cool skin tone, are all versatile brunette shades that aren't too dark and are some of the best hair colors to hide gray.
Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair? ›For grey hair coverage, we generally recommend that you aim to color slightly lighter than the natural hair color level of your client. In this case we would suggest you go for a color starting in level 6 (Dark Blonde) or 7 (Blonde).
What colors look best on grey hair? ›Neutral shades like soft blonde, mushroom brown, light copper, and caramel blonde balayage are the easiest to blend gray into (and maintain over time without wanting to shave your hair off).
Is $300 too much for a balayage? ›Though balayage is expensive, the exact price depends on your particular salon and stylist. Typically, balayage costs between $70 to $300. By comparison, a full head of regular highlights only costs around $75 to $150.
Do you get roots with balayage? ›What's the difference between balayage and highlights? Balayage is a form of highlighting. As previously mentioned, the balayage technique focuses the colour a couple inches from the roots.
How often should you redo balayage? ›How long does balayage last for? Because balayage highlights require less maintenance than traditional hair color, it's not necessary to go for touch-ups every month or 6 weeks. Depending on the style you go for, you can usually wait up to 4 months in between salon appointments.
What hair color is in for 2023? ›An overall 2023 hair trend you'll be noticing? Light-to-medium brown shades. “People will be taking their color deeper this year,” says hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein, “even if it's just a darker, more blended shade of blonde, or a creamy mushroom brown.”
Which lasts longer balayage or highlights? ›One of the greatest advantages of Balayage is how long it lasts. Traditional foil highlights require touch ups every few weeks, whereas Balayage will last 3-4 months on average.
What damages your hair more balayage or highlights? ›Because Balayage highlights don't involve completely saturating your hair in bleach or color dye, you'll enjoy healthier hair because of less process on the hair. As a result, you get to enjoy softer, silkier hair with less damage and dryness.
What is the best balayage color for dark brown hair? ›The most popular highlights for dark hair are light brown or caramel balayage, but there are no limits on color for a balayage hairstyle.
What is the best placement for balayage? ›
V Placement
The V Placement (also called 2-Point Placement) is one of the most common balayage placement techniques, which you can use to give your client some lived-in depth at the root along with mid-interior ribbons of brightness.
Balayage is the technique of free-hand painting highlights onto the hair, creating a soft and natural gradation of lightness towards the ends. The result is the look of summers spent at the beach, or the fresh, unintentionally perfect highlights on a child.
Who is a good candidate for balayage? ›The ideal candidate for a balayage service is someone looking for sunkissed and natural results. More specifically, this technique can be used on clients who want to achieve anywhere between 3 and 6 levels of lift.
What to do before getting a balayage? ›How Should I Prepare For My Balayage Hair Colour Appointment? Make sure you have a patch test 48 hours before your appointment. Make sure your hair is clean and don't over use products before you come in. Bring photos of how you would like your Balayage to look so we know what effect you would like.
Should you wash your hair before a balayage? ›No, you should not wash your hair before a balayage treatment. You want to allow some natural oils to build up on your scalp and hair before the appointment. The oils soothe, moisturize, and protect your scalp. In addition, they help the balayage highlights to penetrate the hair shafts more effectively.
Is a balayage high maintenance? ›A balayage is a great low-maintenance hair color option if you're looking for a subtle refresh in your hair. Ask your stylist for their opinion on what highlight colors would best suit your natural color. A balayage with a deeper root color will grow out seamlessly without harsh lines.
Can balayage make u look better? ›It creates a more natural look
A balayage specialist will be looking to create the right contrast of light and dark tones, to create a natural looking and lived-in style for you. This will create a final look that blends dark and light hues seamlessly, while avoiding harsh lines or distinct blocks of colour.
More saturated shades are more flattering, so look for deep pinks, bright blues and greens with a yellow undertone, such as pear. Ruby red, burgundy, plum and claret are all winners for brunettes.
What is the most popular balayage? ›- Smokey Balayage on Short Black Hair. ...
- Red Brown Balayage. ...
- Soft Caramel Balayage on Short Beach Waves. ...
- White Coffee Balayage on Dark Hair. ...
- Subtle Bronde Balayage for Long Dark Hair. ...
- Metallic Caramel Brown Highlights. ...
- Dimensional Dark Blonde Balayage.
- Highlight Your Hair. If you're not ready to opt for an all-over color change, highlights will be a good option for you. ...
- Get Lowlights. ...
- Try Out A Blonde Balayage. ...
- Lighten Things Up. ...
- Darken Your Strands. ...
- Try A DIY Dip Dye. ...
- Get A New Cut.
What hair color goes best with brown hair? ›
- 01 of 06. Suede Mocha. Getty Images. ...
- 02 of 06. Smoky Brown. Getty Images. ...
- 03 of 06. Espresso. Getty Images. ...
- 04 of 06. Brunette Balayage. Getty Images. ...
- 05 of 06. Pale Walnut. Getty Images. ...
- 06 of 06. Comfy Camel. Getty Images.
Brown hair and brown eyes are generally a winning combo. You can use the shade of your brown eyes to dictate which colour brown to go for, whether it be chocolate brown, dark brown or brown black. Those with lighter brown eyes and fairer skin should generally stick to lighter shades.