22 balayage long hair ideas to bookmark right now
Stuck for style inspiration? Give your long hair a balayage upgrade with one of these luscious styles...
Been loving all the ombre hair hues lately but wish that there was a way to achieve more natural-looking results? Meet ombre’s toned-down sister: balayage. Long hair works especially well with this colouring technique, as the colour graduation gently melts from dark to light shades, without the harshness of a dip-dye.
Whether it’s a classic bronde look you’re after or something a bit more out there (like a pastel hair colour), once you see these long balayage styles you’ll be on the phone to your stylist ASAP!
1. Face-framing balayage
Gisele’s golden balayage gives her hair year-round summer vibes, while a few cleverly positioned strands around her face give an allover lighter and brighter look.
2. Rootsy blonde balayage
If you dye your long hair, balayage can help to blend together your natural colour – just look at Ashley Benson‘s dark blonde hue. Keeping the colour darker at the roots also means you can wait longer between touch-ups, which can only be a good thing!
Next read: Grown-out roots are officially trending
3. Dark brown balayage
Those with dark brunette hair might think that long balayage hair is unattainable but that’s not the case. Follow Jasmine Tookes’ lead with balayage that’s a few shades lighter than your base colour to enrich your mane and make it look extra glossy.
4. Silver balayage
If Khaleesi is your hair icon, then look no further than this silvery-blonde balayage. The shimmering multi-tonal highlights will give your hair an ethereal look worthy of the Mother of Dragons herself. Credit: @rochellegoldenhairstylist
Editor’s tip: The key to maintaining a bright and ashy silver tone is to wash your hair using a purple shampoo, like the Dove Silver Care Shampoo. This will help to eliminate any yellowy, brassy tones and accentuate the cooler, silvery tones in your colour. For the best results, use it in combination with the Dove Silver Care Conditioner.
5. Caramel blonde
Chrissy Teigen is a prime example of how to use both balayage and highlights together to lighten up brunettes in the most natural-looking way.
6. Creamy blonde balayage
If you’re someone who consistently aspires to go blonder, why not switch your full head of highlights out for balayage? Long hair requires a lot of bleaching to keep the colour light but balayage is a kinder option, as you don’t have to bleach your whole head. Credit: @haircandy435
7. Butterscotch
With her soft waves and golden balayage long hair, Jessica Biel will always be one of our mane inspirations. Take note of how her balayage starts in line with her eyes to really make them pop.
8. Smokey charcoal balayage
Long balayage will instantly add interest to your locks but if ‘normal’ colours leave you feeling uninspired, why not try this smokey charcoal shade?
This unconventional yet oh-so-chic option is a great middle ground between dark and light locks, and is sure to set you apart from any other balayage lovers. Credit: @_beyou.nique_
Editor’s tip: Have any of these long balayage looks caught your eye? Whichever colour you like, we recommend switching out your normal shampoo for a colour protect range, like the TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Shampoo and Conditioner.
This will help to cleanse your hair without stripping away any of your colour’s vibrancy, keeping it looking bright and fresh between dye jobs!
9. Caramel balayage on dark hair
Shay Mitchell has been on both ends of the hair colour spectrum, trying everything from dark brown to platinum blonde but this dark caramel balayage was one of our favourites.
10. Beige blonde
Beige hair might sound boring, but as you can see the reality is far from it! The perfect update for natural blondes, it works best on those with fair or cool complexions. Credit: @abeautifulhair
11. Honey balayage
The beauty of balayage is that you have the freedom to try out the colours you’ve wanted to without committing all over – like this irresistible honey brown. Credit: @geminiofchicago
Editor’s tip: Make coloured hair shine and enhance vibrancy with the TIGI S Factor True Lasting Colour Oil. Use on damp hair before styling or on dry hair to tame any pesky flyaways.
12. Rich brunette
If you’re a first-timer, ask your colourist to keep most of your balayage to the ends of your hair, like Olivia Munn’s. Balayage is less of a commitment than an allover dye, meaning you can easily dye it back if you change your mind (phew!).
13. Chestnut balayage
Toying around with the idea of going red? Dip your toes into the redhead life by adding autumnal chestnut balayage through the lengths of long hair. Credit: @nico_lacone
14. Golden balayage
Currently rocking the ombre look but getting a bit bored? Shake up your style by asking your colourist to pull this burnt caramel shade up higher towards the roots, to give a softer balayage on long hair look, rather than two contrasting tones. Credit: @blodgett.ally
15. Bronde balayage
If you’ve always wanted to go blonde but have a tanned or olive complexion, you might want to consider bronde instead. This is the perfect shade to help you transition to lighter locks and leave you looking washed out. Credit: @jarrod.hair
16. Soft brown
Don’t get us wrong, we love a mane transformation but sometimes it’s the subtlest colour tweaks that have the biggest effect. This soft brown balayage is a your-hair-but-better shade that will work for just about anyone!
17. Auburn balayage
Adding warm auburn tones can look utterly gorgeous, especially when the light hits. Credit: @hairboothsalon
18. Nude hair
Gigi Hadid‘s neutral blonde hair colour is great for blondes looking to give their mane a new lease of life.
19. Strawberry blonde balayage
Natural redheads can also get in on the long hair with balayage trend by brightening up their ends with a hint of lightness.
Not only will this give a fresh, sun-lightened result, it’ll also add vibrancy to your natural base shade — result! Credit: @nics_place_hair
20. Rose gold balayage
Rose gold hair is a more grown-up take on the pastel pink hair trend and still looks good as it fades. Credit: @erblinxerxa_studiovolume
21. Lilac balayage
Craving a more daring hue? Jump right into this spring’s purple hair trend with this violet balayage for long hair.
22. Cherry red balayage
Want to make more of a statement with your look? Take the plunge and make this cherry red balayage your next hair colour and you’ll be turning heads wherever you go. Credit: @hairartistedev
