Caramel balayage is trending and for good reason. The sought-after shade is universally flattering and looks stunning against all skin tones. The contrast between the caramel highlights and brown roots is simply divine, although that is not to say caramel won’t look just as good mixed in with blonder shades as nice lowlights. See top-20 variants of this year`s trendiest coloring technique!
Caramel Balayage: A Brunette’s and Black-Haired Beauty’s Dream Style
Balayage is popular, not only because it offers effortless style, but also because of its equally effortless maintenance. There is no need for a touch up every few weeks. Honestly, it looks prettier the more it grows out. Maybe you don’t want to curl your hair everyday, but the impressive blend of highs and lows in your tresses will speak for themselves.
Whether your hair is curly or straight, this dye job works with a variety of textures. Curlier manes beautifully show all the hues mixed together, while straighter strands lay the colors on display.
Caramel highlights, in particular, are a natural color. The understated hue is sophisticated and works for everyone from students to professionals.
1. Caramel Balayage on Shorter Locks
Short hair is a sexy canvas for a warm balayage. The caramel highlights swirled throughout the loose waves deliver delectable style. It’s an easy look for brown-haired girls who don’t want to fully commit to being blonde. Plus, the shoulder-sweeping length is sassy and exudes confidence.
Instagram / @hairbykarissa
2. Brunette-to-Blonde Balayage Waves
Beauty starts with amazing hair. A glossy caramel balayage is one way to ensure that your locks (and your total look) stun every day. Have your stylist give you layers towards the end of your tresses for the effect of added fullness.
Instagram / @hairbystevie
3. Caramel Highlights on Dark Hair
A lush caramel hue woven throughout dark strands creates an interesting contrast that plays-up the airy texture of a wavy cut. The wavy tresses are ready for everything from lazy days to dates. Even if you throw these long layers into a ponytail, the color will still shine through.
Instagram / @jandrewserna
4. Short and Sweet Curly Balayage
Enliven your elongated bob with some curls. Have your stylist throw in a few piecey layers for good measure. This spin on the bob straddles the line between sophisticated and chic. The balayage simply amplifies its modern allure.
Instagram / @chrisweberhair
5. Balayage on Extra Long Haircut
Balayage caramel highlights are the answer to no-fuss style. The gorgeous color really carries your hairstyle, no matter the texture you choose. The highlights don’t need to be dramatic either. They can be more on the subtle side so that you add just a touch of color to your dark hair.
Instagram / @hairbyedwin
6. Ombre to Balayage Transformation
It is simply breathtaking the way the varied colors in a balyage wrap around and flow through the coils of curly hair. There is so much depth and dimension. Plus, when you’re not feeling like curls, the color is super versatile. The balayage starts high, closer to the scalp, so as it grows out it needs little maintenance. It’s a win-win, right?
Instagram / @hairbyangelaalberici
7. Caramel Balayage with Middle Part
Balayage is a great color choice on its own, but maybe you are currently rocking the classic ombre. Ask your stylist to convert that ombre into a balayage for a more natural look with a subtle fade from black to caramel. Even though you are adding more color, the overall hairstyle will be more understated.
Instagram / @hairxjojo
8. Caramel Highlights on Brown Hair
Dark brown hair with caramel balayage is the perfect combo if you’re looking to experiment with color but don’t want to be too dramatic. The subtle contrast delivers effortlessly chic style, especially when paired with easy waves.
Instagram / @petermenezes
9. Strawberry Blonde Balayage
Dark roots are no longer taboo. Use them to your advantage with a caramel and strawberry balayage. The blend of colors is mesmerizing; it enhances the appearance of fullness and dimension in your hair.
Instagram / @little_lele_scissorhands
10. Black Bob with Caramel Balayage
There is a fine line between bed-head and tousled waves. That line is known as the “done-undone” look. Effortless, cool, and sexy all in one, it’s an it-girl essential hairstyle. Caramel coloring on short dark hair only makes the coif even cooler.
Instagram / @salsalhair
11. Dark Hair with Trendy Balayage
Caramel balayage on black hair can bring life and dimension to your noir tresses. While a solid jet black mane is sexy, adding some color is a chic change. The darker your hair, the more subtle you want the highlights to be, which is why caramel is the perfect complement.
Instagram / @the_blondologist
12. Straight Balayaged Hairstyle
Waves and balayage seem to go hand-in-hand, but don’t be so quick to dismiss straight hair. Caramel and auburn hues can beautifully be shown-off with sleek, back-skimming strands. Sans curls and waves, the balayage is more subdued.
Instagram / @hairprintbylizz
13. Wavy Chocolate and Ashen Balayage
For all the brunettes out there who can’t decide if they want to go blonde, a caramel ash balayage is a sweet compromise. The mix of chocolatey and lighter hues accentuates the texture of curled hair, and creates an illusion of light reflecting off your tresses.
Instagram / @caitlinfordhair
14. Curled Hair with Subtle Balayage
Caramel balayage highlights can be very subtle to give the look of sun-kissed locks. Maybe bold colors aren’t your cup of tea and you are more focused on hair with volume. Slightly lighter ends create the appearance of fullness you’re seeking, without being over the top.
Instagram / @alexgodoy
15. Long and Wavy Caramel Balayage
Long hair means much work for a colorist, but that’s not to say you can’t keep the balayage simple. It’s just more length to show off with glossy caramel highlights strewn throughout. The warmth of the style will stun all year round.
Instagram / @hairbyangelaalberici
16. Medium Length Bronde Balayage
If you are looking for a very fashion forward hairstyle, definitely have your stylist use very light blonde towards the ends. The blonde and browns are gorgeous and command attention. All of these hues mixed in one dye job work well with short to medium-length locks, so that you don’t have too much of a good thing going on at once.
Instagram / @kristen.lumiere
17. Barrel Curled Balayage Hair
Make your caramel balayage standout with sleek layers and big barrel curls. The luscious curls are perfect for an evening event, and when you brush them out in the morning, you will have the perfect beach waves.
Instagram / @parrucchieridelcorso
18. Chocolatey Balayage
The caramel auburn hue teamed with the chocolate brown creates just enough dimension, that is subtle while still visually intriguing. The beauty of balayage is how the color blends into your natural hair color so smoothly.
Instagram / @off7thsalon
19. Strawberry Blonde and Caramel Balayage
Strawberry blonde locks channel the “rose gold” trend with their pinkish hues. Throwing some light brown and caramel highlights into the mix makes the style even more fashion forward. Loose curls beautifully put those shades on display.
Instagram / @hairbyac_alcorn
20. Brown and Caramel Highlight Hairstyle
For a partial caramel balayage, ask your stylist to have the lightest shades at the front of your style to bring attention to your face. The lighter shades against the dark brown will instantly attract everyone’s eyes.
Instagram / @rootedhairstudiolq
Caramel balayage is a statement hairdo yet not too bold. That can’t be said of many coifs. If you want that cool-girl vibe, balayage is the way to go. For all the dark-haired ladies, the lighter browns with your naturally chocolatey, deep brown, and black strands are a way for you to experiment with color without being afraid that it will result into a high contrast dye job. There is a range of shades to mix with the caramel too.
