While last spring was all about growing out your hair color, cutting your hair at home and stocking up on tie dye sweatsuits, dare we say it, spring 2021 may look like a whole lot different. With US vaccinations steadily underway and salons gradually opening back up in certain states, it's time to start thinking about your post-lockdown glow up, and more specifically, your post-lockdown hair.
As many have fully embraced a lower maintenance hair routine, we predict a big boom in balayage hair colors. And if your salon hasn't yet opened up, not to worry. Get the looks at home with balayage hair extensions—as long as your hair color matches the base shade of the hair extensions, you can get balayage hair instantly with no trip to the salon.
Keep reading for 12 of our favorite balayage ideas for spring.
1. Off Black Balayage
Because black hair colors can be difficult to lift by too many levels, we love the look of Chocolate Brown highlights deftly painted on to give the hair a warmer effect. This color combination will sing in the sunlight as Off Black catches warm brown tones and Chocolate Brown catches red tones.
2. Mocha Brown Balayage
If your hair is brown, you can likely afford to lift the color to a lighter level without damaging the hair too much. Dirty Blonde highlights give the warm, red-toned Mocha Brown a multi-dimensional effect, perfect for the springtime.
3. Mocha Bronde Balayage
A little bit brown, a little bit blonde, whole lot bombshell. If your hair color is naturally darker and red-toned like Mocha Brown, consider adding Bronde highlights to the mix. An in-between shade of brown and blonde, Bronde highlights add warm hues to dark hair for a sun-kissed effect.
4. Dark Brown balayage
Dark Brown is a mid-tone brown shade, so if this is your hair color, opt for Dirty Blonde painted highlights for a natural gradation from dark to light. The warmer blonde shade will add a subtle kiss of warmth to darker hair colors.
5. Dark Ash Brown Balayage
If you prefer cooler toned hair colors, try adding Ash Brown highlights to your darker brown hair, to counteract the warmer undertones of naturally Dark Brown hair. We love how natural these two shades look together!
6. Chocolate Brown Balayage
Does anyone else think of melting chocolate with this one? Just us? Have your candy and wear it too with this warm, chocolately color combo. Golden toned Chestnut Brown highlights are a perfect complement to the sultry Chocolate Brown base hair color.
7. Chestnut Brown Balayage
If Chocolate Brown Balayage is melting chocolate, Chestnut Brown balayage is a s'more roasting over a crackling campfire. If your natural hair is a lighter brown shade, embrace the warmer weather and warmer hair colors by adding Dirty Blonde highlights to the mix. It's a sunny combination perfect for sunshiney days.
8. Ash Brown Balayage
We love the look of Natural Blonde painted onto an Ash Brown base to give the hair brightness while still maintaining its cooler tone. Natural Blonde's ashy undertones perfectly complement Ash Brown's neutral tones for a perfect balayage mix.
9. Bronde Balayage
If your natural hair color is Bronde, lucky you! You could add brown lowlights if you're going for a darker look, but for spring, we prefer the look of Dirty Blonde highlights painted on to add warmth and dimension.
10. Natural Blonde Balayage
If you like to keep things natural, we understand! Since Natural Blonde is a naturally cooler-toned hair color, Platinum Blonde is the perfect complementary shade that will leaving you feeling cool as a cucumber as warmer weather approaches.
11. Blonde Balayage
The one that started it all! If your natural hair color is Dirty Blonde, adding Ash Blonde highlights are a perfect way to achieve a multi-dimensional, sun-kissed effect.
12. Sandy Blonde Balayage
This one's for all the ice queens. If your hair is already a cool Sandy Blonde shade, consider adding icy Platinum Blonde balayage highlights for a multi-dimensional yet still netural-toned look.