Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this. 
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Hair Chevron Right
  3. Hair Color Chevron Right
  4. 10 Balayage Highlight Ideas Perfect for Spring

10 Balayage Highlight Ideas Perfect for Spring

By Victoria Moorhouse
Updated May 01, 2019 @ 10:00 am
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Venturelli/Getty Images

Like pastels, floral sundresses, and the need to furiously clean out your apartment, there's one spring beauty trend that returns every. single. season—Balayage highlights. Lucky for you, it also happens to be one of the most low maintenance.

If you're unfamiliar with the term, "balayage" is a highlighting technique that incorporates a freehanded painting on the surface of the hair, according to Michelle O’Connor, a stylist for The Salon by InStyle Inside JCPenney. O'Connor explains the method — which is French for "sweep" or "paint" — starts out with soft and diffused color at the scalp and gradually "gets thicker and more pronounced at the mid-shaft and ends."

"Spring and summer tend to be the months where we naturally want to be lighter and brighter which reflects the sun being out more, as well as beach multiple days," she says. "Balayage tends to mimic what the sun would do naturally."

Bonus? O'Connor says balayage gives a very natural finish which means minimal upkeep. And while the low-maintenance factor is certainly a plus when it comes to the cost of upkeep, O'Connor says it also leads to healthier hair in the long run.

Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and basically every Victoria's Secret Angel iconically wear the look—there's a high chance one of their pictures accompanied your friend to the salon—and the technique is a favorite among top celebrity colorists for creating a super natural, seamless color for their clients.

From warm and rich auburn tints to California blonde strands, keep scrolling to check out 10 balayage hair color ideas that'll finally convince you to get highlights this spring. 

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Khloe Kardashian

Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Khloe Kardashian's colorist Tracey Cunningham famously took her from a deep brunette to a bright blonde with this technique focused around the ends.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chrissy Teigen

Credit: Barry King/Getty Images

One of the best things about balayage is that it creates dimension within your hair color without being stripe-y. You can see the proof in Chrissy Teigen's hair, which features deep roots, golden browns, and cool blonde highlights.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jennifer Aniston

Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

If you want to add more movement to blonde hair, look no further than Jennifer Aniston's multi-dimensional blonde strands.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gisele Bündchen

Credit: Venturelli/Getty Images

If the word "ombré" makes you think of those dramatic gradients from 2008, it's time to rethink the word. It's purely a color shift, as demonstrated by Gisele Bündchen, and it can be done as subtly as you'd like. 

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jessica Biel

Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

It can be as seamless as Jessica Biel's hair color, which features more caramel, light-reflecting tones towards the bottom.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jenna Dewan Tatum

Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

The technique can be used to refresh dark brunette manes with chocolate brown strands placed around the face. 

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mindy Kaling

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

Simply ask for more highlights placed all around the head for a more noticeable look, similar to Mindy Kaling.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sarah Jessica Parker

Credit: John Lamparski/WireImage

SJP's hair features a high volume of highlights placed near her roots. The well-blended base allows for a cool, edgy grow-out without harsh lines.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Shay Mitchell

Credit: John Parra/WireImage

Want to try out the cool blonde trend without actually changing your hair color or going platinum? Problem solved. Just look to Shay Mitchell's ash-toned balayage highlights.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ciara

Credit: George Pimentel/WireImage

Ciara's auburn-toned highlights bring warmth to her gorgeous base color.

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Victoria Moorhouse

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 10 Khloe Kardashian
2 of 10 Chrissy Teigen
3 of 10 Jennifer Aniston
4 of 10 Gisele Bündchen
5 of 10 Jessica Biel
6 of 10 Jenna Dewan Tatum
7 of 10 Mindy Kaling
8 of 10 Sarah Jessica Parker
9 of 10 Shay Mitchell
10 of 10 Ciara

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
InStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

View image

10 Balayage Highlight Ideas Perfect for Spring
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.