The balayage technique – where hairdressers hand paint highlights for a naturally effortless, sun-kissed look – is by no means new to the beauty world but it is a look that’s here to stay.
We’ve rounded up the best balayage locks the stars have to offer, so that you’ll not only have inspiration for your next colour – you’ll never walk out of the hairdresser’s in tears again.
1. JESSICA ALBA
Our hair envy for Jessica Alba knows no bounds – and with good reason. And early adopter of the balayage trends, she’s seen everything from blonde to graduated ombre. Her current is this classic, so-subtle-it’s-barely-there caramel that adds warmth and complements her naturally darker skin tone.
2. JESSICA BIEL
Jessica Biel’s more traditional blonde balayage has perfect placement with high lights concentrated around the face to give it glow. The key to blonde is to choose your colour according to your skin tone as well as your hair. Too light, ashy or Nordic blondes can make you look washed out unless your hair already has those tones.
3. JENNIFER LOPEZ
She’s come a long way from the Jenny from the Block corn-row days, and for that we’re thankful. Also, because her new look serves for some might-fine hair inspiration, with chunky golden-blonde balayage adding depth and texture to her layered style.
4. LILY ALDRIDGE
Proving that balayage is a trend that suits all styles, the Victoria Secret Angel uses honey pieces from the mid lengths for an edgier, rock-inspired look that’s that the ultimate in effortless cool.
5. ROSE BYRNE
Even the recently lobbed ladies can get on board the balayage train, as modelled here by Rose Byrne. The Aussie opted for face-framing high lights that do the same job as illuminator by adding glow to the skin.
6. OLIVIA WILDE
In a move we can only call “complete genius” Olivia Wilde uses her balayage as a secret contouring tool. With colour that starts from the cheek bone and downward this technique highlights her already killer bone structure.
7. ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY
The poster-girl for the bronde (blonde and brown) trend, Rosie’s hair is best described as the “I haven’t even tried to look this good” colour. With balayage that’s concentrated around the front of the face mixed with natural tones, this is perfect choice for people who want to feel blonde, but can’t be bothered with the high maintenance upkeep since regrowth is welcome.
8. OLIVIA PALERMO
You’ve got to give it to Olivia Palermo: she knows how to accessorize – and her hair is no exception. She’s tried almost every hair colour around, but we love this blonde balayage as it gives a much-needed edge to her otherwise picture-book-perfect style.
9. CHRISSY TEIGEN
A long time-lover of all things balayage, the model and Mum of one’s latest hair incarnation is bright blonde highlights that are finer around the face (which softens the look) combined with chunkier pieces underneath to add texture.
