I’ve been the proud owner of a bob haircut for the last year and a half. It came after accepting the fact that as much as I love the idea of long, Rapunzel-esque hair, short styles suit my face shape better. However, I’m now starting to feel a bit bored with the colour, which has been a variation of dark brown for as long as I can remember. I feel an aesthetic itch is about to creep up on me, which has seen me get a tattoo and helix piercing in the last six months alone. After trawling through the social media pages of some of my favourite influencers and celebrities, I’ve well and truly warmed to the idea of going for a soft balayage.
Hailey Bieber proving just how flattering softly blended ends can be.
Tom Connell, hair art director at Davines, describes the technique as sweeping and painting colour in a way that it won’t look like it has been placed in one static area. “Balayage will show a lighter colour blending from natural colour rather than a solid place which is achieved from traditional highlights.”
A quick search of ‘balayage’ into Google, and you’ll most likely be served images of longer, lighter hair embracing the trend, but it’s important to remember the technique not only works on all hair colours, but textures and lengths too. “It comes down to tailoring it the individual,” says Connell. “Eye colour, skin tone, and how much shadow you want to create around the face should all be taken into account.”
If you have a lob, bob or pixie cut, I’ve searched high and low for the best balayage on short hair to save for your next trip to the salon.
A perfect example of balayage on short, dark hair. Definitely tempted by the copper tones for autumn.
The cropped caramel curls perfectly compliment Halle’s skin tone and face shape.
Soft waves and balayage are a match made in heaven, as seen on Taylor Hill.
An icy blonde colour all over can be hard to maintain. Do it like Saoirse so that any regrowth will blend in seamlessly.
We love how Tia Ward’s darker roots blend out into a subtle caramel balayage.
When it comes to balayage, you can be as subtle or bold as you like.
Balayage is super versatile and looks as good on wavy hair as it does naturally straight.
Say goodbye to monthly root touch ups by pairing curtain bangs with soft balayage a la Rose Bryne’s lob.
Caitlin Miyako also proving just how low-maintenance a fringe and balayage can be.
The blended blonde and copper tones are *chefs kiss*.
If you have naturally dark blonde or light brown hair, running a lighter shade through the ends will really help to lift the look.
For cool-toned balayage, a dedicated silver conditioner will help neutralise any orange tones that might develop in between appointments.
As the balayage technique often involves bleaching the hair, you need to keep it well looked afer. This moisturising mask not only strengthens the hair, it also prolongs the life of colour treatments.
A great hair mask to run through the ends of the hair if you have cool-toned blonde balayage.
This gorgeously scented hairspray will give your balayage a super shiny finish.
An allrounder for every hair type and texture. Not only will it smooth and volumise the hair, it will help to really nourish coloured and bleached ends.
Next Up: The Stacked Bob Is This Year’s Most Unexpected Hair Trend
