Yes, Blonde Balayage Is Still In—25 Fresh Takes to Show Your Colorist

In case you thought that balayage's moment had come and gone, we're here to let you know that the hair color method is still trending. Not only is balayage still a thing, but it's aged like fine wine—new balayage variations are undeniably the best yet.

In case you were wondering, balayage is just a highlighting technique that doesn't use foils like traditional highlights. The result is hair that looks more natural because colorists are able to paint on natural-looking streaks that blend seamlessly into hair thanks to a better ability to blend. This painted-on highlight style is a great way to get lighter hair that fades better over time, so you don't have as much upkeep. Keep reading for our favorite blonde balayage inspiration photos to show your colorist. 

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(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

This buttery balayage keeps the roots dark and melts seamlessly into a lighter shade. Keeping depth at the top ensures a natural-looking color that fades well.

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(Image credit: @anthonyholguin)

Golden, warm tones are the majorly trending for anyone with a blonde ambition. Face-framing lighter pieces give this style an effortless vibe.

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(Image credit: @anthonyholguin)

If you're starting with a brunette base, keep it subtle with tiny ribbons of blonde. 

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(Image credit: @anthonyholguin)

Thin golden balayage all over the hair looks perfectly blended and natural. 

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(Image credit: @anthonyholguin)

Brighten up your face with lighter curtain bangs. This draws all the attention to your eyes. 

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(Image credit: @justinemarjan)

Chunky highlights are in again, but for a more sophisticated take on the style, opt for chunky, face-framing balayage. 

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901 )

Balayage offers a more laid-back take on bright blonde. 

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

This hair fades effortlessly from light brown to creamy blonde thanks to strategic streaks. 

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Yes, you can pull of a high-contrast balayage. Just make sure you have plenty of lowlights to weave through your blonde. 

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

This take on golden hair is so dreamy. Scattered light pieces give hair tons of dimension. 

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(Image credit: @nikkilee901)

This warm toned balayage will add tons of depth to your features. 

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Curly balayage is so dreamy. The blonde here is places strategically to help enhance curls. 

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Money pieces are the ultimate face-framing style. Ask for the rest of your balayage to start mid-length for a relaxed vibe.

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

It can be tough to nail curly balayage. Make sure to go to someone who has experience coloring curly hair who can follow your curl pattern for dreamy, light-reflecting strands. 

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

The best part about this warm-toned balayage is the ultra-fine streaks that serve to add dimension without overpowering the dark base.

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(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

This bright balayage perfectly mimics hair that's been streaked by the sun. Light front pieces pull in light to warm your face. 

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(Image credit: @chadkenyon)

Shadowy roots make sure this blonde doesn't look too harsh. 

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(Image credit: @chadkenyon)

Strawberry blonde balayage is the perfect way to experiment with strawberry blonde tones in your hair. 

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(Image credit: @anthonyholguin)

With money pieces weaved into the front and natural roots toward the back, this version of balayage will make you look sun-kissed. 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

Tons of teeny streaks give hair an all-over warm effect. 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

Creamy ribbons added mid-length give hair depth while still being effortless. 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

Fine golden streaks added to curls give hair a multidimensional effect. 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

If you love cool-toned blonde but want to try something with more depth, opt to keep your hair a bit warmer toward the roots. 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

Caramel blonde face-framing pieces look amazing if you have olive undertones. 

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(Image credit: @ariel_hauck)

Ask for blonde pulled through your mid-lengths to ends for curls with dimension. 

Our favorite hair products for blondes:

Next: Celeb Stylists Told Me These 7 Hair Colors Brighten the Eff Out of Your Face

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.