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8 reasons to try balayage

These celebs will have you booking a hair appointment, stat

By Iantha Yu

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / May 26 2017

Looking to freshen up your ‘do with highlights? Give balayage a go: it’s super pretty, versatile and seen over and over again on the red carpet. “Balayage is the free hand placement of colour on hair to create a fluid blend of tones, and is a great alternative to classic foiling,” says hairstylist Richi Grisillo. “Classically, balayage should only be within two shades difference of your natural hair. Balayage was designed to have a natural feel and this is the best way to mimic [the shade] your hair would lighten naturally on your summer holidays.”

If you’re ready to take the plunge and ask your hairdresser for balayage, follow this advice from Grisillo: “Balayage should always have depth or shadow closest to the head and lightness through mid-lengths and ends. You can introduce varying tones through balayage areas to create more texture and depth to enhance movement and wave when styling.”

Here are eight of our favourite balayage looks straight from the red carpet.

Brie Larson

Yes, balayage can look subtle. If you’re after a more pared-back look, try this style that features lots of lighter coloured foils around the face and ends of the hair.

Jessica Alba

Surprisingly, balayage looks lovely even if you’re using darker tones like black and medium brown. This look is perfect for those who are just looking to dip their toe in the balayage trend.

Lauren Conrad

Lauren has always been a fan of balayage hair, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do her dark roots complement her darker brows, but the lighter mid-lengths and ends make her complexion look brighter.

Jamie Chung

Yes, balayage can even work for those with black hair. Copy Jamie’s look by asking for lots of medium brown foils from the mid-lengths to the ends.

Priyanka Chopra

Actress Priyanka went for a balayage look with a twist, and wore reddish brown highlights through her hair to elevate her mane.

Sarah Jessica Parker

SJP proves that balayage can look super pretty on straightened hair. The balayage she is wearing is blended into her natural hair colour, with some lighter pieces starting about two inches from her roots.

Sienna Miller

Hate getting your roots touched up? Ask for foils about an inch away from your scalp to achieve the same balayage look as Sienna.

Hilary Duff

Actress and singer Hilary Duff went for a more dramatic balayage look, with her hair going from dark brown at the roots to light blonde at the tips.

Looking for more balayage inspiration? Click here to get to another gallery on the hair look.

Iantha Yu

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.