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25 Winter Balayage Hair Color Ideas (That Are Trending This Year)

By Author Hollee Wood

Let’s talk about winter balayage!

As the winter season approaches, it’s the perfect time to level up your look. Balayage is a great way to change up your hairstyle and add pops of color that will brighten up those cold winter days.

Loved by many for its low-maintenance appeal and lived-in, natural-looking results, balayage has become the preferred coloring technique for winter.

To help get you inspired and show off the amazing possibilities, I’ve put together 25 stunning looks that are trending this year! From icy tones to subtle warm hues, discover how balayage can take your hair game to new heights.

💡TIP: Pin this article to your Hair Color board on Pinterest so you can always find it when you need to! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

A close-up of a person's eye with glittery black eyeliner and long eyelashes.

Why Choose Balayage for Winter

Balayage is a popular hair coloring technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair to create a natural, sun-kissed effect. While it’s often associated with warmer seasons and beachy looks, balayage can also be a great choice for winter. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Low Maintenance: Balayage is known for its low maintenance. The color is applied in a way that creates a soft, gradual regrowth line, making it less noticeable as your hair grows. This feature is especially useful during winter when you may want to limit your salon visits.
  2. Versatility: Balayage is a versatile technique that can be customized to suit different hair types, lengths, and colors. Whether you prefer a subtle, natural look or a more dramatic effect, balayage can be adapted to your style preferences.
  3. Warmth and Dimension: While balayage is often associated with sun-kissed looks, it can also add warmth and dimension to your hair, which can be particularly appealing during the colder months. Adding lighter tones to your hair can brighten up your overall appearance.
  4. Complements Winter Wardrobe: The soft, blended look of balayage can complement winter clothing and accessories. The warmth and depth created by the color variation can be a beautiful contrast to darker winter clothing.
  5. Customizable Tones: Balayage can incorporate warm tones like caramel and honey, creating a cozy and inviting look for winter hair.
  6. Less Harsh than All-Over Color: Traditional all-over color can sometimes appear flat or harsh, especially as it grows out. Balayage, on the other hand, is applied softly and blended in a way that looks more natural. It can be an excellent option for those seeking a gentler transition between colors.

Remember, when choosing a hair color, it’s important to consider your personal style, preferences, and maintenance routine. If you’re considering winter balayage, it’s best to consult with a professional colorist who can assess your hair type and help you achieve your desired look.

Trending Winter Balayage Looks

A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @volkanofficialll
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @burakakdogann.official
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @sametcankara_official
A close-up of an eye with sparkly gold and black eyeshadow and winged eyeliner.
📷Credit: @htheknotstudio_
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @andrewlovescolor
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery black eyeliner and long eyelashes.
📷Credit: @graemesnell_hair
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @andrewlovescolor
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery black eyeliner and long eyelashes.
📷Credit: @glambysabrinaa
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @hairloungenyc
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @harttofcolor
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @peachstockholm
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @dvcolour
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @loveurhairr
A close-up of an eye with sparkly gold and black eyeshadow and winged eyeliner.
📷Credit: @southmarksouth
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @aaashleee
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery black eyeliner and long eyelashes.
📷Credit: @shearelegance_bynicole
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @megansmithhair
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery black eyeliner and long eyelashes.
📷Credit: @melaniehess_
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @lindseymayhair
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @hairbyydani
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @thehair_jeannie
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @kinshiphairco
A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @brit_bellasalonco
A close-up of an eye with sparkly gold and black eyeshadow and winged eyeliner.
📷Credit: @thehair_jeannie

HolleewoodHair | Hair Blog + Beauty Blog

A close-up of a person's eye with glittery makeup on the eyelashes and eyeshadow.
📷Credit: @orkunbaykut

Balayage Maintenance Tips

Maintaining winter balayage requires some care and attention to keep the color looking fresh and vibrant. Here are five tips to help you maintain your balayage:

  1. Use Color-Safe Products: Choose shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are gentler on your hair and help preserve the vibrancy of your balayage. Look for sulfate-free options, as sulfates can strip away color.
  2. Avoid Excessive Washing: Washing your hair too frequently can lead to color fading. Try to extend the time between washes to help maintain the longevity of your balayage. Consider using a dry shampoo between washes to keep your hair looking fresh.
  3. Protect Your Hair from Heat: Limit heat-styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands. Excessive heat can contribute to dryness and damage, affecting the overall appearance of your balayage. If you do use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage.
  4. Deep Conditioning Treatments: Balayage, like any color-treated hair, benefits from regular deep conditioning treatments. These treatments help nourish and moisturize your hair, preventing dryness and maintaining its health and shine. Consider using a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week.
  5. Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims to keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends. Trimming also helps maintain the shape and integrity of your balayage.

Remember, the specific needs of your balayage may vary based on your hair type, color choices, and overall hair health. It’s a good idea to consult your hairstylist for personalized advice and to address any specific concerns about maintaining your balayage.

Check out more information from celebrity hairstylists at Byrdie.com

FAQ

A close-up of an eye with sparkly gold and black eyeshadow and winged eyeliner.
Is balayage good for winter?


Yes, balayage can be a great choice for winter due to its versatility, low maintenance, and ability to add warmth and dimension to the hair. The hand-painted technique allows for a natural, sun-kissed look that complements winter wardrobes, and the customizable tones provide a cozy and inviting feel. Balayage’s low-maintenance nature is ideal for the season, requiring fewer salon visits while offering a chic appearance throughout winter.

What is the downside of balayage?

Balayage drawbacks include its cost, requiring skilled colorists, and maintenance challenges with noticeable regrowth. The use of bleach in the process can risk hair damage, leading to dryness and increased porosity. Careful consideration of individual preferences and commitment to maintenance is essential.

Why is balayage more expensive than highlights?

Balayage is pricier than highlights due to its intricate hand-painting technique, which demands skill and precision from the colorist. The personalized and time-intensive process and the artistry involved contribute to the higher cost compared to traditional highlighting methods.

Final Thoughts

A close-up of a person's eye with glittery black eyeliner and long eyelashes.

Winter balayage is an incredibly versatile hairstyle that can suit any style. It’s perfect for those who want to experiment with their look yet stay fashionable.

With the right color and technique, you’ll be sure to turn heads wherever you go! If you’re considering winter balayage, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your stylist today. There are so many unique combinations available—the possibilities are endless!

With all the creativity and fun of winter balayage, it may become your go-to style this season. So take a chance and explore different looks to make you stand out!

Until next time,

Hollee

🌟 Your Turn: What do you think about these winter balayage hair color ideas? Are you planning to try something like this? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

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