Fellow brunettes, if you're anything like me, you probably let your locks hibernate all winter, only to find yourself jonesing for a color refresh come spring. This year, the occasion to apply some fresh color feels even more merited—especially for those people out there who went sans-salon through the entire pandemic. (Props, TBH.) If you're not quite ready to return to your high-maintenance highlights or all-around blonde from before times, we have the perfect alternate: balayage brown hair, a low-lift, high-reward color placement option that will ease the transition from spring to summer.
There's a reason this hair-color trend has amassed so many brown-haired fans (myself included—six years strong!): It requires little-to-no maintenance. Once finished, you can have it touched up if desired, but it will never leave you hanging with an unsightly growing-out phase. To get the 411 on the color-placement trend, we consulted Antony Bui, master colorist at the celeb-favored salon, Rob Peetoom NYC. "I think people want to liven up their natural hair with the balayage coloration for a combination of the reasons, but mostly because people are ready to try something they haven’t before—especially coming out of a period of isolating indoors," he tells Who What Wear. As far as placement options go, he has some advice. "I usually suggest not going too light towards the roots, but enough to shift their overall color to the next level. Lately, clients want a more diffused lightness in the front." Anyone else sensing a shift in the on-trend money piece highlights that have taken over the hair game for the last year?Though upkeep is minimal, Bui does have a few tips and tricks for keeping that brunette balayage in tip-top shape. "My top tip is finding the right hairbrush and brushing in the morning and at night, to distribute natural oils. Also, using a mild and color-safe shampoo and a hydrating conditioner for the ends. Thermal protectors and leave-in conditioners are always great." Voilà ! You're (almost) ready to hit the salon. First, peruse our assortment of inspo-worthy images to take right to your colorist.From the back of this long, wavy 'do, get a glimpse of the piecey lightness that sets balayage apart from highlights, which typically begin at the root.Go full-force with platinum blonde mid-lengths and a caramel-mocha root. Placing the lightest pieces on the top layer can bring depth and dimension to the look.Tobacco blonde is one of the most popular balayage hues, according to Bui. He says it brings a subdued softness to these brunette tresses.If warmth is your thing, style up those ends with a honey blonde-auburn balayage. An added bonus? This tone looks great through fall months, too.Some of the best balayage styles are the most subtle, which tracks with this shoulder-length style. Looking for a way to liven up a blunt cut? Try a balayage with the lightest pieces placed along the chin and underneath the hair at the base layer.Warm mocha strands can effortlessly level up your long twist braids, with swoon-worthy variations in hue tucked in from the roots to the ends.Not a fan of money pieces, chunky highlights, and other bolder color-placement trends? Balayage will soften up your brown base just enough without overdoing it.Complement your sun-kissed glow with a few lighter pieces framing the face.Aimee Song's must-try take on the balayage trend involves a mahogany base and honey-toned ends.Give the trend a sweet, simple tweak by limiting the blonde pieces to those framing the face, keeping the crown of your head as your original base hue. Bangs people, we didn't forget about you. The balayage-color trend will add a tousled feel to your polished coif.Make like Andra Day, our April 2021 cover star, and warm up your pony with a cinnamon-hued balayage.J.Lo (and her impeccable balayage) have entered the chat. Celeb hairstylist Chris Appleton accomplishes her look by placing chunky Malibu blonde bands all across her mane. Strijd's balayage marries her cool-toned base, face-framing blonde strands, and wispy bangs into one inspiring look. Mind if we have a great, bouncy, perfectly warmed-up hair day? Summon summer with this brunette-meets-blonde balayage, which blends platinum pieces and deep chocolate roots for one beachy look.Currently living in my mind rent-free: bouncy curls with frosty-blonde tips.This sweet, striped take on the balayage counts Miranda Kerr as a fan.Kim's famous balayage (which became the most-liked picture of the mogul on her stylist's IG feed) features an ultrasoft lightness at the ends for a smoky brunette look.It's Halle Berry's perfectly-coiffed curtain bangs and enviable brown balyage, for me.Make waves by imbuing curly cues with surprising hints of blonde.Chloe Moretz knows the power of a perfect hair day. Hers involves a peekaboo balayage, which reveals its lighter pieces from below the surface when set in curls.Trying to figure out what to do with that ultra-long quarantine cut (or lack thereof)? Chrissy Teigen has an idea. This pristine color placement strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sophisticated. Next: 10 Short Curly Hairstyles That Will Make You Rethink Your Long Hair
Charlize Theron is back in business with an elegant boss-chic look. For her appearance on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show yesterday in LA, the actress wore a pair of black leather culottes featuring a high-waisted silhouette, a black shirt and a pair of ankle-strap sandals and nearly 4-inch heels. The Oscar-winning actress complemented her look with silver rings, black sunglasses and a black clutch for a sophisticated yet edgy feel. Throughout the year, Theron has worn similar shoe styles while her outfit choices range from bold pastel suits to mini dresses and monochromatic pieces. The star can be spotted in stilettos, knee-high boots, pumps and ankle booties, all adding versatility to her wardrobe. Charlize Theron is seen at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in Los Angeles, California. CREDIT: RB/Bauergriffin.com / MEGA The legendary actress usually wears high-end brands such as Dior, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford and more with a preference for black and white tones. During her off-
Sarah Jessica Parker was seen twirling on Friday in one of the most iconic “Sex and the City” pieces, the tulle skirt for the series reboot “And Just Like That.” The HBO Max program will nod some styles the columnist Carrie Bradshaw wore during her New York City adventures, including a tulle outfit seen in the SATC opening credits that Patricia Field created in an improvised manner. Though the former costume designer of this awe-inspiring series is no longer styling the actors, Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago are leading a new era of modern aesthetic. Sarah Jessica Parker is bringing back the tulle skirt for SATC reboot. CREDIT: Jose Perez / SplashNews.com During one of the scenes filmed for “And Just Like That,” Parker was spotted wearing a white maxi tulle skirt and the vintage Chanel shoes once worn during an episode of SATC. Back then, Carrie paired the Chanel two-tone booties with a multi-tiered skirt, red top and black cropped jacket. Today, the Chanel booties are brough
Kacey Musgraves slipped on a pair of vinyl-strap sandals for a dinner date in New York City yesterday evening. While heading to dinner with boyfriend Cole Schafer, the Grammy-winning country star wore a white tank top with denim shorts, layered with a Hawaiian-print shirt and brown crossbody bag. Her accessories included several rings, as well as delicate gold necklaces and hoop earrings. Kacey Musgraves and Cole Schafer walk in New York City. CREDIT: Wise Owl/MEGA Kacey Musgraves and Cole Schafer walk in New York City. CREDIT: Wise Owl/MEGA Musgraves’ shoes of choice were Schutz’s Victorie sandal, which features a cork sole and block heel and two clear vinyl straps. The sandal silhouette was lightweight and perfect for showing off the “Rainbow” singer’s coral pedicure. PVC sandals have been trending this season, due to their sleek retro vibes and versatility — after all, what color goes better with any outfit than, well, nothing? Stars like Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian
Kristin Davis went pretty in pink today on the set of “And Just Like That…” Filming the HBO Max “Sex and the City” follow-up series in New York with co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, Davis wore a pink tweed midi dress. The piece was mixed with hues of purple and white, featuring rounded capped sleeves. Davis accessorized with a blush pink belt, playing off of her dress’ main color while punctuating its textured silhouette. The actress completed her look with a gold watch and Louis Vuitton’s multicolored Capucines handbag, in hues of beige, black, purple and magenta. Kristin Davis films ‘And Just Like That’ in New York City. CREDIT: Jose Perez/Bauergriffin.com / MEGA Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis film ‘And Just Like That’ in New York City. CREDIT: Jose Perez/Bauergriffin.com / MEGA On the shoe front, the “Deadly Illusions” actress donned a pair of nude pumps. The shoes featured heels measuring at least 3 inches in height as well as sharp pointed toes. The pair’s glo
