A red balayage is a hair color that involves a freehand painting technique to dye the hair with red hues to create highlights or ombres. It’s every fiery girl’s dream come true!
If you’re craving for a sizzling change to liven up your look yet do not want to commit to the maintenance that red hair normally requires, it’s time to celebrate because the answer to your wish is here!
California hair painter Constance Robbins is known for making sweet waves even sweeter with this popular dye job! With the various vivid shades of red – cherry, wine, copper, and auburn – you might be confused at first which hue to try.
Here are a few tips to consider!
Warm red shades pair best with yellow undertoned complexions, while cool toned skins match more of the darker reds. Using color-safe shampoos is still a must to keep the vibrancy flaming and the color fresh.
This sweet blend is certain to fire up your look and inject a dose of brightness and dimension to your mane! Let your strands shimmer with flashes of ruby hues when you try one of these gorgeous red balayage hair colors!
#1: Dark Cherry Red Balayage with Dark Roots
A dark cherry red balayage is the color choice you want if you want to add life back to your hair! With the added dark roots, this color is a fun way to spice up your regular balayage. To help avoid your color fading fast, use a sulfate-free shampoo that is also color safe. Wash your hair with cool water as it reduces the stripping of color in your hair.
#2: Fiery Red Balayage
Try this fiery red balayage if you want to add brightness to your dark hair. Avoid using high heat when styling, and always ask for the best at-home care from your stylist.
#3: Stunning Bright and Vivid Red Balayage
A stunning bright and vivid red balayage is trending. When you can go bold with your color, pre-lighten your hair with a global blonde and do a color melt from purple to red. Ask your stylist to create a balayage effect with your color melt if you can.
#4: Sexy Long Red Waved Balayage
If you want to add reds to your hair, you can get a full balayage to create lighter pieces. Ask your stylist to color melt with a darker red that gradually gets brighter on the ends. Red depositing cleansers and conditioners at home will help this stay vibrant longer.
#5: Dimensional Brick Red Balayage
A dimensional brick red balayage is one of the season’s most requested reds! These tones are perfect for shifting brunette locks to something different and daring. Be sure to communicate with your stylist that you want pure red tones stay away from violet or copper! Your hair may feel a little dry, so use a treatment oil in your routine. I recommend using the Loma’s Nourishing Oil Treatment for daily use.
#6: Hydrated Curls with Red Balayage
If you have a more olive skin tone, a warm chocolate copper color can help give you a more glowing complexion. If you want to, ask for a balayage with lowlights that start a few inches away from the roots, to give more contrast. This also benefits your curly hair as it defines your curl pattern. Ask your stylist if you can maintain your color at home with a color wash like Keracolor Clenditioner.
#7: Candy Apple Balayage
This rooted candy apple red balayage on long hair is a showstopper! If you want a vibrant color that will draw attention and compliments, this is it. I recommend hand-painting the colors to create a blend of warm tones that won’t leave harsh lines. Tell your colorist you’d like the colors placed throughout your mid-lengths and ends. This ensures even coverage without over-processing or damaging your locks. To maintain this look at home, use a red color-depositing shampoo and conditioner. Plus, use a weekly deep conditioning treatment. They have some just for colored hair.
#8: Dark Red on Dark Hair
What I love about this color is how the brighter red flows into the depth of the mahogany waves of her hair. My lovely client has naturally wavy textured hair and wanted to see more vibrant red in her already colored, deep mahogany hair. So I wanted to create bold red pieces to complement her waves and contrast the darker red. Colors that flow like this go well with a haircut that gives body so I gave her medium-length layers and lots of texture.
Reds should always be vibrant! Red pigments in hair color usually fade fast and become dull if you don’t keep up with maintenance. Depending on what products you use and how often you’re washing your hair determines how long the vibrancy in your hair will last. I generally recommend refreshing it with your stylist every 6-8 weeks.
#9: Copper and Blonde Balayage
I love how the bright pieces play with the layers of the haircut. The rich copper tones within the root shadow balance beautifully with the sun-kissed blond, creating shine and contrast. The styling gives the look movement while accenting the balayage highlights. This red balayage hair color is perfect for a woman on the go who doesn’t want high maintenance hair. Someone who wants to see more dimension and brightness through her mids and ends. Multidimensional tones are great for all skin types and easily customizable to fit most clients’ needs and wants.
They will naturally grow out beautifully and last 8-12 weeks, so only the base color needs to be refreshed and a gloss on the ends. Red tones tend to fade easily so home care is crucial! Kerastase Chromatique Shampoo and Conditioner will keep it healthy and secure the color in-between visits. The styling gives this look its oomph and product is the key. Kevin Murphy’s Bedroom texture spray is perfect to give her the tousled beach wave finish we are going for. She should be comfortable loosely curling her hair to get the right effect on those beach waves.
#10: Dark Red Roots with Red-Copper Ends
Walk on the warm side and pair your dark red roots with red copper ends. Red and copper tones make a striking combination that will make your locks look warm and inviting. When it comes to red tones, don’t forget to tone every 4-6 weeks to keep your tresses looking true to tone. Reds are high maintenance but the outcome is worth it.
#11: Medium-Length Shag with Red Balayage
Fiery mixed balayage could be a perfect fit for you. The soft balayage around your face will brighten it and add a great point of difference when curled. To prevent too much bleeding, you’ll want to wash with cooler water. Cooler temps maintain the contrast between the balayage and base color.
#12: Stunning Long Red Balayage Hair
Warm up your mane with stunning long red balayage hair. Dyeing your hair red will instantly make your locks look more luxurious. Rich red tones add warmth to your hair and add reflective shine. Remember, reds tend to fade quickly so make sure you are using color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
#13: Dimensional Auburn-Red Balayage
Get compliments all day long with dimensional auburn red balayage. Dyeing your hair red is a commitment. When you have a balayage that’s blended it will make your color low-maintenance. Wear your hair waved or straight. With a hand-painted balayage, there are no harsh lines and will look beautiful either way.
#14: Dimensional Sunset Balayage
Try rocking a trendy color with a dimensional sunset balayage. Dyeing your hair should be fun and what could be better than experimenting with some bold fashion colors? When it comes to keeping maintenance low, keep your natural root and have the balayage blended up, that way you will get more time in between touch-ups.
#15: Sultry Blood Red Balayage
In my opinion, there is nothing more desirable as a rich dark blood red tone in hair. My advice with colors is to spend time letting the color penetrate. A good saturation is needed so the color will be full of life. Style with loose sexy waves to show of the reflections of tones.
#16: Fashionable Cherry Red Balayage
Get others’ attention with a fashionable cherry red balayage. It’s best to pick a red hue that best suits your complexion for an overall brighter-looking appearance. If you decide to go for a red balayage, try to keep your maintenance low by keeping your root natural if you can. Also, use a red color conditioner to keep your color looking better for longer at home.
#17: Black and Dark Red Balayage
Go to the warm side with black and dark red balayage. Give your hair a glossy and luxurious shine when you add warm light reflecting tones. Adding a bold money piece around your face is the best way to give your hair a bold pop. Plus, it will make your complexion appear brighter.
#18: Gorgeous Red Balayage Makeover
Liven up your look with a gorgeous red balayage makeover. To keep red tones vibrant and bold, pre-lifting your hair will be required. Make sure you opt for a hue that is right for your skin tone to bring out your natural glow. Tones of fiery copper and red will give the illusion of glistening and glossy locks.
#19: Bright Red Balayage Ombre on Long Hair
Be a fire starter with bright red balayage ombré on long hair. Vibrant and bold, a red balayage will not disappoint. I’ve found that red fades very quickly. Having a color-depositing mask at home will help keep your locks more vibrant for longer. Make sure you always use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
#20: Black Cherry Balayage
The black cherry balayage is a head-turning color perfect for your long dark to light brown hair. It won’t let you stay unnoticed, but it’s great to know that it will fade away quickly, especially at your ends. You’ll want to color at home with direct dye. Or, book regular semi/demi-permanent color appointments in the salon.
#21: Naturally Red Balayage
Naturally colored red balayage is very trendy right now. If you’re deciding to go with a red tone, add some highlights around your hairline. This will give your color a natural brightness. This color is best suited for a younger adult who wants to be on trend with the current style.
#22: Fire Copper Red Balayage
A fire copper red balayage is the perfect color for the fall season. When it comes to figuring out if a warm red color would complement your skin tone, I suggest taking a silver piece of jewelry, and a gold piece to your appointment. When you put the different pieces of jewelry on, see which one highlights your skin tone. If the gold piece looks best, more than likely a warm red copper color will look great too.
#23: Peachy-Red Gorgeous Balayage
Try a new hair hue with a peachy red gorgeous balayage. Add peachy red warm tones to your tresses if you want to see your hair sparkle in the sunlight. Red flatters almost all skin tones and helps your complexion look brighter and healthy.
#24: Full Tease and Foil Balayage
Ask your stylist for a full tease and foil balayage if you have darker hair, and you’re wanting a balayage look. A full tease is when your stylist backcombs your hair to give a soft lived-in highlighted look, and by placing the balayage pieces in foils, you can get your hair lighter. Try to keep in mind, that if you have dark hair it’s best to ask for a warmer tone color.
#25: Brick Red Wavy Bob
Discover your perfect color with a brick red wavy bob. Rich tones of red and copper balayage are one of the most eye-catching color combinations. Freshen up your locks when you can to keep your tone vibrant. Try to color every 4-6 weeks for beautiful warm tresses.
#26: Reddish Copper Balayage
A reddish copper balayage is perfect for women who want a red with lower maintenance. Roots will easily grow without a line of demarcation, and a copper balayage is subtle but also dimensional.
#27: Dark Auburn Red Balayage
Consider getting a dark auburn hue using the balayage technique next time you’re at the hair salon. A deep red color is rich and has lots of depth and dimension when painted as a balayage. The key to creating depth and dimension is going a shade or two darker of the same tone at the root area and underneath while keeping a little bit of a brighter, lighter shade around the face and on top. This will give you the pop you need, as well as keep the richness and depth of your hair color.
#28: Black and Red Balayage
Red and black scream burning passion, and we’re passionate about that hair color by colorist Amber! She does a phenomenal job with a red balayage hair color on her client.
#29: Copper Highlights
Copper highlights are a stunning color to have over a darker base. If you’re looking for some contrast and dimension, then this hair color is perfect for you. Styled with some waves and it will really shine through!
#30: Black and Red Balayage Hair Color
Muted red on black hair leaves a powerful feeling. Plum tones can also be seen swept over the hair so lightly.
#31: Cherry Red Balayage
A dash of sweetener on rich red hair. This monochrome ombre works by creating a distinction of both colors.
#32: Red Balayage Highlights on Light Brown Base
Good thing the balayage happened because what another way to posh up a brunette than smooth scarlet streaks?
#33: Red Wine Balayage on Black Base
Plum for fun! Colorist Ellie worked on this masterpiece by sweeping rich red dye onto long locks that resulted in a gorgeous balayage.
#34: Subtle Rose Gold Balayage
Do I sense Ginny Weasley in these ginger locks? Ask for a rich rose gold hair color that would be swept down your locks. and you’ll find your own Harry in no time.
#35: Brown and Red Balayage
Crunch in those autumn colors in one mane as wearing a burnt sienna fade goes well in any season. Brown to red balayage hair colors is perfect fall shades.
#36: Dark Brown and Red Balayage
Anyone who has naturally dark brown hair, take note. This is the ultimate crimson balayage look for straight hair. Stylist Allie made a spicy fiery look so soft and flattering!
#37: Burgundy Balayage
Go for a cool burgundy balayage. You don’t have to use bleach to get this look if you have virgin hair! If you already have a pre-existing balayage, you could just throw a semi-permanent color over it. It’s great for someone who wants to add a fun color to their look without going too crazy with the cut! Also, someone who is looking to do something funky with color without having to go through too much damage to their hair.
If you are considering this look, just know that it may fade somewhat quickly since it is in the red/violet family. A good trick when washing would be to use cooler water, it helps with fading. Definitely, use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner! Even a color depositing shampoo/conditioner with greatly help prolong the color. If you are wanting to maintain the color, it’s a good idea to come back about every 4-6 weeks to have it refreshed.
This color looks great on many skin tones, especially olive! It’s very versatile in terms of styling, looks great straight, curly, even in braids! A good serum that has heat protection helps bring out the shine, closing the cuticle hence keeping the color more vibrant.
#38: Deep Red Hair with Highlights
Q&A with style creator, Sarah
Hairstylist / Colorist @ Marsha Nadalin Salon & Spa in Honolulu, HI
How would you describe this look?
This is a bold, fun look for someone who likes to get noticed! I find keeping my colors, even fashion colors, more rooty allows for better grow out & looks great longer.
Any advice for someone considering it?
Almost anyone can wear this shade of red, however, it is a battle to keep the vibrancy. Professional grade shampoo is a must! Also, the client will need to come in to refresh the color monthly. The great thing about lifting the hair to a level 9-10 first is it lays the groundwork for many other colors after. This client has been bright purple & now we’re pursuing a blonde look.
#39: Copper Red and Light Brown Balayage
Opt for a copper red and light brown balayage. Ask your stylist to frame your face with layers that add dimension and make the color pop.
For hair color, use Calura by Oligo and added drops of Goldwell pure pigments in red and gold. For the blowout, protect your hair from the heat with Kerastase Ciment Thermique and use a large round brush to achieve a bouncy, silky look.
To keep red balayaged hair looking amazing, we recommend coming in every 5 to 8 weeks for color refreshing.
Invest in quality hair products and always use a sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair. Use Oribe’s Beautiful Color Shampoo and Beautiful Color Conditioner because it’s gentle, luxurious, and it really works to preserve the color.
#40: Blonde and Red Balayage Hair
Q&A with style creator, Amy Hitchcock
Color Specialist @ Furtado Studio in Quincy, IL
How would you describe this look?
A red velvet color melt is actually 4 different reds from darkest to lightest. The application was performed in two different sessions, avoiding blonde staining. The red was applied to damp hair for easy saturation and melt technique.
Any advice for someone considering it?
It’s best if you are a blonde. The blonde is actually the most difficult, lifting the hair to the desired level then applying the red. Remember red and blonde shades require more maintenance. You must use a professional shampoo and refresh your color every 4-6 weeks as fading occurs.
#41: Natural Red Color with Caramel Balayage
Q&A with style creator, Karla Farrelly
Hair Artist @ All Dolled Up in Southington, CT
How would you describe this look?
The way I would describe this look is just very natural and embracing her natural red tones, but giving it an extra pop of color with the balayage. This type of balayage is great for someone who may already have red or auburn tones in their hair, but they want to add a little dimension, but not too much to take away from the red.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This style looks best on someone who has medium/thick hair. This type of balayage can last someone three to four months, with the maintenance of just a glaze or toner every 6-8 weeks. The blown-out beach waves are my favorite. They really are effortless and can last a few days. For the best hair length, I would say shoulder-length or longer. You can never go wrong with a good dry texture spray to give that beachy lived-in look.
#42: Reddish Brown Balayage
This is a red balayage hair color in combination with teasy lights to give it a softer look. I love how this shade of red still looks natural, so it could work if a client just wants a subtle change!
This look is 100% customizable. If you’re nervous about doing it, start off with small and subtle teasy lights, then go bolder with more! The color red can be overwhelming to some people. Take it slow, and you will love it!
#43: Auburn Red Balayage
Q&A with style creator, Rachel Wittenberg
Owner & Stylist @ Paramount Salon/Spa in Temecula, CA
How would you describe this look?
This look is a multi-tonal, auburn/copper color melt. To achieve this look we did a subtle root smudge with a warmer color than her natural (4nw), followed by painting from the rooted area through the midsections in some areas and through ends in others (5c+5cb and 7c) to create depth and dimension. For the ends and up into some of the midsections I used a lighter copper (8c) to complete her multi-tonal color melt.
To showcase the amount of color variety we chose to do a soft, “beachy” curl. To prep her hair we used a texturizer spray that has heat protection in it. This way we have some hold, color protection, and a little extra grit. Post curl we applied another layer of the same spray for hold and volume.
Her longer layers give the perfect amount of movement and lift to her style without looking blunt or choppy. The high elevation and a steep angle will give soft layers to preserve the weight toward the ends to keep it as thick as possible while being able to have a lot of layering. This keeps volume and “bounce” for beachy curls.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would recommend evaluating how much time and energy you have to invest in maintaining a warmer look. While technology in modern hair color has come a long way, any reds or coppers tend to lose vibrancy fairly fast. Make sure you are willing to use high-quality color care products at home to prolong your preferred color. Ask your stylist if your goal hair color is appropriate for your skin tone and eye color. There are (luckily) expansive choices when it comes to warm colors – so do your research and make sure you feel comfortable with your color technician. If you don’t like to visit the salon often, perhaps settle on a copper or golden tone that has a longer lifespan than some of the reds that tend to fade after 4 weeks. Consider that the canvas you are applying color over matters as well. Do you have lighter or more ash toned hair? It will most likely fade faster than applying over hair that has a deeper pigment or warmer underlying tone.
Redheads are fun and have a feisty vibe, whether it’s natural or not. I’d say go for the colors that are right for you as an individual and have fun with it! Just make sure you use protection (UV protection, heat protection, color-safe shampoo/conditioner, red/copper enhancing conditioner, etc.)!
#44: Bright Red Balayage Highlights
This vivid bright red color is cheery and head-turning. The best thing about this color is that it has depth, richness, and brightness all in one! Add depth using rich natural tones at the base and lighten the strands so that when Joico color Intensity is added for the overall red you will have a variety of tones.
Find a stylist who is most comfortable doing tone of red hair. This color would be recommended for someone with fair skin and or deep features, eyes/eyebrows, because of the depth in this color. They should be ready to wow people with the brightness and also ready to commit to maintenance. Women with fashion or vivid tones can’t wash more than 2-3 times a week, purchase color-safe and color extending shampoos, and are fans of dry shampoos!
#45: Brunette and Red Balayage Hair
Q&A with style creator, Veronica Hellesland
Hairstylist @ Hair by Kiesler in Tolvsrod, Norway
How would you describe this look?
This vibrant red is a multi-purpose red. I did a blonde balayage for this client some months ago and now she wanted something bolder. I kept her roots natural and used different reds depending on where the light was to create more dimension. I love how she can put her hair up and back to keep it more natural and when she wants to show it off she can let it all down. I think waves help create the dimensions and intensity of the color.
Any advice for someone considering it?
I would keep in mind that it can be a high maintenance color. You would need to touch up every now and then. I always recommend my clients to use a good color preserve shampoo and conditioner. Too hot styling tools will make the color fade faster. And last but not least, if you are considering it, go for it! Colors are fun.