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If you're feeling bored with brown and brunette but don't have time for all the upkeep that comes with full-on blonde, you might want to try caramel balayage.
The best of both worlds, caramel balayage instantly adds warmth and dimension to even the most plain and one-note hair colors. Despite how chic and luxurious it appears, it's actually one of the most natural-looking and low-maintenance ways to color your hair. It's no wonder so many celebrities are known for wearing variations on the shade: Zendaya, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, and more have all sported various takes on caramel balayage as of late.
What is caramel balayage?
Not sure what we mean when we say caramel balayage? “Caramel balayage involves hand-painting warm, golden-brown highlights on darker hair for a sun-kissed effect,” Chase Kusero, co-founder of IGK Hair Care, tells Glamour. “While it complements brunette tones, it adds dimension and warmth beyond a standard brown color.”
More specifically, it blends tones of golden, honey, and toffee to add dimension and richness, says colorist Richy Kandasamy, vice president of R+Color development. “While it’s often applied to dark blonde or brunette bases, caramel balayage is not the same as a solid brown or brunette color—it’s all about the subtle and dimensional sun-kissed contrast and depth it brings to the hair,” he says.
As for why you should consider caramel balayage over, say, a one-dimensional dark brown? “Adding pops of caramel to brown hair instantly elevates your look. Caramel highlights add multi-dimensional tones, making hair look fuller and more textured,” says Kandasamy. "The warm undertones of caramel create a radiant, sun-kissed effect that flatters any season. It’s very a flattering tone!"
Kusero says that it also adds brightness and dimension without needing full-color changes, works well with natural hair texture—whether straight, wavy, or curly—and grows out gracefully, reducing maintenance needs.
Who is a good candidate for caramel balayage?
“This look is perfect for those with brown or dark blonde hair and works especially well with warm or neutral skin tones, as it can be tailored to enhance any complexion,” says Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist, colorist, educator, and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa, “Caramel highlights add dimension, movement, and a radiant glow, making them a great choice for anyone seeking a low maintenance yet impactful style.”
Thus, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their natural base with a warm or cool radiant finish, without the upkeep of traditional highlights, says Kandasamy. “It’s versatile and can be tailored to suit different skin tones and hair types specifically during winter season.”
How to find the best shade of caramel balayage for your skin tone
As is often the case with finding flattering shades for each individual, it's best to identify your skin's undertone. “While consulting with my clients, the easiest way to determine their preference of warm, cool or neutral is their jewelry: more gold, warm, more silver, cool, and often mixing metals leans towards a neutral tone,” says Ryan Dickie, a colorist at IGK Salon Miami.
That said, it's important to note that most of the time, caramel shades tend to lean warm. “When discussing caramel tones, I first mention to every client that if you imagine biting into a caramel filled chocolate bar, the caramel will be golden and glossy with a tan brown base. Thus, a true caramel will lean warm,” Dickie explains. “That said, your colorist can create the same value within any color family.”
Caramel balayage maintenance
"To help keep caramel balayage looking fresh, I recommend using sulfate-free shampoos like Pureology Strength Cure," says Korab. “I also suggest toning treatments to prevent brassiness, along with regular in salon gloss refreshes.” You could also try a shampoo gloss hybrid, such as IGK More Life Color Extending Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner to maintain vibrancy, adds Kandasamy.
Also keep in mind that water and heat are the biggest culprits to fading color, says Dicky. “That's why I recommend Seaweed Bath Co. Heat Care Shampoo and Seaweed Bath Co. Heat Care Conditioner for hydration and protection in addition to a good heat protectant like IGK Good Behavior, which can also help with the longevity of your color,” he says. “Heat protection is key for having the best results at maintaining your color at home.”
Feeling inspired? Same. Ahead, see 21 trending ways to rock caramel balayage in 2025, and get ready to screenshot.
