Think your haircut has nothing to do with how your balayage looks? Think again. “There are a few balayage techniques and color choices that work particularly well for short hair,” says celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel, so brush up on the top tips from experts before heading to the salon. “The shape of your haircut plays a big role in how balayage will enhance your overall look, especially with short hair,” notes Michelle Hong, founder and creative director of NYC The Team, so be sure to chat with your colorist about what is best for you specifically.
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Placement and blending matter
“Balayage is hand-painted to the natural movement of hair, so it should feel effortless and enhance” the overall look, explains Hong. To get the best results, “the placement should follow the haircut shape.” Farel recommends concentrating highlights at the ends of hair for a more defined look, especially on short hair. Additionally, he advises “the colorist carefully blends the highlights and transitions them into the natural hair color for a seamless, natural-looking result.”
Add face-framing highlights
“Balayage on short hair often benefits from highlights placed around the face to accentuate features and add dimension,” says Farel. Hong recommends adding face-framing pieces to help brighten around the face.
Try root smudging, ombre or sombre
Farel feels balayage looks best with more light hair at the ends and darker hair at the roots. To get the look, he recommends trying root smudging, which “involves applying a darker dye at the roots and blending it into the lighter highlights for a seamless, low-maintenance look.”
Similarly, ombre, and sombre, the more subtle counterpart, are other techniques to create a gradient effect from darker roots to lighter ends, which can be particularly effective on short hair, says Farel. “Lightening the ends of the hair can create a soft, sun-kissed effect and add movement.”
Add layers to your haircut
Consider adding layers to your haircut for a leveled-up look. Hong notes that balayage adds nice movement, texture and volume on layered shorter hair.
Choose the color carefully
Scroll through photo inspiration and talk with your stylist to find the perfect color for your hair type, cut and goals. Farel recommends considering dirty blonde, ash blonde and caramel shades to enhance the appearance of short hair. You want to use “colors that enhance the natural texture and movement of shorter styles.”
Go for a soft gradient
“On short bob haircuts, soft gradient balayage can break up the heaviness of a bob,” says Hong. “It adds a modern vibe while enhancing the lines of the structure.”
