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Despite how chic and luxurious it appears, its actually one of themost natural-lookingandlow-maintenance waysto color your hair.
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Not sure what we mean when we say caramel balayage?
While it complements brunette tones, it adds dimension and warmth beyond a standard brown color.
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 multidimensional 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.
Its very a flattering tone!
Who is a good candidate for caramel balayage?
Its versatile and can be tailored to suit different skin tones and hair types specifically during the winter season.
That said, its important to note that most of the time, caramel shades tend to lean warm.
Thus, a true caramel will lean warm, Dickie explains.
That said, your colorist can create the same value within any color family.
I also suggest toning treatments to prevent brassiness, along with regular in-salon gloss refreshes.
Also keep in mind that water and heat are the biggest culprits to fading color, says Dicky.
Heat protection is key for having the best results at maintaining your color at home.
Ahead, see 21 trending ways to rock caramel balayage in 2025, and get ready to screenshot.
Caramel Ribbons
One of the most popular and classic ways to wear caramel hair?
Adding caramel ribbons to a warm brunette basethink:Jessica Alba.
Adding caramel ribbons will brighten the face, compliment the skin, and add movement into a darker base.
The strong stripes of caramel accentuate the curl pattern.
Tell them you want a warm caramel tone for the brightened stripes.
Plus, it doesnt hurt that its especially low maintenance.
Caramel Face-Frame
Jennifer Lopez is often cited as one of the best known caramel balayage pioneers.
Lopez is known for her signature warm caramel balayage that enhances her golden complexion, Kandasamy says.
Butterscotch Caramel Blonde
You dont need to have brown or brunette hair to pull off caramel balayage.
Its so easy to DIY.
When golden is present, violet tones are key for keeping color balanced, she continues.
Soft Caramel Balayage
Want a super-soft caramel balayage?
Specify that you prefer a hand-painted, lived-in effect over chunky highlights.
Your stylist will focus on painting highlights on the mid-lengths and ends, ensuring a seamless blend.
Subtle Warmth
Caramel balayage is a soft sun-kissed golden color.
Think golden-hour hair, saysChristine Bellemare, cofounder, owner, and lead stylist atMaven A Collect.
Its ideal for anyone who wants a warm glow to their hair with minimal upkeep.
One of her favorite examples of the look is Kaia Gerber.
But caramel balayage creates shine and movement while maintaining a deeper root, which creates longevity.
One of our favorite takes on the look is courtesy ofMandy Moore.
Mildice believes this look works best on someone with naturally curly hair and deeper complexions.
The strong stripes of caramel accentuate the curl pattern.
Tell them you want a warm caramel tone for the brightened stripes.
Cool Caramel
Kandasamy points to Hailey Bieber as another great example of how to wear the shade.
Hailey Biebers look exhibits caramel balayage that exudes an effortlessly chic vibe, he says.
She has cooler caramel tones that transition into cool blonde tips, offering a modern, sophisticated twist.
Neutral Toffee
One of Korabs favorite ways to wear caramel balayage?
In a textured lob like Chrissy Teigens neutral toffee, she says.
Warm Caramel Waves
Kandasamy is especially fond of styling caramel balayage in what he calls warm waves.
Its perfect for an effortless, sun-kissed look.
For a celebrity example, seeJessica Biel.
Done right, warmth on brunettes is unbeatable.
Something like a light golden caramel with hints of honey, he says.
Bellemare agrees, pointing toTate McRaes hair as a prime example.
Deep Caramel
Korab points toPriyanka Chopras deep caramel highlights as another fantastic way to wear the trend.
Toffee Caramel
Zendayapretty much put toffee caramel on the map.
Toffee caramel has deep, warm accents, like Zendaya has, says Kusero.
