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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    12 balayage hair ideas straight from the A-listers

    Race you to the hairdressers?

    Grace Lindsay's avatar
    By Grace Lindsay
    Published 5 May 2023 In Features

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    a picture of lily james, rihanna and kaia gerber - balayage hair ideas
    (Image credit: From left to right: Photo by Jeff Spicer/BFC/Getty Images 1191497260, Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage 161441603 and Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic 1434019925)
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    • Best balayage for short hair
    • Best balayage for long hair
    • Best balayage for curly hair
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    Summer is approaching, and we don't know about you, but we always like to switch up our hair colour when the weather gets warmer. If you're looking for a sun-kissed finish which requires little maintenance, then say hello to balayage.  

    When it comes to hair trends, this colour technique has been a firm favourite for years now, due to how natural it looks and how easy it is to keep on top of (no dreaded regrowth here). Wondering what balayage is? We've put together a whole guide with all of the information you need.

    Celebrities are a big fan of this hairstyle, and are often spotted rocking the trend on the red carpet. So, if you're thinking about taking the plunge, why not browse our gallery of balayage hair ideas from the A-listers themselves. Keep on scrolling to see the look on the likes of Rihanna, Kaia Gerber and Olivia Wilde.

    For more colour inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to cherry red hair and copper red hair. Trust us, these styles will be everywhere this season.

    Best balayage for short hair

    When it comes to balayage, a lot of people think that you have to have long hair in order to pull it off. However, that's simply not the case. This style suits both long and short hairstyles, as it can be completely tailored to you. Just take a look below at some of the best balayage inspiration for short hair.

    You may like
    • What to ask for at the hair salon Here's What to Ask For at the Hair Salon to Get What You Actually Want
    • The Rachel Hair on Gigi Hadid, created by hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos  Gigi Hadid Brought Back the 'Rachel' Haircut—So I Tried It Too, and My Hair Has Never Looked So Full
    • The long hair trend and the post-bob era I’ve Spent Two Years Growing My Bob—Turns Out, There's a Reason Long Hair Is Trending

    Lily James

    lily james balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Jeff Spicer/BFC/Getty Images 1191497260)

    Ciara

    ciara balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images 157244684)

    Emma Watson

    Emma Watson balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images 1347087631)

    Jourdan Dunn

    Jourdan Dunn balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images 455479658)

    Best balayage for long hair

    If you do have longer hair, then you'll know how much maintenance a full head of highlights can be. But not to fear, as balayage is here to save the day. As you can see below, it's the perfect way to lighten up your mid-lengths to ends, and the best bit is you only have to top it up every few months.

    Rihanna

    Rihanna balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Getty Images Steve Granitz/WireImage 161441603)

    Kaia Gerber

    Kaia Gerber balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Getty Images Steve Granitz/FilmMagic 1434019925)

    Olivia Wilde

    Olivia Wilde balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images 1199761523)

    Jennifer Lopez 

    Jennifer Lopez balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Getty Images Steve Granitz/FilmMagic 1369477254)

    Best balayage for curly hair

    Another great thing about balayage? It works for every single hair type, including curly hair. Everyone from Serena Williams to Beyoncé has been seen sporting the trend, and it's safe to say that we are obsessed.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Serena Williams

    Serena Williams balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Michelob ULTRA 1465425408)

    Beyoncé

    Beyoncé balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Mason Poole/Parkwood Media/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal 1458274582)

    Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images 92971230)

    Rita Ora

    Rita Ora balayage hair ideas

    (Image credit: Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue 1486911576)
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    Beyoncé
    Grace Lindsay
    Grace Lindsay
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    Junior Beauty Editor

    Grace Lindsay is currently Junior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear UK and previously was Marie Claire UK's E-Commerce Writer. With over three years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, she covers everything from the best make-up and skincare deals to how to shop the stand out trends of the season. When she's not typing away at her laptop, Grace can be found shopping her favourite vintage markets IRL, or catching up on her never-ending list of books to read.

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