11 Looks That Show Balayage Works on Short Hair Too

by Giselle La Pompe-Moore

Balayage is the hair trend that's on everyone's lips, a word that's either immediately understood when mentioned in conversation or completely escapes you. It's basically a trend that's changed the hair colour game. 

You won't see any foil when going for balayage, as this technique, which is French for "to sweep" or "to paint," focuses on freehand painted sweeps of colours instead of those telltale stripes. 

This hair-dye trend is all about that natural, just-been-kissed-by-the-sun lightening of the hair for a really subtle and refreshed look. So subtle that there aren't any obvious lines, as the colour is perfectly blended. Of course, the bonus here is that you won't have to worry about anyone spotting your regrowth. 

If you've been thinking about updating your look, balayage just might be the hair-colour refresh you've been looking for. Keep scrolling to see our favourite balayage styles. 

The Inspiration

Balayage Short Hair: Bibi Bagnall

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@BIBI_BAGNALL

Create volume and softness to show off your colour with tousled ends. 

Balayage Short Hair: Short tousled blonde hair

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@BRITTANYBATHGATE

Ends that look so sun-kissed that people will be asking where your last holiday was.

Balayage Short Hair: Natalie Portman Red Carpet

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Make like Natalie Portman and emphasise your colour with ever so gently curled ends.

Balayage Short Hair: Ice blonde cropped hair

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@EMMAMOLDT

Blunt ends and ice-blonde tones? The perfect match. 

Balayage Short Hair: Ciara with blonde bob

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Ciara is synonymous with a shoulder grazing bob, but this multi-tonal style might be our favourite one yet. 

Balayage Short Hair: Red hair

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@THELONDONCHATTER

Proof that all hair colours can get in on the balayage action.

Balayage Short Hair: Debby Ryan pink hair

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Interested in pastel tones but don't want it to look too obvious? This subtle take is the best of both worlds.

Balayage Short Hair: Blonde cropped hair

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@ANNABELROSENDAHL

Crinkled waves, hair pushed back behind the ears and nesting on a crisp coat collar. What's there not to love? 

Balayage Short Hair: Mandy Moore balayage

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Dark hair was made for this trend with lighter sweeps of colour at the top and building up to the ends for a natural finish.

Balayage Short Hair: Naomie Harris on red carpet

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Follow Naomie Harris by adding an unexpected yet precisely blended colour at the ends. 

Balayage Short Hair: Saoirse Ronan on the red carpet

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Mess things up a bit by going for a dishevelled wet look to make those painted streaks stand out. 

Now that you've got all of the balayage hair inspo you need, here are all the products that will keep your hair colour looking salon-fresh.

The Products

Balayage Short Hair: Living Proof Whipped Glaze
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Living Proof Whipped Glaze (£25)

The age-old question is always how to upkeep your colour in between appointments. Well, this is your answer. Available for both darker and lighter hair, this product will balance your colour and give it that all-important boost.

Balayage Short Hair: Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo
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Philip Kingsley Pure Blonde Booster Shampoo (£24)

Brassy tones aren't where it's at, so to avoid that on fair hair, slot this moisture-boosting shampoo into your hair routine. Your coloured strands will thank you for it. 

Davines Nounou Nourishing Shampoo for Colour Treated Hair
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Davines Nounou Nourishing Shampoo for Colour Treated Hair (£17)

For hair lacking lustre, shine and feeling a bit stripped from the colouring process, enter this decadent wash. With chestnut milk and rice protein, your hair will be protected and deeply conditioned. 

Balayage Short Hair: Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque
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Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque (£16)

Is there anything better than drenching your hair in a rich and creamy mask? There is, and it's this raw coconut mask enriched with argan and linseed oil to combat dry and limp locks. 

Balayage Short Hair: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Coloured Hair Conditioner
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L'Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Coloured Hair Conditioner (£5)

People go absolutely wild for this beloved drugstore conditioner. If you're looking for an affordable way to look after your balayage, this is a great option.

ColorWow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
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Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray (£25)

Designed to add much-needed shine to coloured hair, this also has UV filters to stop your hair colour from fading. If you don't want to swap out your shampoo and conditioner, this spray is a must-have.

Up next, the spring/summer 2020 fashion trends we'll be wearing this year.