According to celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh, caramel balayage is “the answer to a brunette becoming a surfer—it lightens the hair without overdoing it.”
Unlike stark blonding, it uses the same placement techniques but with softer, more wearable shades. The effect is low-maintenance and flattering on a wide range of skin tones and hair textures. And if you’re unsure how light to go, celebrity colorist Matt Rez offers a helpful tip: “The lighter the client’s eye color, the lighter the lightest bits can be.”
Their best advice? Bring reference photos to your colorist so your vision is crystal clear. To help inspire your next look, here are 20 gorgeous caramel balayage ideas that show just how radiant brunette hair can be.
01. Understated Caramel
Chrissy Teigen’s voluminous bob showcases how a subtle touch of caramel balayage can completely transform a brunette look. Strategically placed highlights around the face and toward the ends create a soft, sun-kissed glow that enhances her natural base. The result is dimensional and effortless, offering movement and shine without a harsh contrast.
This look was achieved through Matt Rez’s signature midlights technique, where an in-between tone bridges the gap between the base and the lightest ends. The color softly melts into itself, creating an almost imperceptible transition that looks grown-in, polished, and low maintenance. It’s an ideal choice for brunettes wanting a fresh update without committing to dramatic color shifts.
02. Waves of Gold
Beyoncé’s caramel balayage breathes warmth and radiance into her naturally deep brunette shade. The hand-painted highlights around her face reflect light beautifully, adding a golden halo effect that instantly brightens her entire look. It’s a classic example of balayage done right—natural yet noticeable, luxurious yet laid-back.
What makes this style especially striking is the seamless blend between the deeper roots and the lighter ends. The transition is soft, not stark, and the golden tones flatter her complexion by adding depth and warmth. This is a versatile choice that works equally well straight, curled, or in updos, making it red carpet-worthy and everyday-friendly.
03. Bright Brunette
Addison Rae’s take on caramel balayage proves that even the darkest brunettes can lighten up without losing their depth. Her hair glows with honeyed tones that gently brighten her natural color, thanks again to Rez’s midlight approach. Instead of going directly from dark brown to blonde, the color transition is layered—moving from level three roots, through a level five midlight, to a soft caramel level seven highlight.
This strategic coloring method allows the highlights to stand out while still feeling harmonious with her natural shade. The midlights act as a bridge, softening the overall contrast and keeping the balayage from feeling too bold. The result is warm, dimensional, and glowing—perfect for brunettes who want a brighter look that still feels grounded and natural.
04. Brighter Ends
Halle Berry’s balayage keeps things classic, with lighter tones focused on the ends of her hair. This creates a subtle gradient effect that enhances her natural hair texture and movement. Unlike traditional ombré, which can sometimes feel harsh or high-contrast, her color melts gently from root to tip.
This approach is great for someone who wants a little extra brightness but prefers something understated. It maintains a brunette identity while adding just enough sun-kissed glow to give the hair life and luster. Ideal for low-maintenance upkeep, this style allows the roots to grow naturally while keeping the ends fresh and radiant.
05. Hues of Gold Throughout
Tate McRae’s caramel balayage features golden midlight tones woven throughout her hair, rather than concentrating only on the ends or face. This method creates a multidimensional effect that looks rich and dynamic from every angle. The golden hues catch the light beautifully, adding texture and movement even when the hair is worn down and straight.
Instead of dramatic contrast, this look leans into harmony—balancing warm and cool tones for a natural, beachy feel. It’s a perfect example of how balayage can be tailored to complement a client’s natural coloring while still adding a touch of glamour. Great for all seasons, it works particularly well in spring and summer when natural light enhances the golden tones even more.
06. Blended Balayage
Maren Morris’s caramel balayage is a masterclass in blending. Her brunette lob gradually lightens toward the ends, but there’s no harsh line or stark transition—just a soft fade that feels both modern and natural. The placement of the highlights mimics how the sun would naturally lighten the hair over time, giving it a lived-in, effortless appearance.
To achieve this look, hairstylist Harry Josh recommends asking your colorist to avoid extreme pops of color and instead focus on gentle diffusion. The magic lies in the subtlety—each strand seems to gently shift in tone, maintaining a grounded brunette base while still capturing the brightness that balayage is known for. It’s the kind of color that grows out beautifully and doesn’t require constant salon upkeep.
07. Light and Bright Brunette
Rose Byrne’s hair color bridges the gap between brunette and blonde with exceptional grace. Her caramel balayage doesn’t scream “highlight”—it whispers sophistication. Warm golden streaks are strategically placed to create pops of brightness across her hair, especially near the front, which helps illuminate her features and add a soft frame to her face.
According to Harry Josh, this is “blonde for brunettes”—an elevated take that adds character and visual interest without changing someone’s hair identity. The balance of warm tones keeps the color from looking brassy or washed out, making it ideal for anyone wanting dimension without intensity. The result is youthful, soft, and incredibly flattering across skin tones.
08. Caramel Highlights
Penelope Cruz’s balayage keeps things simple yet stunning, with caramel tones gathering toward the ends of her hair. The highlights bring just enough brightness to break up her natural color and add definition, all while preserving her deep brunette base. This kind of placement helps maintain a sophisticated, timeless look.
By keeping the roots darker and focusing the lighter tones on the lower lengths, the overall effect feels grounded and natural. It’s a versatile look that works well for formal events or casual settings, providing just the right amount of glow. The balayage adds softness and richness, creating a dimensional look that’s elegant without being flashy.
09. Money Pieces
Jennifer Lopez shows how to make caramel balayage bold and face-focused with the addition of bright “money pieces.” These lighter, caramel-blonde strands near the front of her hair immediately draw attention to her face, creating a framing effect that lifts her overall appearance. They give the illusion of warmth and brightness without requiring a full-head transformation.
The rest of her hair features soft, blended balayage that complements the front pieces, ensuring the contrast feels intentional and balanced. This look is perfect for brunettes who want to experiment with lighter tones but still maintain their rich base. It’s stylish, edgy, and a bit glam—true to J.Lo’s signature look, but adaptable for anyone wanting a bold yet wearable update.
10. Barely There Balayage
Zendaya’s caramel balayage is so subtle it’s almost invisible—but that’s exactly the point. Her roots remain dark, maintaining her natural brunette shade, but soft caramel tones are feathered in just enough to add warmth and dimension. It’s the ultimate example of “no-makeup” makeup, but for hair—polished yet understated.
This barely-there approach is ideal for those new to balayage or seeking a change that doesn’t feel drastic. The delicate lightening provides depth and shine, making the hair appear healthier and more dynamic. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance, as the soft transitions grow out effortlessly over time without needing frequent touch-ups.
11. Cookie Butter Blonde – Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber’s “cookie butter” balayage is a masterclass in subtlety. The warm, toasted-caramel tones give her brunette base a gentle lift, offering that beachy, lived-in aesthetic without a dramatic color shift. This look is ideal for brunettes who want to experiment with lightness but still maintain a grounded, natural vibe. As Harry Josh explains, it’s all about that surfer-inspired softness—think days in the sun without the damage.
To achieve this understated effect, the colorist applies barely-there highlights that mimic how the sun would naturally lighten hair over time. The key is blending: no harsh lines, no obvious demarcation—just smooth, tonal transitions. It’s a sophisticated take on balayage that requires precision, making it best suited for those who appreciate nuanced beauty over bold contrast.
12. Seamless Blend – Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie proves that sometimes less is more when it comes to balayage. Her hair features a delicate gradient where the ends are only a few shades lighter than the roots. The result is a naturally sun-kissed look that doesn’t scream “color job,” but rather whispers elegance and timeless beauty.
What makes this balayage so refined is the smooth, undetectable blend. There’s no harsh line separating the darker base from the caramel tips—instead, the transition is so fluid it looks effortless. It’s perfect for anyone seeking to refresh their brunette without committing to constant touch-ups or dramatic changes.
13. Dimensional Brunette – Nicole Ari Parker
Nicole Ari Parker’s balayage enhances her textured bob with ribbons of gold that catch the light and add movement. The rich, chocolatey base is made more dynamic by the placement of golden tones that frame the face and accentuate the choppiness of her haircut.
This look is a prime example of how balayage can create depth in shorter styles. Instead of flat, monochromatic color, Parker’s stylist used subtle strokes of lighter brown to give the hair life and body. The contrast is gentle but effective, making this an excellent option for brunettes who want a dimensional upgrade without going blonde.
14. Slightly Tinged Brunette – Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba’s balayage is barely there—but that’s exactly the point. Her sun-kissed curls shimmer with the faintest touches of warm caramel, giving her hair a healthy, glowing finish. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of summer brightness to naturally dark hair without straying too far from its original tone.
The genius of this look lies in its restraint. The golden tones are placed strategically to mimic how natural light hits the hair—on the ends, around the temples, and through the lengths. This creates a radiant, effortless vibe that feels organic rather than overstyled.
15. Sunny Streaks – Havana Rose Liu
Havana Rose Liu wears balayage like a whisper of sunshine. Her brunette strands are gently threaded with sunny highlights that don’t overpower but rather enrich her natural hair color. The result is playful, soft, and youthfully elegant—a nod to the lightness of summer days.
These fine streaks are so delicately placed they almost feel like they belong there naturally. Instead of stark contrast, the golden tones simply enhance what’s already there. It’s an ideal choice for those new to balayage or anyone who prefers a more understated finish that still brings light and lift to the face.
16. Golden From Root to Tip – Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde’s balayage is a gorgeous example of how to create lightness throughout the entire length of the hair without sacrificing dimension. Her rich brunette roots gradually transition into warm caramel and golden hues that extend all the way to the tips. The addition of brighter face-framing pieces lifts her features and gives the overall look a radiant glow.
This type of balayage is great for someone who wants a more noticeable transformation while still maintaining a natural progression of color. The placement of the highlights ensures movement and texture, helping the hair appear fuller and more dynamic. It’s a versatile look that works for both polished styles and loose, carefree waves.
17. Barely There – Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris keeps it subtle with a balayage so soft, it’s almost invisible at first glance. Her deep brunette base is only a few tones darker than the highlights, creating an ultra-natural gradient that adds quiet depth rather than dramatic contrast. This approach is ideal for maintaining a sophisticated, low-maintenance look.
The beauty of this balayage lies in its elegance. It allows for easy grow-out and requires minimal upkeep, making it perfect for someone who wants a color refresh without regular salon visits. It’s a smart choice for professionals or anyone who prefers their style to feel timeless and effortlessly chic.
18. Warming Ribbons – Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones wears her balayage with a soft golden warmth that seems strategically painted to catch the sun. These “warming ribbons” are placed where the light would naturally hit—along the crown, the sides, and the tips—creating a sun-drenched effect that enlivens her brunette base.
This coloring method enhances her overall complexion and adds a touch of luminosity that’s especially flattering in daylight. Rather than going for a uniform lightness, her balayage adds dimension in layers, giving her hair that effortless, vacation-glow look while keeping it rooted in natural tones.
19. A Touch of Gold – Kaia Gerber
Kaia Gerber’s glossy waves are subtly laced with golden tones that bring out the texture and shine in her hair. Her balayage doesn’t scream for attention but enhances the beauty that’s already there, offering just enough shimmer to give her hair a luxurious, light-reflective finish.
This look is particularly effective for brunettes who want to soften their color without committing to a full-blown highlight. It gives a nod to the caramel trend in a way that feels refined, rich, and wearable for everyday styling. It’s understated sophistication at its best.
20. The Subtlest Hint of Color – Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello’s balayage proves that even the darkest hair can benefit from a touch of caramel. Her dark chocolate strands are interwoven with superfine highlights that add movement and dimension without compromising the intensity of her natural base. It’s a minimalist approach to balayage that enhances depth while keeping the color profile rich.
This style works beautifully on thick or layered hair, as the subtle highlights help break up density and allow for more visual interest. It’s perfect for someone looking to elevate their look without a drastic change—just a whisper of color that brings life and warmth to every strand.