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From rich auburn to copper and fire engine red, balayage is a showstopper and incredibly versatile. Do you know it’s also a classic look for the red carpet? Whether you want to refresh your style or channel your inner femme fatale, we rounded up the fiercest red balayage hairstyles that will give you a vampy statement.
What Exactly Is Balayage—and Why Get the Look?
It’s a French coloring technique, which is applied by hand rather than typical cap highlighting or foiling. While ombre is more noticeable, revealing the contrast between the roots and tips, balayage is subtler and more blended. Instead of giving blocks of color, sharp lines, and gradient effect, it looks more natural and sun-kissed.
Red balayage is universally flattering for all hair types and complexions—just opt for a shade of red that’s best for you. According to experts, you may pick a shade that’s opposite of your skin’s undertone in order to avoid looking washed-out. If you have neutral skin, then every shade of red will look great on you.
A great thing, it’s low maintenance and there are lots of hairstyles that will look great on them, from layered bob to loose curls and intricate braids. Do you know balayage can brighten up your curls and make your features pop? It’s a great choice if you want to add dimension to your hair while keeping it effortless.
Best Red Balayage Hair Ideas & Inspiration
Cherry and Strawberry Blonde Hues
Working the red hues on your roots is a chic way to rock a vampy look. This red balayage hairstyle features the sweet blend of cherry red and strawberry blonde that looks ethereal and dreamy.
The Ombré Effect
If you want to make everything intentional, think of blending high contrast colors in your balayage. It looks more of a brunette to blonde transition—but appears hip and trendy.
Dark Ginger Balayage
If you’re in the mood for a serious hair color change, think of ginger! It’s a warm shade of red that’s bright and striking, yet flatters most undertones.
The Sunset Hair
Nature is one of the best inspirations when it comes to red balayage, but do you know this look is quite strategic too? Also known as the money piece, these face-framing highlights are placed at the front, accentuating your features and adding dimension to your hairstyle.
The Red Velvet Hair
Who says you need intense highlights just to rock the red balayage trend? Deeper red shades flaunt its natural beauty, and this one is the perfect example of subtle yet impactful hair color.
Auburn and Blonde Balayage
Are you looking for a fairytale-inspired balayage hairstyle to channel your inner princess? The blending of reddish-brown tones and blonde hues seem too perfect for this world.
Long Vampy Curls
Do you know the term was popularized by Vogue in 1935, featuring women with dark-lined eyes of a vampire? If you find the look intimidating on your makeup, then wear it on your hair. Red balayage hairstyles will let you embrace the vampy vibe without trying too hard.
An Unapologetic Flame Red
If you’re into an artistic depiction of balayage, think of flames as your inspiration. This hairstyle features a mix of auburn, fire engine red and orange tones, resulting to a creative and cool look.
Chocolate Brown and Red Curls
Are you looking for a natural looking color that can take you anywhere? This red balayage hairstyle features subtle contrasts, where you barely see shift in shades between red and chocolate brown. This might be the perfect combination to rock the trend at the office!
Fire Engine Red Balayage
Who says adding red shades to your hair color will look too brash? This balayage hairstyle is just perfect for channeling your inner villain in most fearless and fabulous way!
A Nod to Victorian Glamour
If you love Victorian fashion, complete your style statement with your hairstyle. Just opt for ginger hues and natural looking reds and you’ll be ready to step back in time.
Brave-Inspired Balayage
Be the Princess Merida of Disney’s Brave through this red balayage hairstyle! A great thing, it’s the perfect shade for brightening your naturally brown or blonde hair without overpowering your facial features.
Red, Fierce and Fiery
Red balayage hairstyle is the perfect way to bring out your vampy side, so why not go for deeper, richer, and bolder hues? Think of fire engine red, ruby red, chili red, bright auburn, and cardinal red.
Lustrous Shade of Plum
If you find bright reds too daring, go a bit darker with red violet or plum. It might be less adventurous for a red balayage hairstyle, but it remains stunning and mesmerizing!
Vibrant and Natural
The subtle highlights in your balayage will let you rock a vampy style without going overboard. You may think of reddish brown hues as your base, blended with sleek red streaks.
Floating Auburn Curls
If you’re thinking of lightening up your balayage, think of a light auburn with deep hint of red. It’s perfect for shoulder-grazing hairstyles with waves or loose curls.
Long, Scarlet Hair
For a bolder, more dynamic red balayage, think of bright and vibrant hues. Who says you’ll need a dark berry lip and smoky eyes just to look vamp-tastic?
The Cherry Red Balayage
If you want to add some dimension to your layered bob, think of painting the tips red. You may absolutely go for any shade that you like, but darker reds will complement black roots.
A Blend of Cinnamon
If you want to keep things natural looking, opt for reddish brown hues that will add some life and dimension to your black tresses.
The Sunkissed Blonde
Are you looking for an easygoing way to rock the red balayage trend? Stick to natural looking shades such as strawberry blonde, light auburn, or chestnut.
Hints of Copper
Red always goes well with bronze tones—a perfect color combo for your balayage! Copper hues appear darker than auburn, and some shades appear more orangey or brown.
Bold Flashes of Color
If you’re a fan of pops of color, wear them on your balayage hairstyle. Curly red tips look chic and effortless, but also scream edgy.
Burnt Sienna Balayage
Golden and reddish brown hues look stunning in balayage, but don’t forget to play with volume, layers, and waves for a bolder impact.
Sultry Shades of Red
If you want to infuse some rebellious attitude into your red balayage hairstyle, this one is for you. The blending of black and red hues looks bold and edgy, yet remains sophisticated and cool.
Bright Copper Tones
Are you looking for a youthful, dimensional look? Think of this red balayage featuring a mix of red, copper, and golden auburn highlights, adding some boost to your curls.
Bold Pops of Red
Do you like the appeal of gothic meets steampunk look? Go for a red balayage hairstyle with bright pops of red like ruby red, fire engine red and such that will make the statement for you.
The Gothic Stripes
Are you looking for a red balayage hairstyle that’s more modern, edgy, and unconventional? Think of getting stripy highlights with varying shades of black and red.
The Merlot Balayage
Do you want to channel your inner Alice Cullen from Twilight? Think of this short hairstyle with a hint of plum, red-violet, or even a red hue with dark blue tint to rock the look.
A Mix of Red and Orange
Red balayage is a great way to brighten up your tresses, so don’t be afraid to embrace vibrant hues. This one has an orangey shade that looks very feminine and youthful.
Reddish-Brown Tresses
Are you looking for a fresh hair color that’s suitable for the office? Think of this red balayage hairstyle with dark roots and reddish-brown tips, which looks a bit striking yet professional.
A Striking Shade of Red
Embrace a world of mystery and allure with this red balayage hairstyle, featuring black and red hues with beachy waves—you’ll be carpet ready in no time!
Long, Mahogany Hair
If you’re a fan of a rustic, not flashy hairstyle, think of this red balayage with hints of mahogany and black, making the tresses look vibrant and shiny.
Colors of the Autumn
Are you looking for a hairstyle that will transcend all trends and season? This red balayage looks effortless in soft waves, and the red highlights capture the light in every curl.
Rich Auburn Streaks
Messy waves are great for adding texture and movement to a rich auburn hue. You may also want to add some layers to your hairstyle to give more life and dimension to your color.
Red and Dreamy Waves
Add some air of sophistication to your red balayage with straight stresses finished with soft curls. This hairstyle will complete your Victorian-inspired style of lace dresses and corset tops.
Black and Brown Balayage
If you’re looking for a low maintenance color, think of dark roots and dark brown tresses. It will look great whether you bring it into a ponytail, braids, or topknots.
Intense Red Balayage
Do you want to take your red hair to fiery new heights? If you’re more into steampunk style than Victorian romance, go bold and bright in your balayage. This hairstyle is the perfect match for perfectly manicured coffin nails.
A Spiced Copper Shade
Do you want to channel that free-spirited, carefree vibe? Go short with your haircut, and infuse some bright copper shades into your red balayage.
The Tips on Fire
If you aren’t ready to commit to the trend, paint your tips red, so you can easily revamp your look whenever you want to. A great thing, it’s bolder and unconventional, putting the spotlight on your hair.
Ruby Red Waves
Do you love everything red and sparkly? Go for a gemstone color such as ruby red that will add some glamour and sophistication to your statement.
Just Like a Villain
Do you like to channel your inner villain like Victoria, a redheaded vampire out to chase Bella? This red balayage features hints of strawberry blonde and auburn.
The Retro Balayage
If you’re looking for a retro-inspired hairstyle, think of this red balayage with hints of copper, auburn, and dark brown, which will look best with your retro floral outfits and platform shoes.
Dreamy Auburn Highlights
Red balayage hairstyles don’t have to be too bold and bright just to look chic. You may think of darker shades of red with hints of brown, which look more natural and effortless.
Wine Red Curls
If you’re a wine lover, wear the color in your hair! Merlot, plum, burgundy, along with blue-based reds will be perfect for you!
Lava Red Balayage
If you want to channel some fiery vampire vibes rather than a Goth princess style, think of this red balayage hairstyle, which is inspired by the natural beauty of flames or lava.
A Femme Fatale Statement
Channel some mysterious vibes with this red balayage look. This color combination never fails to make a statement with its blended auburn hues, deep red tones, and black.
Subtle Hints of Red
Are you looking to add some glow to your dark brown hair? Think of this red balayage with deep red highlights and chestnut lowlights, giving some life to your soft waves. It’s a great way to keep everything subtle and natural looking without staying monochromatic and flat.
Trying a bold color for the first time can be scary, but there are lots of unintimidating shades you may choose from, such as dusty red, auburn, and copper for warm complexions; or burgundy, violet red, and merlot for cool complexions. Indeed, the red balayage hairstyle is the key to rocking the vampy look in most stylish and effortless way!