Style Hair 16 Balayage Hair Colors To Freshen Up Your Look For Fall Time for an autumn makeover, whether you're drawn to cool blonde, caramel brunette, or even pumpkin spice red. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 12, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: @hairbykatierose When hair color stops being a fun outing and begins feeling like a chore, it might be time for a tweak—and there is no better time of year for new beginnings than autumn, a season of transition when we feel like starting fresh before a new year. For those who dread the imminence of each root touch-up appointment and desire something more low-maintenance, balayage makes a fabulous option. Balayage is the technique of applying hair color that involves hand-painting hair color sporadically throughout the hair to create a multi-dimensional look that grows out more seamlessly than traditional highlights. Balayage can give you a fall color fix now that will last you through the holidays. We've rounded up the best balayage hair colors for fall to update your look, whether you're keen to try frosty blonde, caramel brunette, or even pumpkin spice red. 01 of 16 Metallic Bronze Melt @jamiewilhelm.hair A brunette base color can stay brightened up well past summer by adding a major dose of golden caramel balayage from roots to tips. Just make sure to request a shadow root or color melt to keep things low maintenance. 02 of 16 Golden Hour Blonde @natalieannehair / Instagram Adding a glow of sunlit color to any base color is an update that pays for itself in compliments, seen here with golden-tinged curls by stylist Natalie Anne. 03 of 16 Cider Blonde Balayage @coloredbycaitlin Just a touch of rosy blonde-red can brighten up a brunette ahead of apple cider season. Ask for rose gold or strawberry brown balayage throughout. 04 of 16 Baby Platinum Balayage @los_pastel / Instagram Beach blonde gets a year-round makeover in this warm-toned take on platinum blonde that feels sunny without going too light for the fall and winter seasons. 05 of 16 Balayaged Money Piece @hair_bykate When in doubt, lighten up that money piece, which is the closest strand of hair that frames your face. Pick a hair color that calls to you and ask your stylist for a subtle stroke of color around the face, seen here by colorist Katelin Ferrari. 06 of 16 Pumpkin Spice Balayage @hairbykatierose Did someone order a pumpkin spice latte? If you're looking for autumn in a hair color, look no further than this combination of mocha brown, burgundy red, ginger, and strawberry blonde. 07 of 16 Iced Mocha Balayage @danielmbeauty The darkest of brunette hair colors can always get along with a few strategically placed streaks of blonde balayage. Cue this baby golden blonde focused around the face. 08 of 16 Marbled Blonde Balayage @brunosodre If you're hovering somewhere in between brunette and blonde, bigger strands of blonde balayage will keep blonde in your hair without having to commit to regular touch-ups at the salon. 09 of 16 Toffee Color Melt @hairbyarirae For a wearable shade that takes you from autumn all the way into the new year, this caramel toffee balayage color is about as warm and flattering as it gets. 10 of 16 Campfire Red Balayage @colour.jade Ginger, spice, and everything nice—that's what this fiery hair color has in store for any redhead (or wannabe) this fall. 11 of 16 Balayaged Burgundy Brunette How about a touch of merlot? Sweater weather calls for a robust hair color that stands out in the crowd, and this burgundy red color on top of dark brunette is so interesting. 12 of 16 Frosted Blonde Balayage @coloredbycaitlin Go extra icy in anticipation of the colder weather, which just happens to pop on a super dark brunette base. 13 of 16 Amber Color Melt @colour.jade For any naturally warm-toned brunette—like chocolate, chestnut, and auburn gals—feel free to give into the temptation to go even warmer with amber and red-blonde balayage. 14 of 16 Multi-Dimensional Mocha Balayage @natalieannehair / Instagram Minimalists don't even need to commit to statement-making color to take advantage of balayage. You can ask for one shade lighter and darker than your base to give extra dimension that will last for months. 15 of 16 Bronde Balayage @los_pastel Anyone that prefers a more seamless approach to hair color, but still desires something more low maintenance than traditional highlights, balayage is an option. Ask for a root smudge and balayaged babylights, which are ultra-fine or wispy, natural looking highlights, in a hair color that blends into your natural look. 16 of 16 Blonde Tinges @salsalhair Give curls a subtle refresh with the addition of a hair color just two shades lighter than your roots, and focus the color on your ends. Frequently Asked Questions What is balayage? Balayage is a highlighting technique that includes free-hand painting hair color onto hair, creating a a natural, multi-dimensional look of darker and lighter hair blended seamlessly together. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit