19 Stunning Partial Balayage Trends You’ll Love
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If you love balayage but you’re not quite sure if it’s the right hairstyle for you, perhaps you can try a partial balayage.
But what is a partial balayage?
A partial balayage is a freehand coloring method that involves adding highlights to only certain parts of your hair, usually only the top layer or the front sections.
Curious about what it looks like? Or are you looking for inspiration? Well, you’re in the right place!
Partial Balayage Hair Ideas
Check out these awesome partial balayage ideas to kick-start your makeover!
1. Subtle Partial Balayage on Straight Hair for Brunettes

Love your straight tresses and wonder if a half-head balayage will work for you? This example shows how the highlighting technique can enhance your look subtly and discreetly.
Ideal for long dark hair, this style offers a beautiful, understated effect.
2. Gorgeous Beach Blonde Partial Balayage

For a beachy, vibrant look, a subtle blend of warm woody blonde on the top layer of your hair will do the trick.
Ideal for those who love the sand, sea, and waves, this style brightens up your hair and creates a carefree, summery vibe.
3. Warm Partial Balayage on Straight Hair for Brunettes

The smooth transition from dark brown to caramel highlights in a partial balayage is truly stunning. Perfect for adapting to seasonal changes, this hairstyle offers a fresh and elegant new look.
4. Long Wavy Blonde Partial Balayage

Gorgeous, flowing locks can be yours with a long wavy blonde partial balayage. This fabulous style is perfect for stepping out of your comfort zone and guarantees admiration wherever you go.
5. Stunning Brunette Partial Balayage

Soft flowing tresses on shoulder-length brunette hair with a partial balayage will highlight your facial features beautifully. This versatile color also complements short hair and looks sophisticated with white or nude outfits.
6. Buttery Partial Balayage on Brunette

The combination of buttery blonde as a partial balayage on brunette hair enhances your complexion.
Experimenting with lighter hues without full commitment, this style adds depth to your hair and highlights your eyes beautifully.
7. Light Partial Balayage on Brown Hair

Blending light-brown balayage near the middle of your tresses creates a dimensional look. This easy-to-maintain color remains beautiful even after a day in the sun, offering effortless chicness.
8. Partial Balayage on Short Black Hair

A cool bob with partial balayage layers might be just the summer chop you need. Revealing ashy shades, this bold style is perfect for those with black hair and ready to try something new and stunning.
9. Blonde Partial Balayage for Brunettes

A cool blonde balayage on brunette hair adds fluidity to your locks. It especially looks stunning with a face-framing cut recommended by your stylist for a fresh, flattering appearance.
10. Warm Fall Partial Balayage on Brown Hair

Urban chic appeal is achieved with a warm fall partial balayage. The soft accents of brown and slight copper blend seamlessly, creating an understated yet elegant style that is easy to maintain.
11. Caramel-Brown Partial Balayage

A long dark base with caramel brown highlights boosts confidence. Loose waves add a touch of femininity to this lovely and elegant hairstyle, making it an irresistible choice.
12. Slight Beachy Ashy Blonde Partial Balayage

For a summer-ready look, a subtle ashy blonde partial balayage on black and brunette hair brightens your style. Add bouncy waves to your style for a beachy effect.
13. Black to Brunette Partial Balayage Hairstyle

The smooth transition from black to brunette with added subtle caramel highlights creates a beautiful hairstyle. Perfect for a seasonal change, this look offers a fresh, barely-there transformation.
14. Ashy Blonde Partial Balayage Curls

An ashy blonde partial balayage adds bounce and volume to brunette curls. This trendy look is perfect for beach-ready hair, combining effortless charm with modern style.
15. Dirty Blonde Partial Balayage With Beach Waves

Brunette or dark hair enhanced with a gradient of caramel highlights exudes elegance. Captivating waves make this style alluring, perfect for those seeking a refined, sunny look.
16. Black Hair for a Partial Balayage With Curls

Adding ashy brown highlights to dark tresses without losing the black base creates an easy, stunning transformation. The curls work their magic, too, offering a unique and gorgeous look.
17. Chunky Partial Balayage in Golden Blonde

Long hair benefits from golden caramel highlights on a brunette or black base. This color redefines curls, adding an appealing and sexy touch that makes your tresses stand out.
18. Dark to Light Partial Balayage on Straight Hair

A partial balayage technique adds an edgy touch to wavy hair with a dark base and light-brown tips. This contrasting shade adds visual interest and a subtle new look.
19. Soft, Loose Curls and Blonde Partial Balayage

Soft, loose curls with a blonde partial balayage create a head-turning look. Don’t forget framing pieces! Brightening your profile and enhancing facial features, this captivating hairstyle is simply gorgeous.
Partial Balayage vs. Full Balayage
So there’s a partial balayage, and then there’s a full balayage. How is one different from the other?
Traditionally, a full balayage involves applying highlights all over the hair. But a partial or half-head balayage only covers the top layer of hair and not its entirety.
Now which one should you get?
While it’s true that one of the best ways to spice up your hairstyle is to have a balayage, a lot of women may not be as daring to experiment on their hair as some, especially the ladies who have virgin hair (hair that’s never been bleached or treated).
So if you’re not completely comfortable with the idea of coloring your entire head of hair, we suggest getting a partial balayage instead.
It’s a great option to consider if you’re looking to transform your looks without committing to a full makeover. Plus, it’s also less damaging to your hair (if you’re concerned about that).
Ready To Get Your Partial Balayage?
It’s a wonderful choice if you want to get a great look for your hair!
So if you’re looking to have your natural hair color showing through, you’ll love the way a half-head balayage can bring character and interest to your overall look without an overpowering effect on your style.