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Shine Bright: Auburn Balayage for Summer


woman with auburn hair in summer

Shine Bright: Auburn Balayage for Summer

As the sun heats up and summer vibes fill the air, it’s the perfect time to refresh your look with the radiant glow of auburn balayage. This hair color trend is all about adding a natural, sun-kissed effect that will make your hair shine and stand out in the summer sun. Let's dive into why auburn balayage is the ultimate summer hair color and how you can make it work for you.


What is Auburn Balayage?


Auburn balayage is a hair coloring technique that involves hand-painting subtle, natural-looking highlights onto your hair. The result is a beautifully blended mix of red and brown tones that give your hair a multidimensional and vibrant look. This technique is perfect for anyone, whether you have red hair, black hair, or brown hair, making it incredibly versatile.


So, what makes auburn balayage so special? Unlike traditional highlights with harsh lines, the balayage technique creates a seamless transition of colors. Imagine catching glimpses of fiery auburn peeking through your rich chocolate brown hair, or warm copper highlights dancing around your fiery red locks. It's all about adding dimension and mimicking the natural way the sun lightens hair. Plus, the lower maintenance aspect is a win-win. The grown-out roots are less noticeable compared to solid hair color, so you can stretch out those salon visits for busy schedules.




auburn balayage

Benefits of Auburn Balayage in Summer


Why is auburn balayage a great choice for summer? First off, it adds a warm and rich tone to your hair, enhancing your natural beauty. Imagine the sun catching those medium red and copper red strands, creating a glowing halo effect. Auburn balayage is also a low-maintenance option, which is ideal for those long summer days spent at the beach or by the pool. Plus, the blend of rich reds can give your hair a fuller and healthier appearance.


Beyond the gorgeous look and convenience, auburn balayage can also be a great way to express your personal style. The beauty of this technique lies in its versatility.  Do you crave a subtle change? Opt for a few strategically placed highlights that frame your face. Feeling bold? Go for a bolder auburn with a stronger contrast to your base color.  This allows you to create a look that's unique to you, whether it's beachy and sunkissed or fiery and dramatic.


Choosing the Right Shade of Auburn


The beauty of auburn balayage lies in its variety of shades. From medium red to rich reds, copper red to golden brown, there's an auburn shade for everyone. When choosing the right shade, consider your skin tone. Warm tones pair well with shades like copper red and golden brown, while cool toned skin might look best with medium red or red tinted highlights. This personalized approach ensures your auburn balayage complements your overall look, making you feel confident and radiant.


But what about your eye color?  Auburn balayage can also be chosen to enhance your eye color. For example, warm auburn tones like copper or gold can make green eyes pop, while cooler auburn shades like burgundy or violet can intensify blue eyes. A skilled colorist can help you find the perfect shade of auburn that complements both your skin tone and eye color, creating a truly harmonious look.


auburn balayage on thick hair


Auburn Balayage for Different Hair Types


One of the best things about auburn balayage is its adaptability to different hair types. Whether you have red hair, black hair, brown hair, or dark hair, auburn balayage can work wonders. For those with red hair, it enhances your natural hues, adding depth and dimension. Black hair can benefit from the contrast that auburn balayage provides, creating a striking and modern look. Brown hair and dark hair gain a sun-kissed, warm effect that’s perfect for summer.


One of the best things about auburn balayage is its adaptability to different hair types. Whether you have red hair, black hair, brown hair, or dark hair, auburn balayage can work wonders. For those with red hair, it enhances your natural hues, adding depth and dimension. Black hair can benefit from the contrast that auburn balayage provides, creating a striking and modern look. Brown hair and dark hair gain a sun-kissed, warm effect that's perfect for summer.


But what about hair texture? The good news is that auburn balayage flatters all hair textures too! Straight hair showcases the beautiful color transitions seamlessly. Wavy and curly hair allows the auburn highlights to peek through in a playful and dynamic way, adding an extra layer of dimension. Even coily hair can benefit from auburn balayage, with the rich red tones adding a touch of warmth and vibrancy to tight curls. A skilled colorist can tailor the placement and intensity of the highlights to best complement your specific hair texture, ensuring a flawless and flattering outcome.


Maintenance Tips for Auburn Balayage


To keep your auburn balayage looking vibrant all summer long, here are some handy tips:

  1. Sun Protection: The sun can be harsh on colored hair. Use hair products with UV protection to prevent your color from fading.

  2. Hydration: Keep your hair hydrated with deep conditioning treatments. Summer can be drying, so nourish your hair to maintain its shine.

  3. Gentle Products: Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to protect your color. These products are gentler and help maintain the vibrancy of your auburn balayage.


Above all, minimize heat styling whenever possible. Sun exposure isn't the only culprit for color fading. Frequent use of hot tools like straighteners and curling irons can also take a toll. Let your hair air dry naturally when possible, and if you must use heat styling tools, opt for lower heat settings and always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand. This will help keep your auburn balayage looking fresh and vibrant throughout the summer.


Styling Auburn Balayage for Summer


Styling your auburn balayage for summer can be a lot of fun. Here are a few ideas to showcase your stunning color:


  • Beach Waves: Embrace the beachy look with loose waves. This style enhances the multidimensional effect of auburn balayage.

  • Braids and Updos: Braids, buns, and updos are great for highlighting the different shades in your hair. They also keep you cool in the summer heat.

  • Accessories: Hair accessories like headbands, clips, and scarves can add an extra touch of summer flair to your look.


Conclusion

Auburn balayage is the perfect way to shine bright this summer. Its warm, rich tones and low-maintenance appeal make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to refresh their look. Whether you’re spending your days at the beach or attending summer parties, your auburn balayage will make sure you stand out.


Ready to transform your hair? Book an appointment at The Abode Salon in New London today and let our experts give you the perfect summer glow!



Frequently Asked Questions


What is the downside of balayage?


While beautiful, balayage does have some drawbacks. It can be time-consuming and more expensive than traditional highlights due to the hand-painting technique. Achieving the desired results requires a skilled colorist. Additionally, balayage might not be ideal for dramatic hair color changes or very dark hair that needs significant lightening.



Is auburn hair more red or brown?


Auburn hair falls somewhere between red and brown, but the balance can vary.  Sometimes it leans more towards reddish tones with hints of copper or gold, while other times it can be a browner base with auburn highlights. This versatility allows for a variety of auburn shades to flatter different complexions.


What skin tone does auburn hair suit?


Auburn hair with warm undertones like copper or gold complements warm skin tones with yellow or peachy hues. Cool auburn shades with burgundy or violet accents flatter cool skin tones with pink or blue undertones. However, these are just guidelines.  Ultimately, the best way to find your perfect auburn shade is to consult with a colorist who can consider your skin tone, eye color, and desired look.



What colors should you avoid with auburn hair?


Since auburn is a reddish-brown blend, it can clash with colors on the opposite end of the color wheel.  So, it's generally best to avoid very strong greens or blues next to your face, as they might create an unharmonious contrast. However, this doesn't mean you can't wear these colors altogether.  Strategic placement, like a green scarf or blue earrings, can still work with auburn hair.


Does balayage make you look older or younger?


The opposite is actually true!  A well-done balayage with strategically placed highlights can add brightness and dimension around the face, which has a youthful effect. Harsh lines from traditional highlights can sometimes emphasize wrinkles, whereas the blended look of balayage creates a softer, more flattering result.


What not to do before getting a balayage?


Avoid using deep conditioners or hair masks for a few days before your balayage appointment. These products can make it harder for the color to adhere to your hair.  Also, let your hair grow out a bit from your last haircut. Roots that are too short won't provide the best canvas for the balayage technique.


What should you not do after balayage?


Skip the pool for a few days after your balayage appointment. Chlorine can strip color and dry out your hair.  Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair to maintain vibrancy. Deep conditioning treatments are important after balayage to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.


Is balayage or highlight better for grey hair?


Both balayage and highlights can work well for gray hair. Balayage offers a more natural-looking approach, especially for those with a good amount of existing hair color. Highlights provide more contrast and can be effective for a more dramatic transformation. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your desired level of gray coverage and the overall look you're going for.


How long does a balayage typically last?


Balayage can typically last 3-4 months with proper care. The blended nature of the technique means root touch-ups are less noticeable compared to traditional highlights. However, factors like sun exposure, heat styling, and hair washing frequency can all affect how long your balayage lasts.

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