Is Balayage Still in Style? Here’s the Real Deal in 2025

You know that feeling when you walk out of the salon with hair that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun in all the right places? That’s balayage. And even if you’ve heard the word thrown around for years, you might be wondering—is it still a thing? Or has it faded like an old trend people whisper about at brunch?

Well, spoiler alert: balayage is still very much in style, but like anything that’s been around a while, it’s gotten a bit of a glow-up.

Let’s get into it—no fluff, no hair-industry jargon, just a straight-up look at where balayage stands today, how it’s evolved, and why you’ll still spot it at some of the best salons in NYC, especially if you’re wandering into a hair salon in the East Village or downtown Manhattan.

Wait, What Is Balayage Again?

In case you’ve forgotten (or maybe never really knew), balayage comes from a French word that means “to sweep.” It’s a hair coloring technique where stylists literally paint the dye onto your hair in soft, sweeping motions—no foils, no harsh lines, no checkerboard patterns.

It’s meant to look like your hair just naturally lightened from spending your summer in Italy—even if the closest you’ve been to the Amalfi Coast is watching someone’s TikTok travel vlog.

And the result? A soft, dimensional, “lived-in” look that grows out like a dream.

From Hype to Icon Status

Balayage really took off in the early 2010s. Instagram was exploding. Pinterest boards were full of beachy waves. Celebs like Gisele and Jessica Alba were showing up to red carpets with glowing, low-key hair color—and suddenly, everyone wanted it.

What’s wild is that balayage wasn’t actually new even back then. It started in French salons back in the ‘70s (of course the French were ahead of the game), but it didn’t go mainstream in the U.S. until colorists started offering it as a cooler, more natural-looking alternative to chunky highlights.

In places like New York, where people are always two steps ahead of the trend curve, balayage became a signature. The best balayage stylists turned the technique into a full-on art form.

So… Has It Lost Its Cool Factor?

Nope. But it’s definitely shifted.

The thing about balayage in 2025 is that it’s not just one thing anymore. It’s like how jeans aren’t just skinny or bootcut—they’re flared, wide-leg, cropped, distressed, you name it.

Today’s balayage is more about personalization. Your stylist doesn’t just slap on some lightener and call it a day. They’re mixing in techniques like:

• Shadow roots to soften the grow-out even more

• Face-framing money pieces (a trend that refuses to go away)

• Dimensional toners for that super-custom warm or cool undertone

• Unicorn colors—yep, people are balayaging with lavender and silver now

• Health-conscious coloring, using bond builders like K18 or Olaplex to keep hair strong
  

And honestly, thank goodness. Because the old one-size-fits-all approach? Kinda boring.

Why People Still Can’t Quit Balayage

Balayage isn’t some trend that peaked and dipped. It stuck around because it works. People love it for the same reasons they love their favorite pair of sneakers: it’s comfortable, versatile, and easy to keep looking good.

Let’s break it down:

• It grows out beautifully – You’re not running back to the salon in a panic every five weeks.

• It flatters basically everyone – Straight, curly, short, long, fine, thick—balayage doesn’t discriminate.

• It’s understated but impactful – You can go bold or subtle, caramel or platinum, dramatic or super soft.

• It plays well with other styles – Think layers, lobs, shags, curtain bangs. Balayage complements them all.
  

Plus, you don’t have to be a blonde to rock it. In fact, some of the prettiest balayage looks I’ve seen are on brunettes with hints of cinnamon or espresso woven through.

But… It’s Not for Everyone

Here’s the tea. If you’re the kind of person who changes your hair color every few weeks (hey, no judgment), balayage might not scratch that itch. It’s low-maintenance, not low-commitment.

And for very dark hair? Getting those lighter tones might take multiple sessions. Some people expect caramel highlights in one go, and end up disappointed when it takes a few appointments (and a solid investment).

Also, and I can't stress this enough: not every stylist nails it. A great balayage looks seamless and tailored. A bad one? Patchy, stripey, or just... meh. That’s why hitting up the best salons in NYC—especially ones known for color, like a top-rated hair color salon in NYC—is key.

Keeping It Fresh Between Salon Visits

Even though balayage is designed to grow out gracefully, there are some ways to stretch your color and keep it looking glossy:

1. Sulfate-free shampoo is your bestie.

2. Purple or blue shampoo once a week, depending on your base color.

3. Deep condition like your hair depends on it—because it does.

4. Use a heat protectant, even if you’re just blow-drying.

5. Schedule a gloss or toner every couple of months to refresh the tone.
   

Pro tip: Sometimes a quick gloss can make your balayage look brand new, without another full coloring session.

Where to Go: NYC’s Balayage Experts

NYC is packed with salons—but not all are created equal. The ones doing killer balayage? They’re usually tucked into trend-forward neighborhoods like SoHo, Williamsburg, or yes, the East Village.

A few signs you’re in the right place:

• The stylist asks a lot of questions before they start.

• They show you photos of their work—not just Pinterest pics.

• They customize the color based on your skin tone, hair texture, and lifestyle.

• They give you a maintenance plan (and don’t oversell products).
  

Do a little Instagram stalking before you book. Check out the salon’s tagged photos. Read the reviews. Search best balayage in NYC and see who comes up again and again.

Trust me—it’s worth the legwork.

The Verdict: Balayage Isn’t Going Anywhere

If you’re wondering whether balayage is still in style, the answer is: it never left. It just got smarter, prettier, and a lot more flexible.

In a world full of fleeting beauty fads, balayage is one of those rare trends that’s earned its place in the long-term rotation. Whether you’re looking for something subtle, bold, or somewhere in between, there's a version of balayage that fits you.

Just remember: a good balayage doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers expensive, chill, and I woke up like this. And honestly? That’s always in style.

Want help choosing a hair salon in the East Village or finding a hair color salon NYC pros swear by? Let me know—I’ve got a running list of local gems.