Remember balayage? That hair coloring technique everyone was obsessed with a few years back? Well it's making a major comeback for summer 2025—and, it's gotten quite the glow-up.

Sure, we all loved those sun-kissed, natural-looking highlights before, but today's balayage game has seriously evolved. It's more flexible, personalized, and (thankfully) way less damaging. With iconic products like Redken's Shades EQ Bonder Inside and Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment, your color and the integrity of your hair are top priorities.

Blonding Isn't Just for Blondes

 

Balayage used to be pretty much synonymous with beachy blonde, but that ship has sailed. Today, stylists are working their magic on literally every shade imaginable—rich espresso brunettes, fiery coppers, and those dreamy strawberry blondes everyone's pinning lately.

What hasn't changed? The fact that it's still refreshingly low-maintenance (hello, soft grow-out!) and looks effortlessly natural—not like you spent hours in the chair achieving it. The difference now is that today's approach is way more strategic, focusing on strategic placement and that glass-like shine we're all chasing.

The whole lived-in color trend isn't going anywhere, but now it's paired with products that actually strengthen your hair. 

New Tricks of the Trade

 

Stylists aren't just sticking to the traditional painting techniques anymore. They're mixing methods to get better results that last longer without turning your hair into straw. Here are some insider tips that keep modern balayage looking fresh:

  • Give your hair a proper detox before your appointment! Just use a clarifying shampoo a day or two before you go in. It gets rid of all that product buildup and helps the color lift better.
  • Don't expect Instagram-worthy results in one go. The most natural-looking, healthiest balayage often happens over a few sessions. Patience pays off big time here, especially when you want a lived-in look.
  • Ask about "foil-assisted" balayage. Some stylists are now combining hand-painting with strategic foil placement, especially for darker hair or stubborn areas. You get that soft look but with more brightness where you need it.
  • The secret to avoiding that chunky highlight look? Super skinny strokes and clean sections. Good stylists will use cotton or special film to keep everything tidy and prevent any bleeding marks.

The Secret: Toning with Benefits

Toning is absolutely essential after balayage, and Redken Shades EQ is the go-to for finishing touches. It's not just about color correction—this gloss conditions while it perfects your hue. What makes it different from regular toners is that it contains Citric Acid and Taurine, which help rebuild the bonds that get damaged during lightening. Your hair feels stronger, looks shinier, and the color lasts longer. Whether you need to kill brassiness, perfect your platinum, or add a subtle rosy tint, this toner can be customized while actually making your hair healthier. 

Keeping It Gorgeous at Home

Summer is brutal on colored hair. Between pool days, sunshine, and heat styling, your beautiful balayage needs serious protection. Enter Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment.

Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment

Designed to repair one year of visible damage in just one use*, this treatment is a non-negotiable for color longevity and strand strength. With heat protection up to 450°F/230°C**, plus a pH-balancing formula that doesn't strip color, this leave-in not only supports post-service repair—it actively helps preserve vibrancy between appointments. The result? Hair that has 88% less visible split ends***, feels 10x smoother****, and experiences 2x less breakage****.

Use it as a finishing step after a Shades EQ gloss or incorporate it into your client’s daily routine. Either way, it delivers next-level care for balayage clients who want it all: strength, shine, and a soft, natural grow-out.

 

*System of Acidic Bonding Concentrate Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment, Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-In Treatment vs. undamaged hair **Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, Conditioner & Leave-In Treatment vs. non-conditioning shampoo ***Based on consumer test results ****With continued use