What is reverse balayage?

You’ve probably heard of balayage. It’s the go-to look for soft, sun-kissed highlights that grow out like a dream. But what if you’re ready for something a bit moodier? Or maybe you’ve gone too blonde and want to bring some depth back to your hair without ditching the whole look? That’s where reverse balayage comes in.

Let’s talk through what it is, why it’s getting more popular, and how your Solihull Hairdresser can use it to totally switch up your style.

So, what exactly is reverse balayage?

Reverse balayage flips the usual balayage approach on its head. Instead of painting lighter pieces onto darker hair, your stylist adds darker tones to your lighter strands. It’s about reintroducing depth and dimension into hair that’s been heavily highlighted or gone very blonde over time.

This technique creates contrast and richness, especially when your ends are looking flat or over-lightened. Rather than taking you darker all over, reverse balayage weaves the deeper shades through mid-lengths and ends to create that lived-in, lowlighted effect.

You don’t lose the lightness altogether—but you gain a more balanced and natural-looking blend. It’s like adding shadows where the sun didn’t quite hit.

Why would someone want a reverse balayage?

There are a few reasons someone might go for a reverse balayage. The most common one? Maintenance.

If you’ve had bright highlights for a while, you’ll know that keeping them looking fresh can be a chore. Reverse balayage tones things down in the best way, meaning fewer trips to the salon and a much softer regrowth line.

It’s also a clever way to ease yourself into a darker look without going for a full colour. If you’re not quite ready to commit to being brunette again, this is your stepping stone. You can try it out, see how you feel, and always go lighter again later.

And let’s not forget tone correction. Blonde hair can go brassy, especially after summer or frequent heat styling. Reverse balayage can help calm down overly warm tones and add some much-needed contrast without losing the overall blonde feel.

What’s the process like?

Much like regular balayage, reverse balayage is all about painting the colour in by hand. Your hairdresser in Solihull will carefully place darker tones where they’ll enhance your existing colour and blend beautifully with your natural root.

Depending on the result you’re going for, we might add in ash browns, mushroom tones, or warm golden shades to break up the blonde. It’s all about choosing the right depth for your base and creating a finish that looks rich and intentional—not patchy or stripey.

We usually recommend a toner afterwards to make sure everything pulls together evenly, and to lock in shine. Your stylist will also chat through aftercare to keep the colour looking fresh for as long as possible.

Is reverse balayage for everyone?

Pretty much. If your hair is light to begin with—whether through highlights, balayage, or full bleach—reverse balayage can work wonders. It’s especially good for blondes who want to transition to something more natural without doing a harsh colour overhaul.

That said, it’s not usually the best option if your hair is already quite dark. In that case, we’d look at other techniques to add lightness or texture rather than going darker again.

The best way to decide? Come in and chat to one of our team. We’ll take a look at your current colour, listen to what you’re after, and build a plan that suits both your style and your maintenance preferences.

For the best Solihull hairdresser, look no further than Salon No. 100! We’ve gathered hundreds of five-star reviews over the past few years. Call 07966 105306 and book your appointment today!