Over the past decade, hair coloring has become a major expression of personal style for men, too. From bold platinum streaks to subtle sun-kissed balayage, today’s hair highlights for guys are more varied and customizable than ever. Whether you’re seeking an edgy look, a natural touch-up, or a creative transformation, there’s a highlighting technique for you.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top ideas for men’s highlights and delve into the art of balayage for guys — a low-maintenance, high-impact coloring technique that continues to gain popularity.

What Are Highlights for Men?

Highlights involve lightening sections of the hair to add contrast and dimension. They can be bold and chunky or soft and blended, depending on the desired effect. For men, highlights can complement different haircuts and textures, from short fades to long wavy styles. They can also enhance natural hair color or create a striking, standout look.

Men’s Balayage: What Sets It Apart?

Balayage, a French word meaning “to sweep,” is a hand-painted highlighting technique that results in a gradual, natural-looking lightening of the hair. Unlike traditional foil highlights that start at the root, balayage begins mid-shaft and fades into lighter ends, mimicking the effect of sun exposure. For men, this technique offers a more effortless, surfer-style vibe — and it’s ideal for those who want color without constant touch-ups.

Popular Highlight Ideas for Men

Blonde streaks on dark hair create a striking contrast that instantly catches the eye. This style adds depth and texture, giving a modern edge to classic dark hairstyles.

1. Blonde Streaks on Dark Hair

One of the most classic men’s highlight styles is adding bold blonde streaks to dark brown or black hair. This high-contrast look is eye-catching and edgy. It works especially well on short to medium-length hairstyles, like undercuts or textured crops.

• Best for: Straight or slightly wavy hair
• Maintenance: Medium (touch-ups every 6–8 weeks)

2. Ash Blonde Balayage

Cool-toned ash blonde is ideal for guys who want a more subdued, modern take on lightened hair. When done as a balayage, the transition from natural roots to ashy ends is smooth and understated.

• Best for: Medium to long hair, cool skin tones
• Maintenance: Low

3. Caramel or Honey Highlights

Warmer tones like caramel, golden blonde, or honey brown can brighten up brunette hair without overwhelming it. These highlights are perfect for a natural sun-kissed effect.

• Best for: Curly or wavy hair
• Maintenance: Low to medium

4. Silver or Platinum Tips

If you’re aiming for something bold and edgy, silver or icy platinum highlights can create a futuristic, fashion-forward look. Whether applied as highlights, tips, or a balayage fade, this style commands attention.

• Best for: Short hair, undercuts
• Maintenance: High

5. Copper and Red Accents

Adding copper or red highlights can enhance dark auburn or brown hair, giving it depth and character. These hues work great for men with warmer skin tones and a flair for individuality.

• Best for: Straight to wavy hair
• Maintenance: Medium

6. Face-Framing Highlights

A subtle way to try highlights is to add lighter strands around the face. This technique draws attention to your features without requiring a full head of color. It’s a great intro to highlighting for guys who want something low-commitment.

• Best for: All lengths and hair types
• Maintenance: Low

Men’s Balayage Styles Worth Trying

Balayage offers a natural, sun-kissed look that enhances any hairstyle with subtle dimension and depth. For men, this technique provides a low-maintenance way to add texture and style without a drastic color change.

1. Beachy Balayage

This sun-lightened look mimics natural exposure to the sun — perfect for guys with medium to long hair who want a carefree, laid-back aesthetic. The balayage is applied subtly, gradually getting lighter toward the ends.

2. Shadow Root Balayage

This technique maintains a darker root while gradually blending into lighter shades. It’s great for men who want dimension but dislike the “grown-out” look of traditional highlights.

3. Blonde Fade Balayage

A smooth transition from dark roots to light blonde tips creates a dramatic fade effect. When paired with a fade haircut or taper, it’s a bold but balanced look.

4. Soft Brown Balayage

For a subtle change, a balayage in a few shades lighter than your base color can add depth and texture to otherwise flat hair. This technique is ideal for a more conservative or professional appearance.

Tips for Getting Highlights or Balayage as a Guy

• Consult a Professional: A trained colorist ensures proper blending, toning, and the right match for your features.
• Consider Your Haircut: Highlight placement should complement your style — short crops, long waves, or fades.
• Maintenance Matters: Lighter shades need toning and purple shampoo to avoid brassiness.
• Match Color to Skin Tone: Ash, silver, and platinum work for cool tones; caramel and honey suit warm tones.
• Start Subtle: If you’re new to hair color, try soft highlights or balayage before going bold.

Is Highlighting or Balayage Right for You?

The answer depends on your lifestyle, personal style, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Highlights tend to require more frequent touch-ups, while balayage is lower-maintenance and grows out more naturally.

If you’re someone who likes to experiment or wants to stand out, bold highlights might be for you. Prefer something more relaxed? Balayage could be the perfect choice.

FAQ: Highlights and Balayage for Men in 2025

What exactly is balayage, and how is it different from traditional highlights?

Balayage is a freehand hair coloring technique where color is painted onto the hair to create a natural, graduated effect. Unlike traditional highlights that use foils and create uniform streaks, balayage offers softer, more blended tones that grow out naturally, requiring less maintenance—perfect for men seeking a subtle yet stylish change.

Are balayage and highlights suitable for all hair types and lengths in men?

Yes! Both balayage and highlights can be adapted to suit straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, as well as various lengths—from short crops to longer styles. The key is customizing the placement and color contrast to complement your hair texture and face shape.

How do I choose the right highlight or balayage color for my skin tone?

Generally, warm skin tones pair well with golden, caramel, or honey hues, while cool skin tones look great with ash blondes, cool browns, or even icy shades. A skilled colorist will assess your complexion and natural hair color to tailor highlights that enhance your features without overpowering your look.

What are the maintenance requirements and costs associated with men’s balayage and highlights?

Balayage tends to be lower-maintenance since it grows out naturally, requiring touch-ups every 8-12 weeks. Traditional highlights might need more frequent salon visits (every 4-6 weeks) to maintain sharpness. Costs vary by salon and hair length but investing in quality hair care products at home can prolong your color’s vibrancy.

Can men with darker hair achieve noticeable balayage or highlights without bleaching?

Yes, though the degree of lightness depends on your starting hair color. Subtle highlights or caramel tones can be achieved on dark hair without heavy bleaching, while going significantly lighter usually requires some lightening. Modern techniques focus on hair health, using gentle lighteners and toners to minimize damage.

Are there any trending balayage or highlight styles for men in 2025?

2025 favors natural-looking, textured highlights with a focus on dimension rather than drastic color shifts. Popular trends include soft honey blondes, ash browns, and even pastel hints for the adventurous. Highlights placed around the face and crown for added brightness are also in vogue, enhancing both casual and professional looks.

How long does the balayage or highlight process typically take for men?

The time varies based on hair length, thickness, and the complexity of the desired look. On average, expect about 1.5 to 3 hours. Balayage might take slightly longer due to the freehand technique and blending process, but the natural finish is well worth the wait.

Can I do balayage or highlights at home, or should I always visit a professional?

While DIY kits exist, balayage especially benefits from a professional’s expertise to ensure natural blending and prevent uneven patches. For highlights, professionals can better match tones and place color strategically for the most flattering results. For best results and hair health, visiting a stylist is highly recommended.

How can men care for their highlighted or balayaged hair to keep it looking fresh and healthy?

Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair to maintain vibrancy. Regular deep conditioning treatments help combat dryness. Limiting heat styling and using UV protection sprays can also prevent fading. Consult your stylist for personalized aftercare routines.

Will highlights or balayage damage my hair? How can damage be minimized?

Lightening processes involve some chemical treatment, which can cause dryness or breakage if not done properly. Minimizing damage involves choosing an experienced colorist who uses gentle lighteners, applying bond-repair treatments, and maintaining consistent aftercare. Healthy hair before coloring is also key to a successful, low-damage outcome.

Can highlights or balayage help conceal gray hair for men?

Absolutely! Highlights and balayage can blend gray hairs seamlessly into your natural color, reducing the contrast and making grays less noticeable. This technique offers a stylish alternative to full gray coverage and adds dimension to your hair.

How do highlights and balayage affect styling options for men?

Adding dimension through highlights or balayage enhances texture and movement, making styling more versatile and visually interesting. Whether you prefer a messy, tousled look or a sleek style, color contrast adds depth that can elevate any haircut.

The Bottom Line

Hair highlights and balayage are no longer exclusive to women’s salons — guys are embracing these techniques to personalize their look and elevate their grooming game. From subtle enhancements to bold transformations, there’s a highlight or balayage style for every man.

Whether you’re going for a surfer-inspired blonde balayage or striking platinum streaks, the key is to choose a style that complements your personality and routine. With the right color and technique, your hair becomes more than a cut — it becomes an expression of who you are.