Celebrities who've gone for the French brush stroke technique© GettyImages

Joan Smalls, Gina Rodriguez and more: 16 times celebrities made us want to get balayage highlights

The most trendy highlights have been crowning the heads of celebs for a while now


UPDATED FEBRUARY 13, 2020 2:47 AM EST

If you’re looking for the queen bee of hair color trends, all signs point to balayage highlights as the reigning champion. Oui, Oui mademoiselle! This magnificent French brush stroke effect that bathes your hair in light, continues to win the hearts and manes of many.

Whether you’re curly, straight, wavy, long, and on-trend bob cuts are just some of the styles that we've seen killing it with these highlights. Don't believe us? Here's the proof. Here are the most memorable red carpet, photo, and social media looks from 16 celebs who said “Yes!” to lighting up their hair and faces with this technique.

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Long and wavy wins the race

Although balayage works with any length or hair type, it's undeniable that wearing it with long, wavy locks is the way to go, and Chrissy Teigen has been one of the great ambassadors of this look.

© @nikkilee901

Subtle ombré

Ombré highlights are perfect if you have a stunning round face like Selena Gomez . A close cousin of balayage, this technique is much more subtle but brings just as much light to the hair as well as the face.

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Caramel tones on darker skin

Rihanna couldn't resist balayage either. Her radiant skin tone really pops thanks to her caramel highlights, XL locks and pronounced waves.

© @sofiavergara

Latinas love it too

This painstaking coloring –that should be left to the professionals– is well worth it when draped over bare shoulders and back. Look how well it worked out for the gorgeous Sofía Vergara.

© @beyonce

All lights on the front

Beyoncé also opted for balayage, going for very light large front highlights that brighten up both her hair and face.

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The strapless accessory

Hilary Swank also dazzled with long locks full of light and movement, worn as the perfect complement to her neckline.

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Queen Eva

Eva Longoria is a goddes.Her look is a real life example of how to get the most out of this technique. Take note of these key points: long, free, and soft curls will put you center stage.

© @leamichele

Gold tones will make you shine

Give your hair volume and life with subtle balayage in gold tones like Lea Michele .

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Blonds have just as much fun

If you're a blonde girl for life, let Margot Robbie be your inspiration. Start with slightly darker roots and accentuate the strokes until the ends to really rock your blond.

© @hereisgina

Get \"celeb-grade\" hair

If any celeb can rock this style it's Gina Rodríguez , who showed how to wear it with a beach vibe. And the standing ovation goes to...!

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Long and straight is also a winner

Top model Winnie Harlow went for a daring XL Japanese hair straightening look with impressive and pronounced highlights.

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Ponytails a la balayage

Ariana Grande in all Moschino also rocked this timeless hair hue with a high ponytail.

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Breaking paradigms

Say goodbye to that one-color look like actress Naomi Harris with subtle highlights at the ends of her eye-catching bob cut .

© @joansmalls

Stand out with a short layered look

Joan Smalls wore it perfectly. She complemented her balayage with a polished finish, a layered bob to add movement and shine to her mane.

© @kaiagerber

Kaia Gerber

It's no coincidence that yet another runway star has gone for a bob laden with layers for flaunting a brushed effect. Kaia Gerber has also put movement first with the balayage technique.

© @lucyhale

Lucy Hale also wore it with a bob

Lucy Hale is yet another celebrity who, like Kaia and Joan, has been seen with a flawless balayage look. Remember that the key is movement and for more volume go for a side parting.

Each of these celebs has killed it by adding balayage to their look. Long, mid-length or with a striking bob, any cut is ideal for flaunting the most on trend coloring technique.