10 Balayage Color Ideas You Need to Try This Fall

Aug 23, 2016

As you may already know, at Brit + Co we love a little balayage for summertime hair. For those of you in the dark, balayage, a technique that gets its name from the French word for “to paint” or “to sweep,” involves stylists free-handing color application, straying from the foils and letting the color soak all the way through at the ends of your strands. The result is a deeply personalized and natural-looking dye job — the perfect way to brighten up your fall look. Stylists praise the technique for its soft and natural effect, which means a seamless transition when your hair starts to grow out. No need to worry about touching up those roots, ladies. Scroll down to see our favorite balayage styles for fall.

1. Blonde: Looking for the best way to grow out that bleach-blonde dye job? Bring on the balayage. We love how delicate this color looks on the ever-popular long bob. (Photo via Conlee Borchard)

View this post on Instagram
This might be my one shot. 💎Blue Topaz💎 @behindthechair_com #btconeshot_ombre16 #btconeshot_hairpaint16 #btconeshot_color16 #btconeshot_haircolor16
A post shared by HAIRSTYLIST In Stockton CA (@vanessastylesyou) on Jun 13, 2016 at 7:06pm PDT

2. Sky Blue: Don’t be afraid to be bold this fall with a mermaid-inspired sky blue hue. The balayage effect gives a more natural appeal to this daring style.

3. Brown: Lean into your hair length with a deep brown balayage treatment that fades to a bright honey blonde. Balayage will let you test drive a lighter color without giving you a shock in the salon chair. (Photo via Stylish Bloggers)

View this post on Instagram
Transformed @k_nights into a #mermaid with her amazing emeraldgreen balayage @foxandbeausalon @joico @hair @hotonbeauty #yqr #reginastylist #ombre #bdaygirl #mermaidians #americansalon #modernsalon #theunicorntribe #balayage #forestgreen #emeraldgreen #pastellocks #olaplex #redkenready #redkenobsessed #joicocolorintensity #joicointensity #anotherdayanotherslay#livingyqr #goodlifemtl #mtlmoments #mtlhair #montreal
A post shared by @ philslayshair on Feb 5, 2016 at 5:45pm PST

4. Green: Dark-haired beauties can easily pull off playful colors with balayage. Non-traditional hues like this forest green get a sophisticated upgrade when paired with raven locks.

5. Curly: Natural, curly and wavy-haired girls, there’s no need to worry. Balayage is an all-inclusive style that looks good on all textures. We especially love this curly dark brown/blonde balayage because it brings out so much dimension. (Photo via Betty Ghebs)

6. Gray: Gray is no longer reserved for grannies, and fall 2016 is the season of dusty tones and muted hues. Opt for this color if you have a deep natural tone that needs a fashion-forward flair. (Photo via Etika Heath)

7. Bronde: Bronde is oh-so lovely for autumn. The lovely combo of dirty blonde and light brown complements most skin tones and is a great way to bring a little bit of sun-kissed summer into fall. All you need now is a pumpkin spice latte. (Photo via Macadamiea)

8. Burgundy: Rock a deep burgundy if you want to bridge the gap between light brown and a more dramatic red. Pair it with that summery bob and you’re set for fall. (Photo via Danielle Roble)

View this post on Instagram
💜Can't stop won't stop 💜#everythingispurple #purple #purplehair #lavendarhair #lilachair #hair #haircolor #color #purpleombre by #mizzchoi @ramireztransalon @pravana #pravana #ramireztransalon
A post shared by Cherin Choi (@mizzchoi) on Jun 14, 2015 at 5:18pm PDT

9. Lavender: This soft lavender is giving us all the feels. Streaks of pink and gray make it feel a little less harsh and contribute just the right amount of texture to the style.

View this post on Instagram
🔮💎🔮💎 #rockytakeslolla #lollapalooza #bling
A post shared by R O C K Y (@rocky_barnes) on Aug 1, 2015 at 7:19pm PDT

10. Caramel: Another way for brown-haired ladies to go light is with an all-over caramel color. It’s not quite blonde, not quite brown and still not quite bronde. Caramel is a beauty all its own. Bonus points for matching those autumnal leaves.

Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!

It’s Time To Add Sunscreen To Your Hair Care Routine

Chances are, you’ve probably been sunburnt and you’ve probably experienced the scathing pain that a sun-singed scalp can leave you with. We certainly have. If you’re a frequent victim of the often-forgotten scalp-burn, you may be ignoring a critical step in your sun care routine.

As it turns out, you need to be regularly applying SPF to your scalp to protect your skin and hair from prolonged damage beyond your hairline. But why?

"Hair helps maintain body temperature during colder months and blocks UV rays," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York to Refinery29. "When the hair is parted, or in cases where the hair is thinning, the scalp may be directly exposed to the sun; the scalp is at particular risk since it points upwards directly to the sun and often goes unprotected."

There you have it. Big Sunscreen’s got us in their grip again, and now we need to add another product to our haircare (Or is it skincare?) routine. OK, OK – that might be a tad dramatic. Though the scalp-specific SPF category is actively growing, you can actually use any sunscreen lotion, as long as you don't mind a little extra grease. If this is more your speed, save your scalp by taking “a drop [of sunscreen lotion] on your finger and run it down your part line," says Dr. Zeichner.

This is especially important for our colored-haired queens. "Besides increasing the risk of skin cancer, rays from the sun can bleach dyed hair," Dr. Zeichner says. "That's why sitting in the shade, wearing a hat, or using an umbrella is important."

If you are aiming for a grease-free scalp, we’ve rounded up all of the best formulas to try this summer and beyond.

1. OARS + ALPS Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35 ($16)

This lightweight mist lets you apply broad spectrum SPF 35 to your face and scalp without getting sunscreen on your hands. Aloe and Cucumber provide hydration to counteract drying sun exposure while antioxidant-rich Safflower Oil and Sunflower Oil defend skin from environmental damage, so you’ll be fully protected no matter what the activity.

2. Coola Scalp & Hair Sunscreen & Color Protection Mist with SPF 30 ($28)

Prevent UV color fade with Coola’s convenient mist. This spray is specifically formulated for application on hair, and will give your scalp a break from the sun for up to 80 minutes in the water.

3. Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen, SPF 30 ($22)

This dermatologist-tested SPF has a lightweight formula with naturally sourced sea minerals absorbs excess oils and leaves a matte finish for a blended-in look.

4. Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen ($55)

If you have sensitive skin, this may be the scalp SPF for you. Plus – it’s intuitive design allows for easy (And less expensive!) refills.

5. Josie Maran Get Even Sun Milk SPF 33 ($46)

Trade in your greasy Waterbaby lotion for this silky alternative. If you prefer a cream over liquid, this is the sunscreen for you.

6. HABIT N°38 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 38 ($30)

This facial SPF mist is perfect for your hair, too. Its touchless application guarantees effortless, full coverage with the added benefit of soothing ingredients.

We’ll definitely be keeping our scalps safe with these fantastic options. Let us know what your go-to SPF is in the comments!

Find all of the latest in beauty with Brit + Co.

Header image via Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash

Hallmark’s First-Ever Dating Show Is Coming So Soon

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

pop culture entertainment hallmark tv

5 Neutral Hair Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere This Winter 2019

Welcome to winter 2019, where beanies, glossy makeup, and statement lips look that much better when paired with a pretty new hair color. Instead of keeping it classic with a monochromatic blonde, brunette, or red shade, why not shake things up with one of the most requested shades of the season? Whether you want to flaunt a deep brunette hue, a rich reddish brown, or a sweets-inspired blonde, ahead the industry’s top stylists walk you through the picks for the season.

Espresso Brown

Winter is a popular time to go a shade or two darker with your hair color, but Brooklyn-based colorist Chelsey Pickthorn urges you to not stop there. According to her, when it comes to being a brunette this winter, there’s no such thing as going too dark. That’s where espresso brown hair like Mandy Moore’s comes into play. (Photo via Valerie Macon/Getty)

To get the look, Pickthorn recommends asking your colorist for a black-coffee base mixed with a touch of warmth to add mahogany-like movement and depth. “This color [pairs well] with deeper complexions but can absolutely be pulled off with lighter skin tones,” Pickthorn says. The trick is to either go the tiniest bit lighter with your espresso mane or blend a tinted moisturizer into your skin to help balance the contrast so that it’s not too stark.

Rooted Balayage and foilayage

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you need to adopt a cool-toned hair color. “We‘re still in love with balayage and foilayage techniques to create warm movement and depth within a hair color,” says Linda De Zeeuw, a master stylist at Rob Peetoom in NYC. As with any soft hair color application, balayage and foilayage suit all skin tones since you’re keeping your natural base color. “You can also modify the highlights to work best for you,” says Stephanie Brown, a master colorist at the Eddie Arthur Salon in NYC. “If you have cooler skin tones, go with neutral-to-warm highlights. For brunettes like Jessica Biel above, we’ll see more golden and coppery highlights.” (Photo via John Shearer/ Getty)

To achieve the low-maintenance look, Brown recommends pairing foilayage or balayage brush strokes with a faux root to help extend the life of your winter color. “The hair is always brighter at the hairline, but when you shadow the roots to make it slightly darker than the ends, you get a longer wear out of your highlights,” Brown says. If you’re a brunette, she also recommends adding a few piecey highlights around the hairline, as too many all over can make for a brassy mane.

Inky Black

If dark brown simply won’t cut it for your hair goals, it’s time to consider an inky black mane à la Lana Condor. “Inky black is rich and deep with a hint of blue,” Brown says. “This shade goes very well with the glass hair trend because the black will give the shine you want for the style.” (Photo via Sarah Morris/ Getty)

The bluish-black hair color is easiest to achieve on those who have slightly lighter hair colors. If you have dark brown or black hair, you’ll need to lighten your strands before adding the dark, cool-tinted dye to score the exact inky allure. When it comes to skin tone, fair, cool undertones rock the look best, especially if light blue, green, or gray eyes are part of the equation.

Titian Tones

Choosing between hair colors can be a tough business, especially if it’s between going brunette or red. If you’re on the fence, consider a titian hair color, like Bryce Dallas Howard’s above. “It’s a light [brownish] copper that has golden undertones that radiate like the strong heat of the sun,” says celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque with Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in NYC, Philadelphia, and Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/VMN18/ Getty)

To get the reddish-brown hair color, ask your colorist for a single process titian that suits your undertones. The warm hair color flatters fairer skin tones and can be tailored to both cool and warm undertones.

Sugar-Cookie Blonde

Immortalize your favorite holiday cookie with this caramelized beige-blonde hair color. As worn by Kirsten Dunst above, it’s the ultimate winter blonde since it maintains the light appeal while bringing a muted warmth to the coolest season of the year. (Photo via Steve Granitz/ Getty)

To recreate the look at the salon, KEVIN.MURPHY global design director Kate Reid says to ask your stylist for a warm caramel tone with soft shades of beige and gold. To maintain the baked hue, be sure to stock up on anti-brass haircare products, as well as an at-home glossing treatment. Using these once or twice a week will keep unwanted tones out of your hair while amping up the shine and deeply conditioning ends.

Follow us on Pinterestfor more beauty inspo and info.

colored hair hair color hair trends celebrity hair

12 "Outdated" Travel Destinations To Avoid In 2025 (Thanks, Overtourism!)

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

travel destinations overtourism travel 2025 where to travel european travel asian travel japan bali venice travel

13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

cookie recipes dessert recipes christmas cookies international foods christmas recipes