While we're on the topic of abandoning the natural look, let's talk pastel balayage. Hand-painted powder blue, rose and lilac strands turn this hair into a work of art.

Image via @jenniferlopiccolo_hair

This beautiful balayage hair blends seamlessly into her natural hair color, creating brilliant blonde highlights. You can hardly tell she has highlights, can you? Don't worry; it took us minute too.

Image via @jeffreyrobert_

Combine the balayage technique with ombre, and you've got a near-lethal hair combination. The contrasting light and dark shades give hair dimension, which is further emphasized with effortless curls. Seriously, this balayage slays.

Though painstakingly applied, balayage higlights look 100 percent natural, and keeping your hair pretty close to one length will only enhance this effect. "The more length you have the more dimension you get because there's more of a canvas," Papanikolas says. "If you have shorter hair or a shag, it can be hard to capture that dimension."

Just like Papanikolas said, the balayage is a fantastic style for brunettes looking to go a little lighter without committing to a whole new shade. It adds subtle pops of color without transporting you back to the days of chunky highlights.