Category: Balayage

4/10/2025

‘Recession hair’ has returned as this season’s beauty trend

This theory emerged in the early 2000s. Following the 2008 financial crash, "recession hair" became another economic indicator, as many forwent regular salon visits.

Recession hair is really for those who want to continue to color their hair but don’t want to save by trying at-home dye kits. It involves having your hair colored in a way that allows you to extend the time between trips to the salon, allowing you to go less frequently and save money.

Whether it be “recession blonde” or “recession brunette” — depending on your real hues — women are styling darker colors as part of a trend being driven by economic necessity and resulting in effortless elegance.

According to GlossGenius, a salon and spa software company, “lived-in color,” referring to partial, versus full, highlights or balayage, was the favorite hair color among stylists last year.

Here are links to 3 articles on "Recession Hair" from the last couple weeks:

The article from The Independent is reposted below.

What is recession blonde and why is it trending?
Fewer trips to the hairdresser is leading to a new colour trend

The state of the economy has long been reflected in beauty trends.

The Lipstick Index, coined by Leonard Lauder, son of Estée Lauder, posits that sales of "affordable luxury" items like lipstick rise when consumers sense a recession looming.

This theory emerged in the early 2000s. Following the 2008 financial crash, "recession hair" became another economic indicator, as many forwent regular salon visits.

Now, in 2025, TikTok has identified a new iteration of this trend: "recession blonde."

“Also known as ‘recession roots,’ the trend revolves around turning grown-out roots into a choice instead of a sign that a salon visit is in order,” explains hair expert Nicole Petty of Milk & Blush.

“With the cost of living and salon prices increasing, many of us are looking for ways to cut back on our spending, and pricey hair maintenance is often one of the first luxuries on the chopping block.”

What is recession blonde?

Recession blonde is similar to the better known ‘old money blonde’, but with a slightly less appealing name.

It’s a darker, duller shade of blonde interspliced with bright strands that occur when people let their golden dye grow out.

“The trend embraces a more low-maintenance approach to blonde, which allows natural roots to grow out and results in softer and more dimensional highlights that blend seamlessly,” explains stylist Adem Oygur, founder of Adem London.

“Compared to the ‘old money blonde’ trend, which is polished, warm, and meticulously maintained, ‘recession blonde’ leans into a more effortless and grown-out look, whilst also being perfect for those looking to stretch the time between salon visits without sacrificing their style,” says Oygur.

Of course, this newly coined term is a look many have been mastering for years, from Sarah Jessica Parker to Hailey Bieber.

Cost-effective colour options

While simply growing out your blonde may be the best cost-saving exercise; there are other cheaper options when colouring your hair.

“Techniques like balayage, root smudging and glossing are fantastic options that are lighter on your bank balance,” says Oygur.

“These methods create a more natural fade-out effect, meaning fewer touch-ups while keeping the colour looking fresh and really allow for that ‘worn in’ style that we see on so many celebrities.”

Oygur also says if your colour is on the warmer side, then soft face framing with caramel highlights can add depth without relying on an overall colour top-up.

Some celebrities have tried out recession blonde by blending it with growing out grey, such as Emma Thompson.

“If you have grey hair, using a quasi-permanent colour rather than a full permanent dye is a great option as it blends with the greys rather than fully covering them, so you don’t get a stark regrowth line,” says celebrity hairstylist Aaron Carlo.

“These quasi-permanent shades deposit colour without lifting the natural pigment, making regrowth much softer. Similarly, highlights placed under the parting, rather than bold, high-contrast streaks, help maintain a natural, blended look as the hair grows.”

Low-maintenance options

Recession blonde is certainly low maintenance, but if you’re looking for other ways of colouring your hair that doesn’t require six-week salon appointments, experts recommend balayage and ‘bronde’.

“Balayage is a great alternative to a full head of highlights, as this colour service requires minimal maintenance with gorgeous results,” says Tina Farey, colour expert and editorial director of RUSH salons.

“This means less frequent trips to the salon and no harsh regrowth line – all whilst being less damaging to your hair.

Balayage is a technique that hand paints the dye onto the hair as opposed to using foils. This creates are more dimensional colour and makes the hair appear more natural and lived in.

“If you do want to continue getting highlights, then I’d recommend getting a few lowlights blended throughout to eliminate the harsh regrowth and add more dimension,” says Farey.

Alternatively, ombré’s are also a popular option coming back this season, as a result of people growing out old colour.

“Soft ombré and natural reds are also fantastic choices because they fade gracefully and don’t require frequent root touch ups,” says Oygur.

“They work well if you know you won’t be attending the salon regularly and maintaining it every six weeks.”

Colour trends for spring and summer 2025

While this more muted hue suggests a move away from bright blondes – Millie Bobby Brown’s recent transformation would suggest otherwise. So, what are the anticipated colour trends for 2025?

“Millie [Bobby Brown] is definitely going against the grain and doing her own thing – it’s less about following a trend and more about making a statement,” says Carlo.

Hair treatments as opposed to damaging dye jobs certainly seem to be on the rise.

“With prioritising hair health trending on social media, we have noticed clients taking a step away from their full head of highlights,” says Farey.

“2025 is the year of the ‘timeless blonde’ – a soft, golden blonde with lots of contrasting lowlights for a more natural, almost ‘scandi-blonde’ effect.

“This look exudes warmth and luxury yet has an edgy feel, thanks to the interplay of light and dark shades.”

from The Independent

6/27/2023

The “Scandi Hairline” Trend Will be Everywhere This Summer

The best part: It's not just for blondes.
#scandinavianhairline

If you’ve ever marveled at the light, natural highlights found in Scandinavian hair, then you’re already in the know on the latest hair trend.

“Regardless of their hair color, their hairline, face frames and baby hairs are so effortlessly kissed by the sun and stand out so much lighter and brighter than the rest of the hair on their head,” explains New York City hairstylist Jaclyn Seabrooke. “The way the highlights peek out from underneath around the face is so subtle and flattering, as opposed to the bold, solid money piece technique that was previously trending.”

This effortless effect has given rise to the trending Scandinavian Hairline—also known as the “Scandi Hairline”—color technique. Ahead, Seabrooke shares her insight on the latest color trend we predict will be spotted everywhere this summer.

What is the Scandi Hairline?
“The ‘Scandi Hairline’—or Scandinavian Hairline—is a color technique that immediately brightens the edge of the hairline around the face a touch lighter and brighter than the rest of your hair to replicate how the sun hits the hairline.”

The Process:
Typically performed at the wash basin after other highlighting or balayage services, the “Scandi Hairline” technique involves selecting a small section of hair, about half an inch wide, along the hairline. This section is then processed with freehand lightener for a duration of up to 5 minutes. “To achieve a seamless blend, it’s important that the hairline color is just one or two shades lighter than the rest of your hair,” says Seabrooke. “This ensures a natural look that enhances the beauty of your baby hairs and hairline.”

From Natural to Dramatic:
The beauty of the “Scandi Hairline” trend lies in its versatility. “This technique is not just for blondes, but can be achieved for redheads, brunettes and darker hair shades that also want brightness to soften the look of baby hairs and the hairline for a really natural brightening effect,” Seabrooke explains. “The technique can look incredibly natural, seamlessly blending with your full hair color, or it can be combined with stronger face-frame highlights for a more dramatic effect.”

Maintenance and Touch-Ups:
To keep your “Scandi Hairline” looking fresh and vibrant, regular touch-ups are recommended every 12 weeks. For brunettes and darker shades, Seabrooke recommends incorporating a gloss or toner to eliminate any unwanted brassy tones, further enhancing the natural, sunkissed look.

from NewBeauty

3/12/2021 0 Comments

Dear Clients, Read This Before Going Blonde!

5 Truths Every Client Should Read
Before Going Blonde

So, your client (that's you) wants to go blonde with their one-hour appointment, previously colored hair and drugstore-bought products at home. This situation is all too common for colorists. That’s why we’ve rounded up some blonding real talk you can share with clients who want to go brighter. Keep reading, have the proper consultations and start your client’s journey to blonde the right way!

Truth #1: Your Appointment Might Take 3+ Hours

“Reality is, it takes up to 50 minutes for hair to lift to the shade you want and love. That’s an entire hour of your appointment that you’re just hanging out waiting,” @laurenbartonhair wrote in a recent IG post. “Trust me though, it’s worth taking small little baby sections, foiling your head til it gets heavy and letting it sit for the full amount of time.”

Here’s why it’s worth it: Taking a transformation step by step with the proper processing times prevents hair from lifting to a dark yellow or uneven tones that can’t be fixed with a toner or purple shampoo!

Check Out This Processing Time Breakdown Below

Here’s another visual from @tialambourn_hair: This is the same foil, just 15 minutes later! This means there is only a 15-minute processing time difference between lifting from a Level 8 to a pale Level 9 or 10—aka EVERY minute counts.

Truth #2: Your Stylist Will Know If You Used Box Dye—Be Honest

Bleach doesn’t lie! What happens when a client comes in with box dye and the stylist does a strand test? The truth comes out. “Clients, please let your colorist know a detailed hair history of color, products, [type] of water you shampoo your hair with and medications,” suggests @jessicascotthair.

Here’s an example:
When Jessica did a strand test on her box dye client (see below), she was confronted with intense bands. With this hair history, be prepared for warm tones, multiple sessions and hundreds of dollars to go lighter.
“For this client, we had to glaze her to the darkest level lift there was in this picture. So basically she ended up [with] a dark brown from her starting point which was black,” Jessica wrote.

Truth #3: Clients With Curls, This One’s For You!

Let’s talk about highlighting curls. Here’s a quick breakdown of what curly girls should take into consideration when requesting bright highlights on naturally curly hair from @looksbylacie.

Starting Point: “Your results will be based on YOUR starting point. How your hair will lift depends on what you already have going on with your hair—if you already have color or if you don’t,” Lacie said.
Protecting The Curl Pattern: Your curls need to be healthy enough to lighten, so you don’t disrupt the curl pattern. “Lifting too aggressively without a solid plan can result in a loss of curl pattern or damage,” adds Lacie.
Trust Your Colorist: Just because your hair has heat or color damage, doesn’t mean you can never try bright highlights—but wait until your hair isn’t compromised. Be open to your colorist’s game plan and patient with the process to reach your dream hair.

What happens when curls are overprocessed?
Watch this video from @bumbunniii below!

Truth #4: You Need To Maintain Your Color At Home

You leave the salon loving your blonde color, but a few weeks later it’s feeling brassy and coarse—this isn’t uncommon. Color maintenance is KEY. “Light blonde color on textured hair can be the most DIFFICULT to maintain! Colors like this are not for the faint of heart and require major TLC in and outside of the salon,” shares @haircolorkilla.

That’s why Kara always STRONGLY recommends that her clients use a toning washing system like the Matrix So Silver Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask trio to keep color fresh and yellow-free.

For clients with curly and textured hair, it’s also important to add protein and moisture. Kara recommends products like the Redken Extreme Hair Strengthening line that brings protein to the core of the hair fiber.

Truth #5: Here’s How You’re Going To Get That Lived-In Look

When we talk about “root shading,” here’s what we mean: a demi-permanent color tapped at the roots to blur out any highlight lines for a more lived-in look. Here’s why it works.

“Not only does this give a more natural look but it allows your grow out to look SEAMLESS for 12+ weeks,” @hair_by_mallory_ wrote in a recent IG post. “Where as a non-root shaded look would look grown out in anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks! Some of my clients go anywhere from 3 to 6 months with this technique!”

Pssst… colorists, do you LOVE this blonde? Same. Mallory pre-toned with Moroccanoil® Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo to get these bright, clear blonde results.

Check Out The Full IG Post Below

From Behind the Chair

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8/1/2020 0 Comments

As the Chair Turns - August 2020

Well, here we are are again.

I hope you are finding new and creative ways to fill your days. I’ve been keeping up with a few of you on Facebook and Instagram and have really enjoyed following your adventures. It’s not quite the same as hearing it from you directly, but it is the next best thing to being there. Quirky as that’s sounds, it’s true.

I had so many good intentions of things I’d hoped to accomplish and get done when we were first quarantined. Did any of them get accomplished? Hmm? Maybe? I sure as heck wasn’t successful at crocheting. It was funny (before it got frustrating) at how uncoordinated I was with that crochet hook. I’m going to blame it on the yarn. Yeah, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😜

The first month of quarantine my focus was to be prepared for when the salon would be able to reopen. I wanted to make sure I was doing all I could to keep you safe and protected. My front hallway was stacking up with cleaning & disinfecting solutions, a pressurized sprayer for the disinfecting solution, masks (for you), cutting capes (a clean one for each service), neck strips, an IR thermometer gun (for when you enter the salon), paper towels & wipes, handsfree hand sanitizer and soap dispensers (no touching), and bins for clean and soiled items (everything is single use or disinfected after each service). All of this preparation was, again, because I want to make sure I’m keeping you as safe as possible while you’re in the salon. I’ve been able to take some of those supplies to the salon so my hallway isn’t quite as “cluttered”. When we are eventually allowed to reopen I think, no, I AM ready for you.

I’m still trying to include articles in this newsletter that are relevant and helpful during the times we’re experiencing. I have several articles saved on trips, travels, and outdoor activities that just aren’t conducive to safe distancing so I’ll be saving them for another time.

The coronavirus, the anxieties of keeping ourselves and family members healthy during the pandemic, and the insecurities of finances and our homes are causing a new, unexpected consequence: hair loss. Stress and/or anxiety sustained over a period of 3 months or longer shocks our system and triggers something called telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss caused by a physical or emotional stress, high fever, illness or weight loss of more than 20 pounds — symptoms common with the virus. I have a couple articles for you on this recently identified consequence associated with the coronavirus.

When this first started I shared that you should expect some hair loss over the next few months. It has now been more than 4 months since we’ve been quarantined. Many of you may have already noticed some extra hair shedding the last couple of months. I know I have. Those of you with shorter hair may not notice the shedding as much because your hair is short and just washing down the drain (sorry). It just won’t feel as think as usual. The good thing about this type of hair loss is that once the “stressor” has been alleviated your hair will start to grow back. It may take a few months before you notice any new growth, but you will eventually see those “baby hairs” throughout you scalp.

I’ve mentioned CBD in previous newsletters. I’m a fan of CBD and have noticed the benefits. I stumbled across a NO-BS guide for understanding CBD that I’m sharing with you this month. It is very important that you do your own research and find your own comfort levels on whether or not it’s right for you. I hope this guide helps with some of your questions.

I mentioned anxieties and stress above. Breathing is known to be an anxiety taming exercise. I have an article and a stream for you on how to use breathing to improve your heath.

I also have articles on things you’re doing that might be damaging your hair, men’s Summer cuts, and even a 30 minute Home Walking video.

It is really impossible to let you know how much I’ve missed each and every one of you. Words on a page just cannot express those kinds of feelings. I know I’ve said this before but I am truly looking forward to the day (hopefully soon) when we will see each other face to face.

I am available by email, text or phone if you have any questions or concerns. Or just want to chat.

Be well. Take Hair! AND #MaskUp 😷

What’s Inside This Month

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8/5/2019 0 Comments

Haircut Terms for Better Communication with Your Stylist

Getting a haircut can be exciting and scary at the same time, especially when you are trying out a new stylist. Communication is one the most important part of our craft as hairstylists; without it, we will never be able to know what you want. It’s almost as if we speak a different language than you do, called hair talk. Here are 25 of the most important haircut terms to help you better communicate with your stylist!

The Haircut Terminology You Need to Know

A long time ago, when I wasn’t a hairstylist, my mom and I went to see the same hairdresser to get our haircut. After having our consultation together, it turned out that, in the end, I got the haircut my mom wanted, and she got what I wanted. So, you can imagine how we looked. Luckily, we are super easygoing and just let it grow out. But, that’s not the case for everyone. These words and phrases will help you better understand hair-cutting terminology, so you can better explain to your stylist what you want and actually understand what she is saying to you!

Don’t Talk Inches: Everyone’s “inch” looks different. Instead, show your stylist where you want to see your overall length, using your body as reference points, e.g., collar bone, above the breast or chin length are great points of reference.
Face-Framing Layers: This can go very wrong, if you don’t let your stylist know how short she can go for your shortest layer and what length would keep you comfortable. For example, if you have long hair and want face-framing layers, you need to decide how short the shortest layer can be; maybe it brushes the collar bone.
Bangs/Fringe: Also, bring a reference of where you want to see the length and style of your bangs. For example, a curtain fringe is a much longer, softer look that frames the face much like a curtain frames a window, rather than a solid blunt bang that sits heavy on the forehead and is usually cut above the brows to draw attention to the face and eyes.
Wispy Ends: This term refers to how the ends of your hair look. This can be achieved with a razor or scissors. The result is soft ends, with less density, that blend into each other, ideal for those with higher density hair and a straighter texture. When done well, wispy ends can provide movement and texture to hair that otherwise lacks it.
Blunt Edges: This term refers to how the ends of the hair look. This is achieved with scissors and leaves the most amount of density on the ends, thus providing the least amount of movement and texture. Recommended for those with super fine hair and curly hair.
A-Line: This term refers to how the perimeter, or length, of hair is cut. This is shorter in the back and longer in the front. It’s up to you to decide how severe the A-line is, so go to your stylist prepared to answer some questions about length.
Asymmetric: This is a term that can be easily confused. This refers to a haircut that is two different lengths. It can be designed disconnected or connected to the other side of your haircut. Typically, when talking about asymmetry, we are talking about the length you see in the front of your hair. For example, the left side can be cut to your chin and the right side can be longer down to your shoulder.
Undercut: This is used to remove bulk in the bottom half of your hair near the nape and can be used in any haircut, if designed well. It can also vary in length from long to shaved, depending on the look you want.
Micro Fringe: This is a term used for super short bangs that are incorporated into the rest of your hair. Typically, the length is about two inches long.
Shattered Ends: This is another term used to describe how you want your ends to look. Typically, they’re cut using a point-cutting technique to create irregularities in the length of hair. If you think about how a piece of glass shatters when it’s hit; it breaks in different directions. This gives you movement while maintaining a healthy density on the ends.
One Length: This is pretty self-explanatory. There are no layers in this cut. This look is heavy and flat, great for those with low density.
Square Bob: This is more of a technique and haircut, rather than a term. I’m always getting clients asking for blunt bobs, which is technically a square bob. It’s a strong and well-balanced shape, but it provides little volume or movement if you soften the ends a bit with a little point cutting.
Shaggy Layers: Just FYI, this is a very layered haircut, and, when done wrong, it will look like a mullet. But, if it’s done right, this is a super rad haircut. This can result in short layers on the crown and gradually gets longer, as you work your way to the ends.
Graduation: This is another technique common in haircutting. Although there are only three types of graduation, the most common is the triangle. It’s short in the back, longer in the front and can be designed in various lengths. For example, Victoria Beckham’s brunette graduated bob from the mid-2000s was a popular haircut.
De-Bulking: This is something we do with those who have a mammoth amount of hair. It can be done with texturizing shears, undercuts or layering. But, before you go and ask your stylist to de-bulk your hair, you need to be very clear as to where your hair feels the heaviest and how you much bulk you want to remove. This is a method that should be done with extreme care. The point of doing this is to help balance the density throughout the hair, rather than “thinning it out”; no one wants thin hair.
Razor Cut: You can have an entire haircut done with a razor. This will result in a super soft and feathered look.
Lived-In: I included this look because, in the last few years, when that “lived-in texture”, coined by Anh Co Tran from Ramirez tran, hit salons across North America, it has taken off. This results in a super, soft livable worn-in, beachy texture. However, not everyone knows how to execute this, so if you are interested in this look, you need to find someone who has experience, because when it comes to haircuts, execution is KEY!
Movement: Although not a technique used by hairstylists, it’s something we want to achieve in haircuts, especially that long, flowy hair. If it doesn’t move, it lacks volume, and most people want volume and movement. This can be achieved with layering, texturing the ends and using the correct shampoos and conditioners to help prevent buildup.
Density: This, also, is not a technique but good to understand. Density refers to how much hair you have on your head. This is so important to know as hairstylists because, if we don’t analyze your hair density, we won’t be able to give you a great haircut. So, those with low-density hair should have almost no layers and medium density can work with texture. For those with high-density hair, you can layer your locks by de-bulking and texturing. So, basically, the more hair you have, the more we can work with.
Texture: You need to know your own texture and learn how to work with it. This is also important when you are visiting a new stylist or changing up your hair look. If you are someone with coarse, frizzy and curly hair, and you rarely wear your hair straight, it’s best to go in with your hair naturally styled, so your stylist has an idea of what they are working with. Also, bringing in some inspiration pictures of others with similar texture, but not really styled too much, will also make your haircutting results more successful. The same goes for those who don’t have any experience doing their hair and want a wash-and-wear style; make sure your stylist is aware that you want an easy style.
Short Pixie Hair: Pixie is a style that is short; it is cut above the ears, and, in so many variations, depending on the shape you want. It can be done round, disconnected, long fringe short sides, can be textured or flat. Really, the possibilities are endless, if your hair allows it.
Medium Pixie Hair: This, unlike its short friend, has a bit more length and density to it. Not so bold and funky; a bit more soft and subtle with a hint of edge.
Long Pixie: This lays somewhere between a medium pixie and a bob and, like the other pixies, its possibilities are also endless, depending on your hair and your hairstylist’s abilities to think outside the box.
Creative Haircut: I like this one. It leaves your hairstyle in the hands of the artist. Only go down this route if you absolutely 100% trust and believe in your stylist and you’re ready for a change.
Precision vs. Texture: A precision haircut is like a well-crafted piece of architecture – every hair has a place and is done at precise angles and lengths to achieve a defined shape. A textured haircut is much like sculpting – you don’t always have a definitive guide, but visually, it looks balanced and intentional. It’s created using texturing methods with free-hand layering and is visually designed.

My recommendation to you is that, if you want a haircut that works with the hair you have, find someone who specializes solely on cutting and styling hair. Chances are that she/he spends time educating themselves and will have more experience with using different techniques to achieve their customers’ dream hairstyles.

These communication tips were found at The Right Hairstyles

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YOUR CART

‘Recession hair’ has returned as this season’s beauty trend

The “Scandi Hairline” Trend Will be Everywhere This Summer

Dear Clients, Read This Before Going Blonde!

5 Truths Every Client Should Read
Before Going Blonde

As the Chair Turns - August 2020

Haircut Terms for Better Communication with Your Stylist

Hair by Brian

Categories

Archives

YOUR CART

‘Recession hair’ has returned as this season’s beauty trend

The “Scandi Hairline” Trend Will be Everywhere This Summer

Dear Clients, Read This Before Going Blonde!

5 Truths Every Client Should Read ​Before Going Blonde

As the Chair Turns - August 2020

Haircut Terms for Better Communication with Your Stylist

Hair by Brian

Categories

Archives

5 Truths Every Client Should Read
Before Going Blonde