Trying to keep up with all of the latest and greatest hair coloring techniques is basically a full-time job (we should know, it’s literally our full-time job). If you’re looking to upgrade your hair color but have no idea how to do it and no time to research all of the techniques, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for a complete makeover or a quick and easy way to update your dark brown hair, we’re breaking down six of the most popular hair color techniques out there. All you have to do is bring this article and the inspiration photos to your colorist.
Hair Color Technique: Interior Shadow
We love light hair colors but the maintenance can really start to take a toll if you weren’t blessed with naturally blonde locks. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to slay a light color, consider the interior shadow technique. Much like ombre hair, the shadow hair technique creates a gradient effect beginning with darkness at the roots and light ends. While you can create an ombre effect with any hair color, your colorist will keep the dark roots close to your natural color so that your roots will flawlessly blend in as they grow out.If it sounds like an interior shadow is the right coloring technique for you, check out: Shadow Hair Is The Low-Maintenance Way To Transition Into Your Fall Hair Color.
Hair Color Technique: Money Piece
We usually rely on makeup to give our face a much-needed glow and extra pop of color but wouldn’t it be nice to wake up and know your hair color’s got you covered? If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to brighten up your face instantly, the money piece is perfect for you. The money piece technique adds a pop of color and vibrancy to your mane while accentuating your hair color and facial features. It’s basically like highlighter, for your hair.
If it sounds like the money piece is the perfect hair color technique for you, check out: The Money Piece: The Trick That Makes Hair Color Look Instantly More Expensive.
Hair Color Technique: Gray Coverage
If you’re not hoping to achieve a trendy gray hair color, gray strands can easily become the bane of your existence. If you want to get rid of your gray strands once and for all (or at least until your roots grow out) opt for a permanent dye to help conceal your grays.If you’re looking to get rid of your gray hair ASAP, check out: How To Color Every Last Gray Hair, According To An Expert and 3 Easy Ways To Cover Gray Hair In No Time.
Hair Color Technique: Lowlights
For as long as we can remember, highlights have reigned supreme as the ultimate way to add movement and dimension to your mane. Light colors aren’t the only way to upgrade your hair color, however. If you’re looking to add depth and dimension to your mane but aren’t in the mood for blonde highlights, opt for lowlights. Lowlights are the exact opposite of highlights: small sections of your hair dyed a shade or two darker than your base color.
If it sounds like lowlights are the perfect hair color technique for you, check out: What Are Lowlights? An Expert Explains Why Your Hair Needs Them Now.
Hair Color Technique: Root Smudge
If you’re a natural brunette with an affinity for blonde locks, you know the struggle of watching your dark roots make their dreaded appearance. What if we told you there was a way to make the growing out process easier and even downright beautiful? We’re talking about a root smudge, also known as smoked out roots. For this hair color technique, your colorist will leave your roots a little darker than usual and seamless blend your roots with your chosen hair color so that when your hair grows out it looks like a style—and not like you haven’t made time to head back to the salon.If it sounds like your roots need a little smudging, check out: Smoked Out Roots: What To Know About The Trending Technique.
Hair Color Technique: Highlights
If you know anything about hair color, chances are good you’ve heard the term highlights. If images of streaky, chunky highlights immediately fill your mind, however, fear not. The highlights of yesteryear have gotten a major upgrade and the options are limitless. Whether you’re looking for a dramatically lightened style or a natural glow, there’s a highlighting technique that’s perfect for you.
If you’re searching for the perfect highlight technique for your hair, check out: Balayage Vs. Highlights Vs. Ombre: What's The Difference? And take our quiz: What Kind Of Highlights Should You Try?
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