On-Trend Hair Colouring Techniques Explained By An Expert

This popular technique creates super-soft, sun-kissed colours throughout the hair. It’s achieved by leaving natural colour in between lighter pieces and backcombing the coloured pieces to soften any lines. It can also be done by painting diagonal sections of the hair and leaving sections in between completely natural. Balayage is a low-maintenance ‘lived-in’ style that’s subtle, but can be built up over time – perfect when you’re ready to hit refresh but don’t want a major overhaul. It works on most hair types and colours, and can transform a one-tonal solid colour into ribbons of different shades.

The clue is in the name for this one. We apply what we call ‘the lights’ to wet hair when the cuticle is open. Doing this helps to break up the base by a couple of shades, so it’s ideal for covering a harsh hairline or fluffy regrowth. It’s also better for your hair because applying it wet helps to restrict extreme damage, leaving hair stronger, smoother and healthier looking. I often recommend it to those wanting just a slight hint of lightness, or for anyone wanting to break up more solid shades. Wet lights will only lift you a couple of tones, so it’s one of the softest and most subtle techniques you can go for.

Ombré melts darker roots into brighter ends. It’s a lot more obvious than balayage because there’s no definition of natural colour through the ends. Rather than picking pieces and leaving natural shade in between, this technique picks up every strand of hair and colours the mid-lengths to the ends. The process has come a long way since it first started – it used to be a very noticeable transition, whereas now the techniques professionals use ensure a more seamless blend. Always make sure your stylist has blended the colour consistently and thoroughly, because if not it will look like a dip-dye job.

This is for those with ombré hair who are looking for a more natural, broken-up colour. It is also for clients who have had over-processed balayage, where repeated application has left them with an ombré style. Reverse balayage is all about adding the client’s natural hair colour back in. The stylist paints natural colour through the mid-length to the ends, giving hair more definition and reversing it from ombré to balayage. This technique often works best on darkening lighter hair – think blonde roots to coffee-coloured tones – although most hair types can try it.

Smudging is another technique that breaks up the base of your colour, either to blend out your roots or to soften things up. It’s usually applied on wet hair and used like a tint – it stays on for a few minutes until it has lifted the hair half or a whole shade up. It’s perfect for dark blondes, but if you have darker hair, it throws off too much warmth and you’ll likely end up with what’s called a ‘root glow’ – in other words, a lighter root that’s very visible.

Chunky lights have become more popular recently and they’re a good option for those with thicker hair who want obvious colour. The chunkier you go, the more visible they become – especially when the light catches them. If you want something more subtle and discreet, baby lights are the better option, but the chunky technique can give great movement and weight to hair.