RIP Balayage? The Hair Trends Your Hairdresser Wants You To Know

Next time you’re sitting in the hairdresser’s chair, getting your bi-monthly colour and cut, consider changing up your regular order a bit. From custom cuts to the colouring technique you should be asking for, we asked top hairdressers to spill the beans on the hottest trends in the world of hair.

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BYE BYE BALAYAGE

This season, colour trends are leaning towards natural highlighted colour, but brought closer towards the roots for a brighter, lighter effect. That’s according to Elizabeth Shedwick, the award-winning colourist at Paddington’s Toni&Guy salon, in Sydney’s East.

“I still work quite freehand with those, to not create a harsh regrowth line,” says Elizabeth, “However on the darker base shades, you may want to utilise something like a root shadow just to give you that softness that will transition through.”

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BESPOKE CUTS

As for hair cuts, nailing the most stylish ‘do this season is less about following particular styles or trends, and more about getting a bespoke service that makes you feel the most confident – at least according to Fabien Provost, celebrity hairdresser and heir to the throne of the legendary French hair salon powerhouse, Franck Provost Paris.

“I think now, when we listen to the clients in the salon, they wear everything – short hair, long hair, layers. So I think the trend is for both short and long hair, but we have to adapt it to what the woman wants specifically,” explains Fabien.

SKIN-CARE INFUSED HAIR PRODUCTS

Fabien’s sister, Olivia Provost, explained that the most modern approach to treating your mane troubles is to follow a specific regimen, just like you would your visage.

“It’s like your skin,” she attests. “If you do a mask, or if you put cream everyday on skin that you haven’t cleansed, it’s just product sitting on top of product – it doesn’t have any effect. It’s the same for the hair. So it’s important to use detoxifying products once in a while, to get rid of the build up. Whatever regular shampoo and conditioner you use (for example a colour protect range), after using it for a week or two, it’s important to give the hair a break. Once you return to your normal routine, those products will have a better effect and be much more active on your hair because it’ll be truly clean and detoxed.”

IMAGE: INSTAGRAM @TONIANDGUYSOUTHYARRA

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WHAT’S NOT TRENDING IN THE SALON

Now that you know what stylish cut and colour to request at your next appointment, only one more question remains – what does your hairdresser find not-so-hot?

It didn’t take long for Elizabeth to come up with this one: “It would probably be people wanting to have really drastic changes that maybe aren’t so achievable, but then not wanting to spend the money to [actually] do it.”

The same goes for maintaining your mane post-salon, especially after a colouring service – invest in quality at-home care to prolong and protect the vibrancy and life of your hue. Your hair (and wallet) will thank you for it.

Story by Marina Gainulina