I think the push for 'lived-in' color is making some clients look washed out, not effortless.

After switching a client from a full head of lowlights to a brighter, face-framing balayage over 6 months, the difference in how her skin tone popped was huge, so what's your take on when a low-maintenance look actually needs more contrast?

3 comments

3 Comments

milaprice12d ago

Totally get this. That lived-in trend can really drain the life out of someone's face if it's too flat. The key is looking at their natural depth before you even pick a color. If someone has lower contrast between their skin, eyes, and natural hair, a single all-over shade will just muddy them up. Adding brighter pieces around the face, like you did, builds that dimension back. It tricks the eye into seeing more color in the skin. Sometimes low-maintenance means a more thoughtful placement, not just less noticeable regrowth.

gibson.elizabeth12d ago

Yeah, @milaprice is spot on about needing that brightness. My stylist did a few face-framing slices on me last time instead of a full highlight, and it made all the difference without looking overdone. It really does wake up your whole face.

the_troy5d ago

Exactly. That face framing trick is everything. @gibson.elizabeth has the right idea with those slices. My stylist did the same for me last year and it was a total game changer.