Reverse Balayage: The Roots of This New Trend

Did you go overboard with bleach, and are now anxiously waiting for it to grow out so you can start anew? The good news is that the wait is over. Reverse balayage is a hot new hair trend that lets you rock your former, blonder self for awhile longer. No one will ever be able to tell you're intentionally going back to brunette. This new colour scheme is the reverse form of baylage (which means ‘to sweep' in French), a free-form highlighting method that makes the blond segments more dramatic. It's a lived-in look that is also totally fresh and dynamic. Reverse balayage sweeps darker dye from the roots in strategic areas, providing an ideal solution for hair that's been bleached too often. It's a stylish interpretation of the traditional baylage, but does not damage your hair further. Top colourists say that reverse balayage, which is also known as ‘shadow lowlighting', involves applying the darker colours inward, closer to the back of the head, and lightening the front hairline. The result is much more natural in appearance, provides better coverage, and even boosts the complexion, making it seem as if you've been in the sun instead of the salon. Both natural and salon-produced blondes are embracing this season's latest take on the balayage phenomenon. The reverse style is firing the imagination as it totally reinvents the original colouring technique. It's slightly unorthodox, but everyone is loving it as a unique, multi-dimensional colour enhancement. The alluring mix of light and dark can be striking and bold for those of us who are more daring, or soft and subtle for the more laid-back personality. Lead stylists are predicting that those with blond or lighter coloured hair will be attracted to a progression of Balayage and Ombré techniques in 2016, with reverse balayage leading the way. Fashionistas who love treating their hair colour like a hot new accessory will also be thrilled to hear that metallic, grungy-chic hues are on the rise, providing the perfect antidote to those of us who want to add depth to our hair but are totally bored of greys and lilacs. Asked about these dramatic new patina shades, leading stylists in the top salons say that their clients are going for muted pastel hues that are dense and metallic, similar to what model Chloe Norgaard is wearing these days. From classy reverse balayage to rocker grunge, your imagination's the limit when it comes to what you can do with your hair.