Over the past several months, we’ve seen a major shift in the mainstream beauty aesthetic. Slowly but surely, the bold glamor and Kardashian look are waning. More low-key aesthetics are taking over like minimalist skin-care routines, undetectable cosmetic treatments and that overarching, all-natural vibe.
Another huge player in this trend revolution was that of lived-in hair color, which salon and spa software brand GlossGenius ranked as the number one hair trend of the year. The increase in searches for lived-in color solidifies the changing tides in today’s beauty world. And, we don’t anticipate the low-maintenance hair color trend going out of style anytime soon. Ahead, an expert-approved guide to lived-in color.
Featured Experts
- Paul Labrecque is the creative director, master stylist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
- Lorena M. Valdes is a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago
How do you create and maintain lived-in color?
While recreating today’s hair color trends can be as simple as showing a reference photo, Valdes explains that lived-in color is all about customization. “To create that lived-in color look, customize a color to mimic natural highlights and dimension in one’s hair,” she begins. “Typically a combination of foils and balayage are used [to] create that look.” Valdes also emphasizes staying within a few shades of the client’s natural color when going for a live-in look to prevent noticeable fading.
Labrecque agrees, reiterating that customized highlights and meticulous blending are the keys to a high-quality, lived-in color. “Lived-in color blends highlights with lowlights for a more natural blend and look,” Labrecque notes. He also points out that the style is easy to maintain in practice. “Lived-in color is pretty much maintenance-free, as this type of color leaves much less of a noticeable root.” Another great aspect of lived-in color is versatility. “All hair colors lend themselves to this look,” Labrecque says.
How to Prevent Lived-In Color from Fading
As a natural brunette who spent over a year with platinum blonde hair and a shadow root, I know all too well that the line between a chic, lived-in color look and one that appears faded and dated is extraordinarily thin. Not to fret, though—there are ways to prevent your lived-in color from creeping into faded territory. “To prevent unwanted fading, oxidizing the lowlights is key, especially in climates where there’s a lot of sun,” says Labrecque. “Wear sunscreen and a hat to help with this, too. Those items will help lessen the sun’s rays, which can bring unwanted red tones to the hair.”
As Valdes adds, ample heat protection when styling and routine touch-ups can also prevent your lived-in color from looking bleak. “Maintaining a gloss to refresh color in between appointments is important,” she says. “Also, use a heat protectant before every heat style. I also recommend a moisturizing mask once or twice a month.”
The Best Products to Maintain Lived-In Color
You can maintain colored hair in any form with expert-approved products that keep hair healthy and radiant between visits while preventing fading. As Valdes mentioned earlier, heat protectants are huge in maintaining lived-in color. Here are two favorites: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protectant ($46) and Kérastase Chronologiste Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment ($55). For a hydrating treatment to keep strands healthy, Valdes also recommends K18’s iconic Bond Builder Mask ($75).
For any colored-hair maintenance, Labrecque always suggests his signature Paul Labrecque Color Line ($110), which he notes contains “Four different products that will beautifully cleanse, condition and help style your hair and keep it vibrant and all of which contain UVA and UVB protections.”
