Last year we had the succulent-inspired, opal and lest we forget leopard print coloured hair. But now looking to the biggest hair looks of 2018, we think we've finally found a trend that we can get on-board with. The reverse balayage is the new colour technique taking over our feed and we've got serious hair envy. The technique is the total opposite of a balayage (blending darker strands and lightening them a sun-kissed honey hue). Instead, this new rule-breaking technique focuses on darkening lighter hues – think blonde roots leading to coffee-coloured tips. The result? A surprisingly dramatic look. And it's not as high-maintenance as it looks either.
We chatted to Sam Burnett, session stylist and founder of London salon Hare & Bone for a better insight into the trend. He explained: "Most people can pull of this look as it suits both lighter and darker hues, although it looks best on caramel honey hues and mid to dark chocolate tones. Depending on the individuals face shape and skin tone, the root smudging technique can be used on a variation of hair lengths too. The direction of the tones can be changed for a more subtle or drastic effect."
He spoke about how the trend differs from a normal balayage or ombré effect - "Think of it as the opposite to a traditional balayage. Instead of a natural graduation of light to dark hues, it's the opposite. Unlike the ombré colour technique, multidimensional tones are used throughout the mid-lengths and ends rather than block colouring." Sam also explained how to upkeep the look - "Book in for a gloss toner in between your colour appointments to maintain the overall finish. We love Goldwell Elumen gloss toner."