Anyone who’s ever needed a good confidence boost (so essentially all of us!) knows one of the best ways to get it is by scheduling a much-needed hair appointment. Whether it’s a root touch up, a dramatic chop or some new multi-dimensional highlights, the feeling you get from walking out of the salon is unmatched. The downside, though, is the color just never seems to last long enough. Enter: the “lived-in blonde” look. This popular hair coloring technique is being used more and more by colorists everywhere, as it’s a game-changer when it comes to prolonging the time in between appointments. Here, we break down everything you need to know about what the lived-in blonde technique is, why it’s great for women over 50 and what to ask for the next time you head to your hair appointment. Plus, a few tips if you want to try the look out at home.
What is the lived-in blonde hairstyle?
When a colorist refers to “lived-in blonde”, they are typically describing a low-maintenance blonde color that, when using the right technique, is easy to grow out or “live in” — hence the name. The biggest pro of this is that it doesn’t require much upkeep or constant touch ups.
“Lived-in blonde is a natural, sun kissed look, created for those who want to go months between hair appointments, but still want to look like they have ‘fresh’ hair [color],” explains colorist and blonde specialist Morgan Frankhouse.
This blonde color is typically not the platinum, ashy blonde you may see trending on your Pinterest feed. While platinum can look great, it is unfortunately a very high maintenance color that requires frequent touch ups. Instead, the lived-in blonde style is more of a neutral to warm, natural-looking blonde that your roots can easily blend into.
Why is a lived-in blonde color beneficial for women over 50?
For mature women, hair is usually already in a more fragile state. As we age, our strands tend to become weaker and we may experience hair thinning and hair loss, which can only exacerbate when we expose locks to dye.
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If you love your blonde hair (or want to try going blonde), but don’t want to have to constantly put your hair under that stress, the lived-in blonde look is perfect for you. It will be less damaging to hair since it requires less touch ups. And best of all, it will save you money since you can extend your time between appointments. Or it can be replicated at home to save you even more.
Which techniques are used for lived-in blonde?
“There are multiple techniques that can be used to create a lived-in blonde,” says Frankhouse. “One of them being lowlights and highlights.” Lowlights and highlights are a great way to add dimension to your hair, which can make your style look more appealing to the eyes.
Frankhouse continues, “The highlights, if done right, will give you that brightness and blonde while the lowlights bring in that dimension specifically formulated to match your roots.” So as explained, using a mix of both lowlights and highlights creates the perfect harmony you need for a low maintenance blonde. By matching your roots, the lowlights will make the blonde easier to grow out and more natural-looking.
A lived-in blonde look: What to ask for at the salon
While it is possible to color your own hair at home, we do recommend going to a pro if it’s the first time you’re trying out blonde or the lived-in blonde color.
“Tell your stylist you want a low maintenance, dimensional blonde, that will have a seamless grow-out but still makes you feel bright,” Frankhouse advises. Tip: It’s always a great idea to come prepared with inspo pictures: “They really do help so much,” adds Frankhouse.
How to get lived-in blonde hair color at home
The easiest way to DIY this coloring technique is pick a kit that comes with both bleach and a darker dye, like L’Oréal Paris Couleur Experte in Toasted Coconut. First, apply highlights by painting bleach on various 1⁄2″ sections of hair. Let sit for 30 minutes; rinse and blow-dry hair. Next, apply the darker dye onto roots and 1⁄4″ sections in between the lighter streaks. Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse.
How to extend your lived-in blonde hair color
The great thing about opting for specifically a lived-in blonde is that it is intended to extend your color. It was made to make going blonde much more easy of a process, inflicting less damage on those fragile locks.
“The good thing about a lived-in blonde is that it was created for people to be able to go six months without needing a touch up,” affirms Frankhouse.
However, there are ways to make your blonde color last even longer, on top of choosing the lived-in technique. “Using color-safe shampoos and conditioners, as well as heat protectant and low heat settings, are great ways to help maintain hair color as long as possible,” Frankhouse suggests.
If you notice your blonde getting brassy, you can also try using a purple shampoo, which will help tone your color and take the yellow/orange hues out; We like the Redken Blondage Shampoo.
For more hair tips and tricks, click through these stories:
How to Grow Out Bangs: 5 Easy Strategies From Hairstylists That Will Make the Process Easier
Hair Dusting Keeps Strands Looking Youthful and Healthy! Plus You Can Do the Haircut Technique at Home
At-Home Hair Bonding Products Reverse Damage for Healthy, Youthful Strands Without Spending $100s at the Salon
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