Embracing our grays has never been more popular. And the latest trend in naturally working in those silver stands for that easy, breezy, low-maintenance vibe is the very chic-sounding (and looking): French blending.
A color application technique created by L’Oreal Professionnel, French blending uses strategic color placement to blend in your gray hair seamlessly. It’s a bespoke experience, says L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador Krista Bartik, where placement and tone are tailored to each client. “[It’s] much softer and more modern,” Bartik explains to Vogue. “Instead of covering grays, we blend them into the overall color using depth and dimension.”
How It Works
Bartik says that there are three different types of French blending to choose from—first blending, retouch blending, and total blending—and which one you opt for is all dependent on how many grays you have.
First blending consists of adding soft lowlights and naturally blended clusters of grays to the hair. It’s an ideal choice for those experiencing their first grays. Retouch blending is more about maintaining a blended look; you soften the regrowth line at the root, and add in light and dimension to lengths and ends. Total blending makes the biggest impact, she says, as it addresses the whole head of hair and combines balayage and other coloring techniques for that diffused, natural finish.
Kadi Lee, celebrity colorist and founder of Highbrow Hippie, says that French blending doesn’t necessarily differ based on hair texture. Colorists usually have their own systems when approaching these methods to a client’s specific hair needs, she says, and French blending generally works for all hair textures. “What changes is the application [of the French blending],” agrees Bartik. “I adjust my formula, sectioning, and saturation based on the hair’s texture, so the blend looks as seamless as possible based on the client’s hair type.”
It can be broken down as follows:
For Straight Hair
Celebrity colorist Jenna Perry says that French blending on fine, straight hair is kept incredibly delicate. Think minimal baby highlights to avoid harsh lines or over-processing to focus on translucency and shine, she says.
For Wavy Hair
Lee says that French blending on wavy hair is particularly forgiving, as the natural movement and texture of the waves help color blend more effortlessly. Perry would place soft, ribbon-like highlights through the natural bends of the hair and gloss everything into an even tone. She also likes finishing it with a cut that enhances movement. “So the bend reads effortless and sunlit,” she says.
