Salons are (hopefully) opening soon and by then, our hair is going to need a major refresh. Luckily we already know what we’ll be getting. Face-framing highlights, the Kylie Jenner-approved colour trend that screams summer.
Face-framers are like a more subtle take on the 90s two-tone trend – or The Geri Halliwell, as we call it. Two-tone hair is all about that stark contrast between, well, the two tones (which is why it works so well in rainbow colour). Face-framing highlights are more blended. Think of them as an add-on to balayage.
Lightening the hair around the face creates a halo-effect and creates an illusion that the whole head of hair is lighter. Basically, it’s like brightening your hair with less damage. The style can be personalised to look more or less natural depending on your preference. The width of the front highlight, the number of finer highlights towards the back of the head and the contrast in tones all play a part.
The best thing about face-framing highlights? It doesn’t matter if lockdown has left you with 4-inch roots. If your existing colour has grown out, that’s fine. It’s actually easier (and lower maintenance) to blend your roots and brighten up the front. We’ll be counting down the days then.
By Beth Ludolf
FAQs
What are face-framing highlights and how do they work?
Face-framing highlights are a hair colour technique that lightens the hair around your face. They create a halo-effect and give the illusion that your whole head of hair is lighter. This style is more blended than the traditional 90s two-tone trend, working as an add-on to balayage.
Can you get face-framing highlights if you have grown-out roots?
Yes, face-framing highlights actually work well if you have grown-out roots, even up to 4-inch roots. The technique is designed to blend with your natural hair, making it easier and lower maintenance to brighten the front without worrying about root regrowth.
How can face-framing highlights be personalised to your style?
You can personalise face-framing highlights by adjusting the width of the front sections, the number of finer highlights at the back, and the contrast in tones. This flexibility allows you to achieve a look that’s either more natural or more dramatic, depending on your preference.
Why are face-framing highlights considered a lower-damage option?
Face-framing highlights lighten just the hair around your face, so less hair is processed overall. This approach means you get a brighter look with less damage compared to lightening your entire head of hair.
Do face-framing highlights require frequent maintenance?
Face-framing highlights are a lower maintenance option because they blend well with your roots and existing colour. Even if your hair has grown out, the highlights help brighten the front without needing frequent touch-ups.