The Tamesis
Embracing our gray has never been more popular. Use these silvers naturally to represent a relaxed, breezy, low-maintenance vibe. The latest trend is something that sounds (and looks) very chic: the French mix.
French Blend is a color application technique created by L’Oréal Expertise that utilizes strategic color placement to blend seamlessly into your gray hair. Krista Bartik, L’Oréal Professional Ambassador, said it’s a bespoke experience where the layout and tone are tailored to each customer. “[It’s] Softer, more modern,” explains Bartik Fashion. “Instead of covering the grays, we used depth and dimension to blend them into the overall color.”
how it works
Bartik says there are three different types of French blends to choose from—first blend, touch-up blend, and full blend—and which one you choose depends entirely on how much gray you have.
The first blend involves adding soft lowlights and naturally blended gray clumps to the hair. This is an ideal option for those who are experiencing gray hair for the first time. Touch-up blending is more about maintaining a blended look; you can soften regenerated lines at the roots and add light and dimension to the lengths and ends. Fully blended, she says, has the greatest impact because it treats the entire hair and is combined with balancing and other coloring techniques for a dispersed, natural-looking finish.
Kadi Lee, celebrity colorist and founder of Highbrow Hippie, says French blending doesn’t necessarily vary based on hair type. She says colorists often have their own systems for using these methods based on a client’s specific hair needs, and French blending generally works for all hair textures. “What changes is the application [of the French blending]” Bartik agrees. “I adjust the formula, zoning, and saturation based on the texture of the hair so that the blend looks as seamless as possible based on the client’s hair type. “
It can be broken down as follows:
Suitable for straight hair
Celebrity hair colorist Jenna Perry says French blending can keep fine, straight hair incredibly delicate. She says to keep baby highlights to a minimum to avoid harsh lines or over-processing to focus on translucence and shine.
Suitable for curly hair
Lee says French blending on wavy hair is especially forgiving because the natural movement and texture of the waves help the color blend more easily. Perry will place soft, ribbon-like highlights in the hair’s natural curves and dye everything to an even shade. She also likes to finish it off with a cut that enhances movement. “So the bends look easy and sunny,” she said.
