Anyone who colors their hair knows the grow-out phase is the most high-maintenance part of the commitment—and for those covering gray, the contrast between new growth and colored ends can be particularly noticeable. However, summer’s hottest hair-color trend addresses the growing-out phase: meet French blending.
French blending has taken off as a popular summer hair trend for those who want to soften and diffuse gray hair without completely covering it up, allowing them to embrace the gray and enjoy much more subtle root grow-out. However, anyone who just wants to weave some color through their strands can try this trend too. Ahead, read all about the French blending hair color that’s trending across ages, especially with mature women with gray hair.
Meet the Expert
- Jacob Schmidt is a senior colorist at Ollin Salon NYC
What Is French Blending?
French blending is a specific way of coloring the hair that helps deliver more subtle results. “French blending is a hair-color technique that creates a very soft, lived-in color,” says New York City hair colorist Jacob Schmidt. “It is often referred to as French girl hair color.” Beyond that, it gets to the root (pun intended) of the classic demarcation line that’s so common with traditional gray coverage (or any hair color that’s drastically different than your natural color).
By “blending” the hair color with the natural color and implementing strategic techniques of lowlights, highlights and the like, you get a much softer result with your natural color still weaved throughout. There are several “levels” to French blending as well—you can opt for just a touch-up-like effect to subtly camouflage grays with some lowlights, a retouch to soften the demarcation line with dimensional tones or a full blend all over your hair to diffuse grays all throughout the head.
Why Is French Blending Popular?
Its low-maintenance results are a large part of the appeal — a quality that’s become a deciding factor across virtually every beauty category right now. “It is designed to be low-maintenance,” says Schmidt, which translates to fewer salon visits, less damage over time, and more money staying in your pocket.
It’s also popular as beauty trends continue to emphasize “you-but-better” results. French blending doesn’t completely hide your natural color, whether that’s gray, blonde, brunette or otherwise, but instead incorporates some new color into your existing hair through strategic placement to create that natural effect. “French blending creates multi-dimensional tones and movement, no matter the hair color,” says Schmidt. “For blondes it is creamy beige, butter blonde and soft gold. For brunettes it is mocha, caramel and honey melted together. For redheads it’s soft copper gold and auburn blended.”
Is French Blending Better Than Coloring?
French blending still involves color, but the technique is designed to work with your hair rather than against it. For anyone looking to cut down on salon time or step back from full gray coverage, it’s worth considering.. “It’s best for clients looking for a softer grow out and less maintenance,” says Schmidt. It can also be extra beneficial for those with damaged hair because it “also adds dimension without being over processed and it works well with all hair types,” he adds. It’s super versatile and results in a more natural color.
Tips for Maintaining Hair After French Blending
Once your hair is colored, it’s important to take care of it to extend results for as long as possible. Here are some basic tips to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny:
- Use a color-safe shampoo: “The best way to maintain French blended hair color is to use a color safe shampoo like Shu Uemura Color Lustre Protecting Shampoo ($56),” says Schmidt. He recommends using purple shampoo for blonde and blue for brunette when needed to neutralize brassy tones.
- Incorporate in-salon hair glosses: “Schedule a gloss every six to eight weeks to keep the look glossy and healthy,” says Schmidt. You can also try at-home hair glosses in between if you want to really boost shine and health.
- Don’t forget heat protectant: Protecting your strands is non-negotiable regardless of whether you color—but for those who do, it’s also the single best way to extend the life of your color. “When using heat, use a heat protectant spray or cream like ColorWow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ($30) or K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask ($75),” says Schmidt.
- Invest in a silk pillowcase: Schmidt says this simple swap can reduce friction and hair-color fading.
- Spray dry shampoo: When your hair gets oily, using a “dry shampoo can extend time between washes, which limits fading,” says Schmidt, who recommends Oribe’s Gold Lust Dry Shampoo ($52).
