These 8 Hair Colour Trends for 2020 Might Make You Reconsider Balayage

July 24, 2020 at 06:00AM

The time has finally come— hair salons are back up and running (let’s all take a moment to quietly appreciate that after three and a half months of lockdown), and if you weren’t one of the first over the threshold it’s likely you’re probably counting down the days, or at least planning for your next visit. The challenge, after getting hold of a prized appointment, is of course deciding what to do with it. 

When it comes to the cut a lot of us probably have a favourite style we can’t wait to get back to. Maybe you’re sick of your lockdown look and desperate to get the chop. Either way, it’s not the cut but 2020’s hair colour trends that are getting us excited to rejoin the world of up-to-date styles right now.

Maybe it’s the hours spent scrolling through Instagram and TikTok admiring how inventive celebs and influencers have been getting, or maybe it’s just born of a desire to shake off the last few months and see out 2020 feeling refreshed, but now that we know we won’t be risking a botched at-home job, we’re seriously reconsidering just settling for the usual balayage number. 

According to the experts, there’s never been a better time. Jane Mayhead, Trichologist at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, says “a break from colouring can be great for the hair, new growth is more resilient” so it will likely take to the hair much better and without as much damage. Just be more mindful if your hair is curly or coarser, such as Afro-Caribbean hair, “the hair should be monitored more closely during colouring after a break, it tends to be more porous and the chemicals react more quickly to this hair type.” says Mayhead. 

ADVERTISEMENT

If you’re feeling brave, Dua Lipa’s your gal to look to— her bleached front sections have kicked off a huge trend we are seeing everywhere at the moment, or why not try her pastel pink rinse. Jodie Searle, Senior Colourist, Michael Van Clarke says, if you’re taking this route “always use a semi permanent colour, although if applied on porous or bleached hair, it can still be almost permanent so bare this in mind. If your hair is brunette or darker, the chances are you will have to bleach your hair before you can apply a lighter shade such as pink.” 

Then there’s the various shades of red, most recently sported by Kim K (anyone else reminded of childhood discos and hair mascara with her latest posts?), or maybe it’s a chance to embrace those grown out roots with dipped tips. Icey blonde is also having another moment and nothing says ‘I’ve just stepped out of the salon’ more boldly, let’s just hope we don’t have to endure a second lockdown to deal with the upkeep. 

Slightly less experimental but no less beautiful, embracing the tone of your natural colour is very much ‘in’ too according to Searle who says her clients have been asking to enhance their recently rediscovered ‘au natural’ shades— rich chocolate brunettes and dusky beige blondes certainly require less touch ups if you’ve been scarred by a recent roots situation. If it’s a subtle lift you’re after, go for golden honey coloured highlights through the ends of darker hair a la Selena Gomez and Aysha Sow— a great way to ease back into your colour routine with no worry of regrowth. 

If you’re taking the plunge, don’t forget to get a patch test first, “it’s the most important thing I want to emphasise when considering re-booking a colouring appointment after a long break, especially if you’ve been unwell or changed any medications.” says Mayhead. And be sure to “use regular conditioning treatments after the colour process to retain both colour and health.” Be especially mindful of this if you have Afro-Caribbean hair as it is more prone to becoming damaged during colouring, losing moisture easily which can causing snapping, according to Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley who advises “to help prevent breakage use an intensive pre-shampoo conditioning treatment like our Elasticizer at least once weekly.”

Keep scrolling for all the inspiration you need for your new 2020 look and to shop the most conditioning products for coloured hair to go with it. 

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Up Next, these are the hairstyles to have on your radar for 2020. 

Author Emily Dawes | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC