You're Doing It Wrong: A Lesson in Summer Highlights

You're Doing It Wrong: Summer Highlights

By Taylor Stephan Apr 26, 2016 10:32 PMTags
ESC: Highlights, Behati PrinslooJason Kempin/Getty Images

Whether or not you live among the celebs in Los Angeles, you want to at least look like you've been basking in the sunshine this summer.

However, when comes to lightening your locks the right way for summer, less is actually more. Sure, we've broken down the different coloring techniques before (yes, there is a difference between balayage and flamboyage), and while that's all fine and good, summer-specific hair is less strategic (but still purposeful).

To achieve a sunny SoCal-girl vibe, like Behati Prinsloo and Ashley Benson, you want to lift your color ever-so-slightly for a lived-in look that's stunning, but easy on the upkeep. To start, "go a shade lighter to match the spirit of the season," advised celeb colorist Tracey Cunningham.

For all of the pro's tips on getting your summer shade just right (and not overdoing it) Tracey shared her wisdom.

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This Way to Babylights: "All of my girls love babylights, especially around the face, it's a perfect summer-ready pick-me-up," shared the pro. If you ask your stylist for babylights, you're really just asking for super-delicate highlights that are focused around the hairline, in the crown and a few shades lighter at the ends. Aside from the fact that the random placement makes hair look natural and sun-bathed, it's a lived-in style that exposes roots, so the more it grows out, the better it looks.

There's No Such Thing as Too Little: A lot of times when we decide lighten up, we go full throttle and wind up compromising the health of hair. Not only that but getting too many highlights, or too chunky of highlights, isn't going to achieve that barely-there look you're aiming for. "Subtle is always best because it is summer and you don't want it to be yellow or over-processed," reminded the pro. 

Feel It Out: Even if we've convinced you to take it easy on the processing this season, the less is more part is worth repeating. "You can never under-do it but you can definitely overdo it," urged Tracey. "Make an appointment ASAP and get started slowly: You may want to add in more by mid-summer," furthered the pro. You can always build in more color, but to start take it slow, feel out your look and adjust as needed as the summer goes on. 

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Avoid the Trends: Of-the-moment coloring trends have a time and place, but that time and place is not summertime. Trust us on this, you want to look low maintenance. "I don't like going with what is trendy: I say always go with what's natural and as healthy looking as possible, especially in the hot summer months when breakage is more common," said the expert.

Do Your Homework: If you're not going to someone that you trust you might just end up with a less-than-desirable shade (a.k.a. brassy hues and sallow yellows). "You really need to investigate your colorist, follow them on social media and look at their clients' hair," said the stylist. And if you see a color that you've seen them do that you love—just ask! "A confident colorist will look at the formula and tweak if need be to suit you (and you'll be happy with the results)," said the pro.

So there you go! Start slow, be subtle and remember: Less is more!

Watch: Babylights: Hollywood's Latest Hair Highlighting Craze
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