What is Lived-In Hair Color?
Learn more about this trending, low-maintenance hair coloring technique
Lived-In Hair Coloring 101
Lived-in hair color is a styling technique. It creates a very natural color that blends seamlessly as it grows out. This reduces the need for frequent touch-ups. This method is perfect for those seeking a beautiful, low-maintenance look. It doesn’t sacrifice style for convenience.
The Technique
Lived-in coloring uses subtle highlights and blended shades. They mimic how hair naturally lightens over time. Stylists often use balayage or babylights to paint the hair strategically. They focus on areas that would naturally lighten in the sun. This approach ensures that the roots are less noticeable as the hair grows, extending the life of the color.
Time In-Chair
Typically, the initial coloring session for a lived-in look can take between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the hair’s length and thickness. This is because the stylist must carefully place each highlight to ensure it looks natural and blends well as the hair grows.
The Outcome
The outcome of lived-in hair coloring is effortlessly chic. The color looks sun-kissed. It grows out beautifully without the obvious lines of traditional hair colors. It’s ideal for someone looking for a stylish yet unstructured look.
Maintenance and Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of lived-in hair color is its low maintenance. Since the growth at the roots will blend naturally with the colored hair, you can go much longer between salon visits. Generally, clients can expect their lived-in color to look great for four to six months, depending on their hair growth rate and condition.
Lived-In Benefits
Natural Look
This coloring technique gives you a soft, natural gradient with depth and dimension, making it look like you haven’t colored your hair at all. It’s perfect for those who want a color that feels authentic and understated.
Low Commitment
If you’re someone who dreads frequent salon visits or is unsure about committing to a new hair color, the lived-in color is an excellent choice. It allows for more flexibility since it looks intentional as it fades and grows out.
Versatile
Lived-in hair color works on all hair types and colors. It can be tailored to fit any style, whether you’re blonde, brunette, or redhead, making it a versatile option for anyone.
How Lived-In Compares
Lived-In Color vs. Traditional Highlights
Traditional highlights create contrast by adding lighter strands to the hair. They need frequent touch-ups as the roots grow out. In contrast, lived-in color is more subtle. It blends the highlights with the natural hair color to extend the time between salon visits.
Lived-In Color vs. Balayage
Balayage is a freehand painting technique that also offers a more natural look than foil highlights. Both balayage and lived-in color techniques create a gradient effect. But, lived-in color has more strategic placement to mimic natural sun-lightening. It also goes closer to the roots for a more seamless grow-out.
Lived-In Color vs. Ombre
Ombre hair color is characterized by a stark transition from dark to light, usually starting mid-shaft and moving towards the ends. Lived-in color is more subtle. It is designed to look natural. It should seem like your hair naturally faded to the current color over time.
Recommended Care
To ensure the longevity of your lived-in hair color and to keep your hair healthy and vibrant, consider the following care tips:
Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that do not strip color from your hair. These products help maintain the luster and vibrancy of the color longer.
Cool Water Washes
Wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water to help preserve the hair color and prevent the hair cuticle from opening, which can lead to color loss.
Heat Protection
Before using heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant to shield your hair from thermal damage, which can fade color and degrade hair quality.
UV Protection
Protect your hair from the sun’s UV rays, which can bleach out color and weaken hair. Use hair products that contain UV protectants or wear hats when spending extended time outdoors.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine to keep your hair hydrated and nourished, ensuring your color stays vibrant and your hair remains healthy.
Book Today
Interested in trying out this fashionable, low-maintenance coloring technique? Book a consultation at our salon today. Our expert stylists will work with you to achieve a lived-in look that suits your lifestyle and enhances your natural beauty. Join the trend that’s redefining hair color with ease and elegance.
- Classic Hair Cut
- Highlights
- Extensions
- Root Care
- Coloring
- Balayage
Studio hours
Monday - Saturday
Sunday
Stansbury Park, UT 84074