Flip through any celeb magazine and you’ll see page after page after page of blonds—blond blond. But you have to be careful if you go that light; roots pop up almost immediately (I know I said roots are cool a couple of weeks ago, but these are out-of-control roots!). Here’s how my colorist, Sharon Dorram-Krause of NYC’s John Frieda Salon, takes me blond without overdoing it: First she highlights, then while my head’s over the sink, she applies some sort of lightening stuff just to the roots around my scalp for four minutes—it’s called “flashing.” It brightens up only the front part of your hair, what everyone sees. Genius. Ask your colorist if it’ll work for you. But don’t try it at home! —Andrea Bosworth: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
It might still be in the high 80s, but that’s not stopping Hollywood from embracing a fall hair trend that’ll make you want to cozy up in an oversized sweater with a cup of cider—yes, even in this current heat. Behold: “flannel hair.”
Yes, the Internet loves its’ weird mish-mash of names for hair colors, but like usual, the color itself is quite cool. As first reported by PopSugar, flannel hair is a combination of burnt copper, auburn, and deep-red hues that are surprisingly reminiscent of the print favored by lumberjacks and hipsters.
We caught up with Sharon Dorram of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon, whose clients include Priyanka Chopra, Christie Brinkley, Kate Hudson, and Linda Evangelista, to gain more insight.
“I love creating this color for people who want a change because it can be so opulent. Flannel hair is a gorgeous trend that can be so complementary to the skin and overall appearance,” she says. “I always see a spike in this trend around August because people are so tired from being overbleached from summer, and look to add rich and deeper hues into their look.”
Hairstylist Steven Picciano agrees: “Every year, clients go through color cycles that mirror the season. As we move away from golden summer looks, we can replace them with ‘bohemian bronze,’ which is the perfect complement to our fading tans and more plush wardrobes. Think Lana del Rey.” Best of all, red hair looks great on pretty much all skin tones, thanks to its many variations. “Golden skin tones will look better with coppers, oranges, and golds,” says hairstylist George Papanikolas, who counts Florence Welch, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, and Debra Messing as clients. “Darker complexions and olive skin will look better with cooler blue-reds, like merlot, burgundy, and auburn. Weaving in multiple tones in the flannel shades is what makes this look current and modern. It should be blended, dimensional, and in the red/orange/violet family [to work effectively].”
It seems like Modern Salon had an inkling that this look would blow up and tapped Daniel Rangel (@cosmodanielkc) for a quick tutorial video. The result is a “fiery flannel” hue, a brighter take on the trend, that looks like fallen leaves. See for yourself below:
Wondering how to maintain your new shade? Use a sulfate-free shampoo, cleanse less than three times per week, and use a UV protectant spray for your hair to help shield from sun exposure. Another tip? Pros also say it’s a good time to switch up your wardrobe and makeup—blues, berries, and cool tones look great against a red base.
Thinking of trying the trend on for size? Get some inspiration right here.