Hair frosting is a highlighting technique where individual strands are lightened to a cool-toned blonde, which creates a frosted look. Lately, a wide variety of hair colors and coloring techniques have been gaining a lot of popularity lately. This makes sense seeing that many people use their hair color as a way to express themselves. In a recent survey conducted by All Things Hair, we found that 63% of participants use their hair color as a way to represent their personality and 37% of people do not. As people change and switch up their style or aesthetic, it’s no surprise that their hair color changes to represent this. Ready to try a hair color that allows you to express yourself too? Keep scrolling to learn more about this trend and find out how to ask your stylist for it.
Hair Frosting 101
Whether you’re not sure how to ask your stylist for hair frosting or you’re eager to learn more about the trend, we’ve got you covered!
What is Hair Frosting?
The process is a highlighting technique started by London-based hairstylist, Stuart Marsh. This technique is done by bleaching individual strands of hair with a cool-toned blonde hue. This creates a contrasted salt and peppered look throughout your hair, which can easily be blended within your base color. The goal of the look is to resemble how frost settles on top of trees, which is where it earns the name. The lightening technique is all about achieving a soft, blended look that still has a touch on contrast. As new coloring techniques, like hair frosting, become trendy, we can’t help but think where most people are getting their hair color inspiration from. In a survey conducted by All Things Hair, we discovered that 20% of people gained inspiration from their friends and family and 18% of participants looked to their hairdressers and professionals for inspiration. However, coming in at a close third place was celebrities with 17% of the participants saying this is their top source for hair color inspiration. We can’t blame them, changing your hair color can be a major decision, so we’re not surprised a majority of people turn to those they’re close with and trust for a decision like this.
Hair Frosting Vs. Traditional Highlights and Balayage
Frosting differs from traditional foil highlights since the traditional method is done by lightning the hair about two shades lighter than the base color. This also leaves your hair with an overall chunkier look. However, hair frosting is always done with a cool-toned blonde color. You may also be wondering, “How is hair frosting different from balayage?” While balayage can include blonde shades too, this is done by hand painting the highlights throughout the hair, giving strands an all-over blended, sun-kissed look. Plus, with balayage, you can opt for darker shades, like copper or lighter brunette hues.
How to Ask for This Highlighting Technique
It can be a bit daunting to explain what exactly you want to be done to your hair, so it’s always helpful to bring reference photos. When asking your colorist for hair frosting, explain how you would like highlights done on individual strands that are muted, cool-toned blonde to contrast your hair color. Let your colorist know you want to achieve a muted, blended look as opposed to traditional chunky foil highlights.
How to Maintain Frosted Hair
Using the correct type of shampoo and conditioner is crucial when it comes to preserving your color. For an everyday wash, use a shampoo and conditioner set that’s formulated for colored hair. We love Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner because it keeps your strands vibrant for up to 40 washes. However, about once every other week, it’s a good idea to use purple shampoo to help avoid your highlights from turning brassy. SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner is a great option because it uses purple rice water combined with wild orchids and sweet violet extract to help strengthen your hair and restore shine. Are you excited about the hair frosting trend? Share your looks with us on Instagram @AllThingsHairUS
