How to Create the New Scandinavian Hairline

April 16, 2024

If you love a face frame then this technique is your ticket to adding a burst of vibrancy and brightness that’ll leave you looking as if you’ve just returned from a Caribbean cruise or exude the effortlessness of a Scandinavian beauty! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day out, the Scandinavian hairline technique is designed to draw attention to the face. 

Join us as we take a look at the pros and the process of this TikTok trending color technique and share some pro tips.

What Is the New Scandinavian Hairline?

The new Scandinavian hairline is a contemporary hair coloring technique that gained popularity for its bold and striking approach to framing the face. Unlike traditional methods that might involve block coloring using back-to-back foils or slices, the Scandinavian hairline relies on painting the color directly onto the scalp using a pre-lightener to create a luminous and vibrant effect directly focused on the hairline. This technique enhances natural features and draws attention to key facial attributes, ultimately elevating the overall look.

Scandinavian Hairline Technique: What to Keep in Mind

If you’ve ever flipped through hair magazines or scrolled through social media, the notion of highlighting the most delicate baby hairs might make you a tad nervous. We’ll be the first to acknowledge that even with cutting-edge technology, built-in bonders, and all the bells and whistles, it’s something you need to approach with caution. However, with a thorough consultation and considering your hair’s condition, it’s entirely possible for your favorite stylist to craft a stunning Scandinavian hairline with minimal damage and maximum impact.

 

Who Benefits from the Scandinavian Hairline Technique?

While the classic Scandinavian hairline technique tends to be a signature bright blonde color, you can always get creative and change up the tone of the color while keeping the technique

However, keep in mind that a different color technique such as color blocking or face-framing may be better suited to darker bases or those who don’t have a natural blonde or light base (not sure? Check out our color chart).

Here are some pro tips on how skin tone, eye color, and face shape (for advice look at What Hairstyle Suits Me? How to Answer This Question) factor into the look!

Eye Color

  • Blue Eyes: Bright blonde hair can beautifully complement blue eyes, enhancing their cool tones and creating a striking contrast. 
  • Green/Hazel Eyes: Bright blonde offers a stunning contrast against green or hazel eyes.
  • Brown Eyes: Blonde hair contrasts dramatically with brown eyes and can create a stunning look.

Skin Color

  • Fair Skin: Bright blonde hair can complement fair skin beautifully, creating a soft and luminous effect. Platinum blonde or icy blonde shades can enhance the porcelain-like quality of fair skin and give it a fresh and youthful appearance.
  • Medium/Olive Skin: Golden honey blonde can complement medium or olive skin tones, adding warmth and radiance to the complexion. These shades can create a sun-kissed effect that enhances the natural glow of the skin.
  • Dark Skin: Bright blonde hair can offer a bold and striking contrast against dark skin tones. However, darker skin tends to mean a darker base! For a more subtle regrowth, try a soft caramel golden blonde shade to add warmth and vibrancy to the complexion.

By considering both eye color and skin tone, you can achieve a customized Scandinavian hairline that enhances your natural features and complements your overall aesthetic.

 

Is the Scandinavian Hairline Technique Just for Blondes?

Technically yes! So what are our top tips? Firstly, this technique really does work best on a natural or lighter base (hello blondes!) that is a level 7 and above. This way, the Scandinavian hairline color will blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair. More importantly, creating a bright and even lift will become quicker and easier. Since a level 7 is essentially a dark blonde already, it typically requires only a two to three level lift to achieve a standout hairline, which can usually be accomplished in a single appointment. This results in the ideal pale yellow undertone (picture the inside of a banana), with minimal damage to the hairline. While all lightening processes carry some risk of damage, the professional products we use, coupled with meticulous technique and diligent aftercare, serve to minimize and even reverse any potential damage, leaving hair feeling even healthier than before coloring. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?

When working with a natural base color below level 7, it’s important to have realistic expectations. You should understand that regrowth will be more noticeable compared to highlights or balayage, primarily because the color is applied directly to the scalp or in a back-to-back technique. The darker natural base and roots not only create greater contrast (highlighting regrowth) but they also pose challenges in achieving the desired Scandinavian hairline effect due to the warmer undertones present in a darker base.

Requesting the ‘Scandinavian Line’ at the Beauty Salon

When requesting the ‘Scandinavian Line’ at your favorite hair salon, clear communication is key to ensuring that you get the desired result. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate your preferences to your hairstylist:

  1. Bring reference images: Before your salon appointment, gather reference images that showcase the specific Scandinavian hairline look you’re aiming for. These images can help convey your vision to your hairstylist and ensure that you’re both on the same page.
  2. Communicate your desired outcome: Clearly articulate what you hope to achieve with the Scandinavian hairline technique. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a bolder transformation, communicate your preferences regarding hair color, placement, and overall look.
  3. Discuss hair history and condition: Be transparent about your hair history, including any previous color treatments or chemical processes. Additionally, inform your hairstylist about any concerns regarding the condition of your hair, such as damage, regrowth, or sensitivity, to make sure that the technique is suitable for you.
  4. Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your hairstylist questions about the Scandinavian hairline technique and how it will be executed. Inquire about the products and techniques they’ll be using, as well as any potential maintenance or aftercare recommendations.
  5. Trust your hairstylist: While it’s important to communicate your preferences, trust in the expertise of your hairstylist. They have the skills and knowledge to assess your hair’s unique characteristics and recommend the best approach to achieve your desired look.
  6. Be open to suggestions: Keep an open mind and be receptive to your hairstylist’s suggestions and recommendations. They may offer valuable insights or alternative options that can help you to get perfect color!

Maintenance and Care

After achieving the desired Scandinavian hairline look, proper maintenance and homecare are essential to preserve its integrity and prolong its vibrancy. Here are some tips to help you maintain and care for a Scandinavian hairline:

  1. Blonde hair has a tendency to go brassy and lose its fresh salon tone. Without professional products, those tones will begin to fade long before the roots need retouching. For optimal care, we highly recommend incorporating the RE/START™ Strengthening Purple Cleanser into your hair care routine. This innovative cleanser not only neutralizes brassiness but also fortifies your hair strands, leaving them resilient and lustrous, while also soothing and balancing your scalp.
  2. Include essential neutralizing products like Eksperience™ Color Protection for Blondes and Nutri Color™ Filters in your regimen. These exceptional products offer a wide array of luminous semi-permanent hair dyes with intense color pigments that will ensure your hair is cared for while adding shine. They ensure that your Scandinavian hairline maintains its flawless color from roots to tip no matter your tone preferences.
  3. Excessive heat styling can lead to damage and fade the color of your Scandinavian hairline. Whenever possible, minimize the use of hot tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. If you must use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray such as RE/START Balayage Hair Care Cream by Revlon Professional®. This treatment is scientifically designed to care for and treat the specific needs of highlighted and lightened hair.
  4. Protect your hair from the sun, chlorine, and salt water. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause blonde hair to become brassy or fade over time. To protect your Scandinavian hairline from the sea and sun damage, wear a swim cap or hat and use the Revlon Professional Equave™ Sun protection leave-in conditioner that contains UV filters when spending time outdoors, especially during peak sun exposure hours.
  5. Schedule regular touch-ups. As with any hair color treatment, touch-ups are necessary to maintain the vibrancy of your Scandinavian hairline. Schedule regular appointments with your hairstylist for touch-ups and an on trend haircut to keep your hair healthy looking.
  6. Keep your hair moisturized and nourished by incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine. Use the RE/START™ Color Protective Jelly Mask once a week to help protect the hair, replenish moisture, and maintain your color.
  7. Be gentle with your hair. Treat your Scandinavian hairline with care to prevent damage and breakage. Avoid brushing or styling your hair aggressively, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair gently. Additionally, minimize the use of elastic hair ties that can cause breakage and opt for gentle hair accessories instead.

By following these maintenance and care tips, you can preserve the vibrancy and integrity of your Scandinavian hairline and enjoy stunning results until your next salon visit. Remember to consult with your hairstylist for personalized advice and recommendations based on your hair type and lifestyle.

restart color for blondes

Finding the perfect salon for your Scandinavian blonde transformation has never been easier! Simply click here to find a salon near you, where you can book your appointment to achieve your desired blonde hair color. To preserve the brilliance of your color at home, you can purchase our Nutri Color™ Filters directly from our approved sellers. These filters will help you maintain your vibrant Scandinavian blonde color between salon visits!

If you are a hair professional then you can learn the latest Scandinavian hairline technique our pros created by following this course link that will take you directly to our 24/7 educational platform, #AlwaysOn (for clients only, so click the link to become one). To stock up on your pro products, head to our 24/7 online store, Revlon ProShop.

 

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