Is low contrast hair guaranteed to be the most flattering colour trend of the year?

From Lily-Rose Depp to Tate McRae, and Pink Pantheress, celebrities are selecting hair colours inspired by their complexions.

The muted, low contrast aesthetic is the antithesis of every hair trend we've encountered in the past. We've always been told that blondes should be icy or candlelit, while brunettes should be deep and rich. Red heads? The bolder the better. 

But low contrast hair prioritises subtlety and balance over extremes, and according to hair expert and RAW Salon founder, Anthony Nader, it's all the more flattering for it.

What is low contrast hair?

"It’s beautifully subtle," Nader tells BEAUTYcrew.

The hairdresser's goal here is to make your hair colour appear more tonal and naturally expensive, he explains, citing Margot Robbie's caramel bronde as a starting off point for blondes and Lily-Rose Depp's saddle-coloured strands for brunettes.

Why is the trend said to be more flattering than high contrast hair for most people?

"It’s more flattering with your natural colouring, instead of colouring completely against it — simple," says Nader. "It’s all about harmony across your face, skin and of course, your crown."

The RAW Salon founder says it's softer on facial features, thanks to the naturally blurring effect of low contrast tones.

He also claims it can make your hair look healthier and shinier than high contrast hair colours, and more expensive — "it’s quiet luxury that screams refined and seamless". Plus, it promises a better grow-out — "you’ll have less harsh colour banding and regrowth indentation".

Do you have any tips for finding your perfect low contrast colour?

While Nader tells us that the expert always knows best, you can communicate to your hair colourist that you'd like your new colour to have an editorial softness that's softer on facial dimensional colour. Ask for seamless blending and lived in colour that boasts natural dimension and an expensive finish, rather than something that's striped or high contrast.

Oh, and word to the wise — don't try this colour application at home.

"If you try, you’ll only end up contacting your salon for a colour correction appointment, which will in the end cost you way more dollars and time in the salon chair correcting your hairdressing skills," warns Nader.

Is a low contrast hair colour easy to maintain?

"Absolutely, and actually less maintenance than having your regular highlights or balayage appointment slots," Nader explains. "You’ll only need your low contrast colour freshened up every four to five months max, but make sure you invest in having a [longevity-enhancing] filler toner gloss every four to six weeks as this keeps your hair strands appearing luxe, shiny and healthy."

"Honestly and hand on heart, you’ll always find that in salon services will be far more superior as the ingredients are of higher quality and created with time, procedure and knowledge," the hair expert tells BEAUTYcrew.

"But if you’re time poor and need a quick pick-me-up in between salon visits Oribe Shampoo For Beautiful Color ($78 from RAW Hair) is free from parabens and sodium chloride (this gentle formula protects against your colour depleting)," Nader advises. "While Wella Shinefinity Zero Lift Glaze Base Clear ($16.95 from RAW Hair) promises shimmering results that will last approximately four to six weeks (with zero lift and zero damage). This is what we use frequently for our salon clients inbetween bigger colour services."

Main image credit: Getty Images

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