What’s a Scandinavian Hairline?

If you've ever seen someone with blonde highlights and bright blonde roots, chances are their colorist gave them a Scandinavian hairline, or Scandi hairline. The hair color trend has blown up in recent months as a direct contrast to years of balayage (dark roots with lighter ends) being the look du jour. The trend was inspired by those in the Nordic region who have naturally bright blonde roots, which can get lighter when exposed to sunlight. Those of us with much darker natural strands have to take bleach to our hairlines to copy the look.

"Scandinavian hairlines are bright hairlines that look like baby blonde hairs growing from the root," celebrity hairstylist Joseph Michael says. "This is usually accomplished by high lift color or by lightener. This gives blondes more of a Nordic ivory-blonde framing the face." The result is a halo-like effect that can be really pretty on all skin tones. But that doesn't mean it's for everyone. In fact, the trend is pretty much the opposite of low-maintenance. To keep it up, you'll be spending a lot of money and time in the salon. (We're talking every three to four weeks.)

"This is usually good for people who like to be very blonde and are very on top of their maintenance," Joseph warns. "If you're looking for a low-maintenance color and more of a rooted look, this is something you would not want to do." The trend also works best on those with a natural hair color that isn't too dark — the more your colorist has to bleach those fine strands along your hairline, the more damaged they'll become over time. The front of your hair is already fragile, and keeping it white-blonde will just make it more so. The Scandi hairline is a pretty trend, but if you want to try it, proceed with caution.