It's incredible that we're already in the final stretch of 2024, and yet hair trends are still evolving. As we approach the end of the year, highlights and streaks are being reimagined with a blend of warm tones and retro styles that reflect both opulence and natural beauty.
Here are the key highlight trends for the rest of the year, based on the latest predictions and what's currently setting the standard in the beauty industry.

Muted Blonde: Inspired by a more natural, less processed blonde, this shade moves away from platinum tones and embraces warmer hues like champagne and beige. Perfect for those seeking a soft, organic look.
Ideal for: Fair to medium skin tones. This shade complements an elegant and understated lifestyle.
Recommended cut: Works beautifully with bob or long bob cuts, enhancing the softness of the tones.

Beachy Brunette: This warm brown shade mimics the sun's effect on hair, with touches of gold and copper that add dimension while maintaining a natural look.
Ideal for: Medium to dark skin tones. It's perfect for those who prefer low maintenance and a beachy vibe.
Recommended cut: Long hair with loose waves enhances this style.

Cherry Cola: A deep red with violet undertones, ideal for those seeking a bold and striking look.
Ideal for: Fair skin with cool undertones. This style is perfect for bold personalities who love to stand out.
Recommended cut: Long hair with layers to maximize the depth of color.

Golden Hour Blonde: A warm, golden blonde that mimics the sun's glow, adding a natural touch of light to the hair.
Ideal for: Any skin tone, especially those with warm undertones.
Recommended cut: Long layers that allow the golden highlights to shine to their fullest.

Auburn Tinges: Strategically blends copper and brown tones for a warm and subtle look, ideal for those wanting a change without a total commitment.
Ideal for: Fair to medium skin tones with warm undertones.
Recommended cut: Long bob or layered cuts to accentuate the play of light and shadow in the hair.

Copper and Red Balayage: Copper and red tones continue to trend in 2024, especially in balayage techniques that offer a natural, low-maintenance effect.
Ideal for: Fair to medium skin tones, especially those with warm undertones.
Recommended cut: Long, textured hair that showcases the different shades.

Face-Framing Highlights: These strategic highlights frame the face, enhancing facial features and adding luminosity.
Ideal for: All skin tones, customized according to your hair's base color and style.
Recommended cut: Any length, but they stand out especially in layered cuts or with bangs.

How to choose the perfect highlights for you

It’s crucial to consult with your stylist before making any decisions, and never attempt the process on your own. Always visit a trusted professional to achieve the results you're looking for. When selecting the type of highlights and shade for this season, your stylist will guide you based on your lifestyle, hair type, face shape, skin tone, and personality.

Options like balayage and "beachy brunette" are ideal for those looking for low-maintenance styles, while shades like "cherry cola" or golden blonde are perfect for those seeking a boulder, more impactful look.

For creative personalities, tones like "cherry cola" or "copper balayage" can offer the burst of color you're looking for. For a more sophisticated style, "golden hour blonde" or "face-framing highlights" will provide you with an elegant and versatile look.

Whatever style you choose, at-home care is the most important part. It's easy to look stunning when you walk out of the salon, but the challenge comes when you're at home.

As a hair artist and salon owner, I've seen clients come back days after a chemical treatment with their hair damaged. So, here are some basic tips for maintaining your color at home.

Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner: These products are formulated to maintain color and nourish the hair, preventing it from fading quickly.

Wash your hair with cool or lukewarm water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle, causing color to fade. Cool water helps seal the cuticle, keeping the color vibrant for longer.

Avoid washing it too frequently: Washing your hair less often (2-3 times a week) helps retain the scalp's natural oils and prolongs the life of your color.

Apply restorative or recovery masks regularly: Colored hair tends to dry out. Using a restorative mask with oils at least once a week will help you keep your hair soft and healthy.

Protect your hair from the sun: UV rays can fade color. Wear hats, scarves, or use products with UV protection when you're outdoors.

Avoid excessive use of heat tools: Heat can damage your hair and make the color fade faster. If you use a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron, be sure to apply a heat protectant first.

Occasionally use an apple cider vinegar rinse: Apple cider vinegar helps balance your hair's pH and seals the cuticle, which can extend the life of your color. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and rinse after conditioning.

Hydrate your hair from the inside out: Drinking enough water and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E helps your hair grow strong and healthy, which in turn prolongs the life of your color.

Apply a moisturizing serum: Using an oil-based moisturizing serum helps your hair shine and protects it while nourishing it. Be sure to apply it to damp hair and then to the ends to finish your styling.

Visit your stylist for touch-ups: Don't even think about touching up at home, as box dyes have a lot of pigment, and you could ruin a professional job, costing more to fix than a simple touch-up.