If you’ve been saving photos, overthinking your next appointment, or feeling stuck with your current color, you’re not alone.
Hair color has evolved.
It’s no longer about one solid shade or a one-size-fits-all formula. The best color today is custom, dimensional, and designed to grow with you.
At Rooted, we focus on creating color that feels natural, wearable, and completely personalized. Here are some of the looks we’ve been loving lately—and what to ask for if one stands out to you.
Soft, Lived-In Balayage
If you want brightness without the maintenance, lived-in balayage is always a favorite.
This technique creates soft, blended lightness throughout the hair with no harsh lines, allowing for a natural grow-out that still looks intentional months later.
Best for:
- Low-maintenance color
- Subtle brightness
- Effortless, everyday hair
High-Contrast Face Framing
Sometimes a small change makes the biggest impact.
Face-framing highlights (often called a “money piece”) add brightness right where it matters most—around your face. This can be soft and blended or bold and high-contrast depending on your style.
Best for:
- Brightening your overall look
- Trying something new without a full transformation
- Adding dimension with minimal upkeep
Bright Blonde Transformations
For those who love a clean, polished blonde, this look is all about brightness and tone.
Achieving a bright blonde takes intention, proper toning, and ongoing care—but the result is luminous, fresh, and eye-catching. Did you catch the peek-a-boo copper underneath?
Best for:
- Guests who love a bold, elevated blonde
- Consistent maintenance and toning
- High-shine, refined finishes
Dimensional Brunette
Brunette doesn’t have to mean flat.
Dimensional brunette uses subtle highlights and lowlights to add movement, depth, and richness while keeping an overall darker tone. The result is soft, reflective, and incredibly wearable.
Best for:
- Adding interest without going lighter overall
- Low-maintenance color with depth
- A natural, polished finish
Strawberry Blonde Balayage
For those drawn to warmth, strawberry blonde balayage offers a soft blend of blonde and copper tones that feels both fresh and natural.
This look combines delicate ribbons of golden blonde with subtle copper or rosy hues, creating dimension that catches the light beautifully. The result is warm, radiant, and effortlessly lived-in—never flat or overly bold.
Best for:
- Guests wanting a soft, warm blonde with a unique twist
- Adding dimension without going too light or too bold
- A sun-kissed, glowing finish
Calico Hair
One of the most talked-about trends right now, calico hair blends multiple tones—typically brunette, blonde, and copper or other warm hues—throughout the hair in a bold yet balanced way.
Unlike traditional highlights, calico color is intentionally varied and placed to create contrast, movement, and a more artistic finish.
At Rooted, we customize this look to feel wearable and tailored—not overly harsh or stripy.
Best for:
- Guests wanting something unique and trend-forward
- Mixing warm and cool tones
- A statement look that still feels intentional
Vivid & Creative Color
From vibrant orange to soft purple ombré, vivid color is all about expression.
These looks are fully customized and designed around your personal style, with placement and tone tailored to how bold or subtle you want to go.
Best for:
- Creative, expressive color
- Guests open to maintenance and upkeep
- Making a statement
How to Choose the Right Color for You
With so many options, choosing the right color comes down to a few key factors:
- Maintenance level – how often you want to come in
- Lifestyle – how you style your hair day-to-day
- Hair health – what your hair can support
- Personal style – soft and natural vs bold and defined
The best color is one that fits your life, not just your inspiration photos.
What to Ask for at Your Appointment
If you’re not sure how to describe what you want, here are a few helpful ways to communicate:
- “Lived-in balayage”
- “Face-framing highlights”
- “Dimensional brunette”
- “Calico color”
- “Vivid or custom color”
Bringing photos is always helpful, and our team will guide you toward a result that works for your hair.
Why Custom Color Matters at Rooted
At Rooted, every color is customized.
We focus on:
- Thoughtful placement
- Soft, seamless grow-out
- Maintaining hair health
- Creating color that feels like you
No formulas are copied. No results are rushed.
Ready for a Refresh?
If you’ve been thinking about changing your color, this is your sign.
Whether you’re looking for something soft and natural or bold and expressive, our team at Rooted is here to help you create a look that feels effortless, modern, and completely your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Color
What is balayage, and how is it different from highlights?
Balayage is a hand-painted technique that creates soft, natural-looking dimension with a blended grow-out. Traditional highlights are more structured and uniform, while balayage is more customized and low-maintenance.
What is Calico hair?
Calico hair is a trending color technique that blends multiple tones—typically brunette, blonde, and warm hues like copper—throughout the hair. It creates contrast and movement while still feeling intentional and wearable when done correctly.
How do I know which hair color is right for me?
The best color depends on your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and hair health. During your consultation, your stylist will help guide you toward a color that fits your routine and long-term goals.
How often do I need to maintain my hair color?
It depends on the service:
- Balayage: every 3–6 months
- Face framing highlights: every 6–10 weeks
- Bright blonde: every 6–8 weeks
- Vivid colors: every 4–8 weeks
Your stylist will recommend a plan based on your hair and desired look.
Is dimensional color high maintenance?
Not always. Many dimensional color techniques, like balayage or lived-in color, are designed to grow out softly, making them lower maintenance than traditional color.
Can I go lighter without damaging my hair?
Yes—with the right approach. We prioritize hair health at Rooted and will create a plan to safely lift your hair over time, if needed, rather than pushing it too far in one appointment.
Do vivid colors fade quickly?
Vivid colors do fade faster than natural tones, but with proper care and the right products, you can extend their longevity and keep them looking fresh longer.
Should I bring photos to my appointment?
Yes. Photos are one of the best ways to communicate your vision. Your stylist will use them as a reference and adapt the look to suit your hair type, tone, and lifestyle.
What’s the benefit of custom color vs box dye?
Custom color is tailored to your hair’s condition, tone, and goals. It creates dimension, maintains hair health, and grows out more naturally—something box color can’t replicate.
