The 'Scandi Hairline' Technique Is Set To Be 2024's Hottest Hair Trend

If you're looking for a fresh way to brighten blonde hair this summer, you should consider the "Scandi Hairline" trend. Deriving its name from the Scandinavian region in Europe (where it's estimated more than half of the population are naturally blonde), the look is all about achieving ultra light colored hair without having to do an all-over bleaching. 

"The Scandi hairline is a face-framing color technique where you freehand lighten/bleach the baby hairs of the hairline—it's kind of like a halo around your face," stylist Amalia Berglung told InStyle. "This creates that oh-so-sought sun-bleached feeling that naturally blonde people get when in the sun." It's a delicate hair hack, but it makes a big difference. On natural blondes, it can add vibrancy without having to dye the entire head. On dyed or highlighted blonde hair, it can maintain the appearance of brighter hair for longer.

If you're looking to go dazzlingly bright through a glow-up with luminescent blonde, the "Scandi Hairline" keeps the hair particularly light. If you have darker hair but prefer the dimension from light and dark tones – something like a reverse balayage – then consider the "Scandi Hairline."  The hair hack isn't exclusively relegated to blondes, either; as long as your stylist colors your hairline a few shades lighter than your base color, you'll get the same glowing effect.

Typically, processing for a "Scandi Hairline" involves applying bleach directly to the baby hairs without any foil. The imperfect line will make it seem like the hair is naturally getting brighter the closer it is to your face. 

If you love highlights, ask your stylist to include it in your color application to magnify the lightening effect. Because the brightened hair sits right around the face, it's wise to consult with your stylist ahead of time to make sure that the final effect will work on your hair and be subtle enough to illuminate the face without washing it out. Better yet, come in with photos and even videos from social media of the style you want, because your stylist may not be familiar with the term itself. Stylist Phoebe Nathan told InStyle what people should ask for: "Those interested in a Scandi hairline should ask for their baby hairs and hairline to be bleached after their highlights are rinsed at the bowl." That way, the brightened baby hairs can blend with highlights throughout the rest of the hair.  

As far as upkeep goes, the "Scandi Hairline" is fairly simple to keep vivacious. A purple shampoo will ensure that the bleached hair stays cool, which is the tone you want with this trend. It's also important to note that since the hair is treated, and baby hairs can be very fragile, style it with care. Use a heat protectant spray and apply correctly to hair, reapplying it as you restyle throughout the week. You'll need to touch up the "Scandi Hairline" every three months, or so. Since the coloring is so subtle, the grow out period is, thankfully, subtle as well.

Although the Scandi hairline is associated with light ash and platinum colors, you don't need to be a natural blonde to try it out." The term Scandi stems from highlights that are 'Scandinavian blond,' but the technique can work on any hair shade," creative director of NuBest Salon and Spa Jamie Mazzei told PopSugar. "The trick is to ensure that the hairline blends well with your full hair color, which is typically just a shade or two lighter than the rest." Those with light brown or red hair can also play with this brightening hair technique, particularly if they get highlights, since their hair will already be diffused with various shades.

It's certainly possible to achieve the "Scandi Hairline" with darker hair, but you'll want to be mindful about staying away from anything that's too warm. Colorist Felicia Dosso told PopSugar that people should talk to their stylists about the right hair gloss, which is a toning and shining treatment for colored hair. "Brunettes can be tricky because they tend to lift warm and a bit brassy," Dosso explained. "To eliminate any unwanted brassy tones, make sure you ask your colorist for a cool-toned gloss." Stylist Amalia Berglung advised InStyle about what kind of highlights work well for brunettes to nail this lighter hairline. "For dark blondes and brunettes, a Scandi hairline may create an unintentionally severe contrast and runs the risk of being too warm or coppery," Berglung explained. "That said, tawny browns ribboned by blonde balayage or highlights would provide an effective canvas."