Balayage blurring is set to be the big hair color trend for 2021

As we reunite with our colorists, a top hairdresser says balayage blurring is the technique of the year

Jennifer Lawrence attends the premiere of 20th Century Fox's "Dark Phoenix" at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 04, 2019 in Hollywood, California
(Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor via Getty)

Balayage blurring is set to be one of the hottest hair color trends for 2021, according to a top hairdresser.

Adam Reed, editorial ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel, says we'll see a return to the original French balayage techniques in 2021, which are very bespoke and tailored to the individual. 

"Balayage has broken into the world of the consumer, but over recent years has steered away from its origins and become an intense 'one service a year appointment'," he explains, "which is the exact opposite of what it should be.

"We’re taking it back to the beautiful, Parisian balayage designed to simplistically enhance the hair color and face shape with a very natural, sun-kissed look with shadow roots and beautifully dimensioned hair – all created using balayage blurring techniques." These allow for a seamless transition between natural roots and colored sections, as seen on the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Margot Robbie.

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Margot Robbie attends the photocall for "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2019 in Cannes, France

(Image credit: Laurent KOFFEL / Contributor via Getty)

Jennifer Lawrence arrives for the Premiere Of 20th Century Fox's "Dark Phoenix" held at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 4, 2019 in Hollywood, California

(Image credit: Albert L. Ortega / Contributor via Getty)

"Blurs are freehand, like painting a picture, and very personalised to every element of your consultation, looking at your hair cut, color and face shape," Reed adds.

After almost a year without regular access to our hair salon, it's no surprise that a professional technique like balayage blurring is going to take front and center in 2021.

"We know balayage is one of the most requested services for when we get back into the salon," Reed confirms. "This is truly a service only your pro can perform to get the effortless, personalised look."

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One of Adam's go-to styling and treatment products for healthy, shiny hair.

Quarantine gave many of us the opportunity to embrace our natural hair and invest a bit more time and energy in caring for our hair – something that'll have a knock-on effect as we return to "normal life". As well as balayage blurring, Reed says another focus for the year will be "high definition" hair – ultra shiny, "luminous" and almost reflective, like glass.

"Glosses are the perfect service to give that cosmetic finishing touch and instant hair gratification," he explains. "They're the perfect add-on service to your cut if you’ve not opted for colour or to give a fresh hue to hair, but also the perfect interim treatment for both blonde and balayage to keep colour looking fresh and healthy."

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Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a UK-based beauty journalist who has written for the likes of Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Women's Health and more, as well as contributing to woman&home. Her work covers everything from expert skin and haircare tips to the latest product launches and the show-stopping beauty looks spotted backstage at London Fashion Week. During her career she's interviewed some seriously famous faces, from Little Mix to Drag Race royalty The Vivienne, as well as chatting to the industry's leading hairdressers, dermatologists and make-up artists.