POPSUGAR UK

"Negative Space" Hair Is the Coolest Winter Colour Technique Every London It Girl Is Wearing

07/01/2019 - 07:15 PM

With art, manicures [1], and eye makeup [2], negative space — the area that surrounds an object or colour — is the key to creating a balanced three-dimensional effect unlike anything else. Now, the technique is making its way to hair colour [3], and we have a feeling it's going to be everywhere come 2019. But what is it, exactly?

"It fits perfectly with the push back to a more natural, sophisticated feel — the opposite of the heavy colour incarnations and bright blondes."

"Negative space is either your natural hair colour against pre-lightened pieces, or we create that negative space with hair colour," said Jack Howard [4], colourist at UK's Paul Edmonds Salon and Schwarzkopf global Blondme ambassador. "This is the look on all the hottest models and influencers filling your Instagram feed. It's lighter around the face and has a balance that's pleasing to the eye. You need that contrast to stop the colour from looking solid, which can look like an ombré or a single process."

In a world of extreme hair colour hues [5], the trend is a nice return to subtler times of yore — and there's a way to make it work no matter your base. "It fits perfectly with the push back to a more natural, sophisticated feel — the opposite of the heavy colour incarnations and bright blondes," Howard said. How to make the look work for you, coming right up.

A Note on Negative Space Hair Color

When choosing colors, you'll want your colorist to take into account that finding the right darker contrast is crucial. "The negative space is just as important as the lightness [of highlights]," said Howard. "It's what creates the pop and helps keep the natural softness."

Who Can Get a Negative Space Hair Color

It doesn't matter your base color — the negative space technique works on all tones. "It suits anyone who wants something modern and fresh, and works on hair that's bob-length and longer," said Howard.

The Technique Behind a Negative Space Hair Color

"When in the salon, what you're looking for is a soft contrast between light and dark, not a stripe," Howard said. "This is done by a balayage application, not using foils."

The Base of a Negative Space Hair Color

"When it's done well, your colorist will use the negative space in the hair itself," he said. "The negative space should be your natural base color — not darker, not lighter, not orange, not ashy."

Negative Space Hair Color

"Or, if you're going from a heavier one-process color or old ombré, you'll want to recreate that negative space back into your hair [after the balayage application] to give it that pop, regardless of whether you're a blonde, brunette, or redhead."

Keep clicking for more examples of great negative space hair color.

Negative Space Hair Color

Negative Space Hair Color


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/Hair-Colour-Trend-2019-45651182