"Drenched" Hair Colour Is the Grungiest Spring Trend We Never Knew We Needed

On the arbitrary list of things you might like to be "drenched" in, there is the good (diamonds, compliments, the sun) and the bad (perfume, sweat, perfume) — but perhaps the most unexpected is when the term is used in relation to hair colour [1]. The technique, coined by colourist Karissa Schaudt [2] at Maxine Salon in Chicago, is when "the entire head of hair is saturated with at least two different colours" — and it's just the Spring trend [3] you've been looking for.

Put simply, the "drenched" hair colour is the reverse of "dipped" (think: Billie Eilish's neon roots [4]), but don't confuse it for balayage or grown-out highlights. "This isn't an ombré because the entire head is 'drenched' in colour," Schaudt said. "The vision is decorative grunge. This modern colour technique is original and punk displayed in a very striking way. It's for the client looking for a statement. It doesn't necessarily have to be as bright or funky as Billie's, but it will put a creative twist on anyone's outdated colour [5]."

During your appointment, you'll want to discuss your two takes on the trend [6] (more on that ahead) — both of which provide a "mesmerising look, but the extremity of it depends on the vibrancy and contrast in your chosen colour pallet," she said. Make no mistake: this trend is certainly for the bold — but we have a feeling you'll leave the salon drenched in flattery, too.

"Drenched" Hair Colour Trend: Your Ends

The first take on the trend is the opposite of what you see on Billie Eilish [7]: drenched ends. "If you want to go darker on top and funkier on the bottom, ask your colourist to deposit a darker colour on your roots — preferably one that is two or more shades darker than your natural hair," said Schaudt. "This creates depth within the base and complete saturation of the hairline and part. By first adding a deeper pigment you're creating a perfect backdrop for the brighter colour being applied thru the mids and ends."

The secondary colour should be the brighter of the two shades. "If your ends are pre-lightened, you'll paint from the tips up. This colour should marry with the base colour, giving a noticeable meeting point."

Just note: "If your hair is not already pre-lightened, you'll need to first marry the lightener with the base colour."

"Drenched" Hair Colour Trend: Your Ends

"Drenched" Hair Colour Trend: Your Roots

The second take is to do the exact opposite: "With the next option you flip-flop the two, lightening your natural base colour to at least a yellow blond [8]," she said. (Again, think Billie Eilish [9] here.) "This gives the option to use more unnatural colours emphasising the body of your hair. This brighter tone is toward the roots and the more muted tones are on the ends. Again these two colours should marry in the middle."

So there you have it, daaahling — now keep scrolling to check out some of our favourite takes on the drench hair colour trend.

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