TikTok moves quickly, introducing us to trends like “mermaid hair,” “cloud skin,” and “golden-hour makeup” in just a few months. The latest trend to catch my attention is the “Scandi hairline,” a hair colour technique that brightens the face and enhances the skin’s glow. It looks incredibly natural, which is why it appealed to me.
This trend, inspired by natural blondes from Scandinavia, has taken TikTok by storm with over 46 million views. As more videos circulate, I decided to do some research. Here’s everything you need to know about the Scandi-hairline trend, according to three experts.
“The Scandi Hairline trend is a lightening service, usually involving bleach, that gently and quickly lifts the fine hairs at the front hairline,” says Authentic Beauty Concept advocate Justin Toves-Vincilione.
In other words, it’s a method of bleaching the baby hairs at the front of the scalp. “To brighten up the entire hairline, some colourists may choose to lighten the hairline in the back to create a more cohesive halo effect,” he says. “When done correctly, the Scandi hairline will look visibly lighter around the hairline with a soft pop of brightness, mimicking the look of a natural blonde. The final look is sun-kissed, blended, and frames the face beautifully.”
Rita Hazan, celebrity colourist, says this technique isn’t new, just newly viral. “For many colourists, this technique is commonly used to blend out blondes and boost the brightness of the new hair colour! In other words, TikTok just coined a new name for it and sent it out to the masses. Still, though, it’s effective. “This technique is a relatively low-cost way to give your blonde a boost and creates the illusion of a ‘halo’ effect on your hair,” she says.
Toves-Vincilione says that this trend is similar to the “money piece” trend that took hold a few years ago, albeit more subtle. For context, with the “money piece” technique, a stylist takes a small piece of hair on either side of the face and lightens it to create a bright face-frame. “The Scandi-hairline trend is a bit softer, more dialled back, and is intended to look even more natural than similar trends we’ve seen in the past,” he says.
According to Priscilla Valles, celebrity extensionist, “This look is trending because of the low cost and minimal damage to the majority of your hair since the bleach is only applied to your baby hairs. It’s perfect for summer to add a pop of blonde.”
Toves Vincilione adds that it’s a natural progression from other TikTok trends and aesthetics. “The Scandi-hairline is currently trending as hair colour embraces its soft-girl era,” he explains. “People are seeking softer colours, smoother blends, and natural tones. Since this trend imitates the natural effects of sunlight on hair, it appears more authentic and requires less maintenance. It can serve as a maintenance technique to reduce the need for full highlights at every appointment. By incorporating this trend in between highlight appointments, it gives the illusion of a fully highlighted head of hair.”
The best part about this trend? It’s inclusive. While it predominantly focuses on blonde hair, Toves Vincilione suggests it can be adapted for deeper hair colors. “Although this trend emphasizes mimicking naturally blonde hair, the technique can be applied to almost any hair colour. For shades darker than blonde, you can use the same lightening technique to add a subtle boost of colour around the face. The crucial aspect when working with darker hair shades is to tone accordingly based on the achieved level of lightening. If your brunette hair reaches a level six around the face, use a toner no higher than a level six.”
Both Hazan and Valles agree that it can work for deeper colours, but they caution that it may be more challenging. “It can be a bit trickier on brown hair as it tends to become brassy,” says Hazan. “You need to let it develop long enough to achieve a honeyish colour rather than a super blonde shade.” Valles adds that bleaching deeper hair colours often involves more breakage, so it’s essential to keep that in mind. As always, it’s crucial to consult an experienced colourist who can achieve the precise “Scandi” effect you desire.
This trend has gained tremendous popularity on social media, making it convenient to find reference pictures or videos to show your stylist and achieve the desired outcome. However, ensuring the health and protection of your hair is equally important. Fortunately, all three experts have some valuable tips and tricks to share.
“When requesting the Scandi hairline, always ask your stylist to use a bond additive in the bleach,” advises Toves Vincilione. “This ensures maximum protection for the fine hair around your hairline. Additionally, request that your colorist follows up with a bond repairing treatment before completing the service. These treatments help strengthen the hair and minimize the potential for further damage.”
Once you’re back at home, Toves Vincilione emphasises the importance of using hair masks. “If you don’t already incorporate hair masks into your routine, it’s essential to start after going blonde. Depending on the lightness of your hair, consider planning an at-home hair treatment every one to two weeks. These treatments will keep your hair hydrated, strengthened, and looking healthier for a longer duration. Blonde hair tends to be porous, so replenishing those porous ends with nourishing ingredients is key.”
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