When it comes to hair trends, social media can be a major source of inspiration. From discovering new hair cut styles (like the shixie cut and the Italian bob) to uncovering styling hacks (think: sock rollers), once a trend blows up online – there’s no getting away from it. 

And while it goes without saying that you should do your research before trying out a viral beauty hack IRL, there’s a new hair dyeing technique doing the rounds on TikTok, and it’s one that I really rate. Say hello to the Scandinavian hairline technique (also referred to as simply the ‘Scandi hairline’), a way of highlighting and bleaching hair that gives a really natural-looking but bold finish. 

The Scandi hairline technique is a bleaching method that ultimately gives you a pop of colour around your hairline. You might have had face-framing highlights before but this technique takes things to a whole other level. Your hair is highlighted, balayaged or coloured as normal and left to develop. Then, a few minutes before your hair is rinsed, bleach is applied to the baby hairs all around the face, giving an instant pop of colour that works as a brightening effect.

While the Scandi hairline technique is gaining major momentum online, it’s nothing new to Harriet Muldoon, celebrity hair colourist at Larry King Hair, who has been using the technique for years. “The Scandi hairline (or lift-lights) is the best way to lighten the front of your hairline without bleaching the whole head,” she says. “It’s a good way to maintain the best condition for your hair and freshen up your hairline so you can get the extra stretch out of your colour.”

As a natural mousey-brown-haired person, I’ve been highlighting my hair for over 15 years, and I very rarely stray away from the norm. For me, that’s a full-head of bleach highlights and the creamiest, baby blonde toner you can find, thank you very much. But I recently visited Harriet, who is known for her Scandi hairline technique, and trust me, I’m never looking back. 

After having my usual bleach highlights applied, Harriet waited right until the end of the development process to paint my hairline with bleach. “As the hair around your face is super fine, they lighten much quicker than the rest, so don’t require a lot of development time at all.”

The result was the blondest I’d ever felt while still looking natural. It gives the illusion of naturally blonde hair that’s lifted even more in the sun – like a surfer-y, bleached Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush type of blonde.

I won’t lie. Being so blonde did worry me in terms of regrowth. While I initially loved my Malfoy-esque hue, I dreaded the day when I’d be left with a block of brown roots and thought the upkeep would be a nightmare. But shockingly, my colour actually grew out more natural-looking than ever. There were no harsh block lines, just a naturally-faded root. The photo below was taken around seven weeks later and I’m still pleasantly surprised by how good it looks.

While the viral trend definitely focuses on blondes, the technique is something that could be applied to all hair colours. Speak to your hair stylist about the best way to achieve the look for you: whether that’s adding a lighter shade of colour around the hairline or ensuring every baby hair is coated to give you the most natural-looking finish. 

Images: @chloeburcham; courtesy of brands