If you’re feeling that familiar urge to refresh your look for the new season, you’re not alone. Autumn is often a great time to switch up your hair colour as we transition into the colder months, but this year there’s a new hair colouring trend that’s set to be on every hairdresser’s lips: skinnylights.

Forget balayage and say goodbye to ombre – skinnylights are a natural-looking way to refresh your hair colour with minimal effort or damage to the hair. Coined by celebrity hairdresser Harriet Muldoon at Larry King, skinnylights differ from traditional highlights in both their application technique and colour pay-off. And the best part is, they suit all hair types, textures and shades. 

So if you’re looking for hair inspiration. you’ve come to the right place. From what to ask your hairdresser for, to the best inspiration pictures to screenshot and take to the salon, here’s everything you need to know…

Unlike the chunky highlights that dominated recent seasons, skinnylights focus on creating a really subtle dimension to your hair. Think of them as a modern twist on highlights – a much finer, more natural-looking approach. “The last few seasons we have seen chunky lights having a moment. As we step into autumn, more of my clients are wanting a more natural-looking colour, and that’s where skinnylights are perfect,” says Muldoon. “Skinnylights are a softer, natural-looking look. They give the hair a youthful feel and are perfect for recreating that laidback French girl aesthetic that everyone’s currently into.” The aim is to add depth and lightness to your hair, without the drastic contrast or maintenance of thicker highlights.

Skinnylights work well on all hair colours and textures, whether you’re a blonde, brunette or redhead. “Ask for a very fine weave of high and lowlights and finish with a gloss for a seamless blend,” advises Muldoon. This technique enhances your natural base colour while adding a touch of brightness and depth. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace their natural hair colour but still crave a change – or for anyone looking to transition their hair slowly through the winter months.

There’s also a growing trend towards maintaining hair health, which skinnylights perfectly cater to. “There’s definitely been an increase in people’s concern over their hair health and working with their natural base colour,” Muldoon says. “Lots of my clients have started embracing their grey hairs, too, and I love to see women accepting the real them. Skinnylights allow you to complement your own natural hair colour, while still switching up your hair colour.” 

So, if you’re thinking about a colour refresh for autumn, you might want to consider skinnylights. Subtle and soft, they’re a low-maintenance way to update your hair colour without damaging the health of your hair. 

Main Image: Getty