"Hybrid" Hair Color Is a Low-Maintenance Dream

If you're in the mood to change up your hair but haven't found a new look that's speaking to you, we have just the thing. The "hybrid" hair-color trend has already proven to be a celebrity favorite and is positioned to only get more popular in the coming year. In 2021, Hailey Bieber revealed her version of the color via Instagram and Kim Kardashian tried her hand at the trend shortly after. The look is a combination of traditional all-over, single-process color with a full head of highlights.

"This works with a strong base color and pops of a slightly lighter tone," Jamie Mazzei tells PS. "This allows the hair to have a different look with every turn of the head."

Keep reading to learn more about the trend, and get inspiration with some of our favorite takes on "hybrid" hair color below.

Jamie Mazzei is the creative director for NuBest Salon & Spa.

The color is shiny and multi-dimensional, giving you a luxe look similar to the "expensive brunette" or "winter gold" hair color trend. However, unlike those trends, which are reserved for those with brown hair, anyone can try this color. "Hybrid hair color is beautiful for blonds, brunettes, and redheads," Mazzei says.

A professional will be able to help you craft the perfect shade. "It is easily customizable for your hair color and skin tone," he says. "Ask your colorist for an all-over color (or work with your own natural base) and soft balayage around the bottom. Then you will want your colorist to gloss it all over with the chosen tone." The hair gloss is key because that's what creates the trademark shine. Mazzei recommends opting for a gloss that's just slightly lighter than your base color to help it "move and change with you, looking lit from within."

The main perk of "hybrid" color — aside from just being universally flattering — is its low-maintenance nature. "This is what clients are wanting post-pandemic," he says. Simply use an at-home hair gloss treatment to restore shine between appointments. Mazzei recommends the Celeb Luxury Gem Lites ColorWash Color Depositing Shampoo ($32). We also like the Hally Fluffy G Foaming Glazey Hair Gloss ($15).