Welcome to the era of classy, ‘less is more’ hair. The laid-back luxe trend took off with the ‘ghost wave’, with structured blow-dries swapped for super-relaxed, dropped-out curls brushed through for shine. Now that same effortless feel is taking over colour trends as well, with a new, seamless ‘ghost balayage’ becoming the most-wanted look
‘Everybody nowadays wants a seamless blend,’ says celebrity hairdresser Calum Tierney who has just showcased the look on both Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon and Fool Me Once actress Michelle Keegan. ‘Lived-in colour is massive at the moment, because people don't want upkeep.’
The 'ghost balayage' is designed to work with individual base tones, graduating so subtly that you can’t see where the natural shade ends and the colour begins, explains Calum. ‘People don't get a strong grow-out root, so it’s really low maintenance.’
Fewer colour appointments also mean better hair condition. ‘This look is all about health and shine,’ says Calum. The 'ghost balayage' can easily be adapted for any hair colour, but the one common denominator is a high-gloss finish. ‘I’m using Wella’s newest colour glaze range, ShineFinity, which is incredible for this look,’ he adds.
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For Samia’s new look, Calum has gone for a seamless toffee-toned balayage blend, and paired it with an equally effortless, low-maintenance cut. ‘We’ve added butterfly layers around the front and a Bardot bangs-type fringe, because it grows out more in a more seamless way than a full fringe,’ he says. ‘It also looks really nice when the hair's worn up, as that sort of fringe looks thicker on the temple line.’
Helpfully, the seamless blend also adds polish and a subtle summer refresh without causing issues for on-screen continuity. 'Obviously, we can't stray too far away from Samia's character,’ says Calum. ‘It’s an issue I have to consider for a lot of my clients.’ So the super-subtle ‘ghost balayage’ refresh is a great compromise, by adding a 'your hair but better' glow-up.
Samia’s former Corrie colleague, Michelle Keegan, has already been in the salon chair with Calum, for an equally seamless switch-up. ‘I did a seamless ‘expensive brunette’ blend on Michelle a few weeks back, as she’s also trying to go lighter for summer but in a low-maintenance way,’ he tells us.
As mum to four-month-old baby Palma, the low-upkeep ghost balayage look makes perfect sense for Michelle.
The 'ghost balayage’ is also an excellent option for blondes who want a sunkissed look for summer without the bother of highlights. ‘The ‘ghost blonde’ means you shouldn’t be able to tell where your natural shade ends and the blonde begins,’ says Calum. ‘Effortlessly sun-kissed with zero harsh contrast, it’s the hair equivalent of the “no-makeup makeup” look.’
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