12 Popular Hair Colouring Techniques 2024

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your hair needs a little excitement? Maybe your current colour feels dull, or you’re craving a fresh look. But with so many hair colouring techniques available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Should you go for soft highlights or a full-head transformation? 

If these questions are on your mind, don’t worry! In 2025, hair colouring has evolved to offer a variety of techniques suited to different hair types, styles, and preferences. This guide will take you through 12 of the most popular hair colouring techniques in 2025. So, if you’re ready to give your hair a new lease on life, let’s dive in!

1. Ombre Hair Colour – The Classic Two-Tone Effect

What it is: Ombre is a hair colouring technique where the roots remain dark while the ends gradually transition to a lighter shade. This creates a dramatic yet beautifully blended effect. The contrast between the roots and the tips can be soft and natural or bold and striking, depending on your choice.

Best for: Ombre is a fantastic option if you love stylish, trendy looks but don’t want to commit to frequent touch-ups. It works especially well on medium to long hair.

Maintenance: Since your roots stay dark, you don’t have to worry about visible regrowth, making it a low-maintenance hair colouring technique.

2. Balayage – The Natural, Hand-Painted Glow

What it is: Balayage is a French technique that involves hand-painting highlights onto the hair for a natural, sun-kissed effect. Unlike traditional highlights, which use foils, balayage creates a softer, more blended look with no harsh lines.

Best for: Balayage is the way to go if you want a subtle, natural glow that mimics how the sun naturally lightens your hair. It suits all hair lengths and textures.

Maintenance: Since balayage blends seamlessly into your natural hair, it grows out gracefully, meaning you don’t need to visit the salon as often.

3. Highlights – Adding Dimension and Brightness

What it is: Highlights involve lightening small sections of hair to create depth and contrast. They can be thin and subtle (for a soft, blended look) or thicker and more dramatic (for a bold, high-contrast effect).

Best for: Those who want to brighten their natural hair colour without completely changing it. Highlights work well for both light and dark hair.

Maintenance: Requires regular touch-ups every 6–8 weeks to keep the brightness fresh.

4. Lowlights – Adding Depth and Richness

What it is: Lowlights are the opposite of highlights—they involve adding darker strands to create depth and richness in your hair. They are great for breaking up overly light hair or making fine hair look fuller.

Best for: Lowlights can add warmth and dimension if your hair looks too light or washed out.

Maintenance: Similar to highlights, lowlights need touch-ups every 8–10 weeks.

5. Babylights – Super Fine, Natural-Looking Highlights

What it is: Babylights are very fine, delicate highlights that mimic the soft, natural highlights seen in children's hair. They add a subtle radiance without looking artificial.

Best for: Anyone who wants an ultra-natural look that enhances their natural colour without a drastic change.

Maintenance: Since babylights are finely blended, they grow out naturally, requiring minimal upkeep.

6. Sombre – A Softer Take on Ombre

What it is: Sombré (soft ombre) is a more blended, subtle version of ombre. Instead of a sharp contrast between dark and light, sombré has a smoother, more gradual transition.

Best for: Those who love the ombre look but prefer a softer, more natural blend.

Maintenance: It’s low-maintenance since the blend grows out gradually.

7. Colour Melting – Seamless Blending of Shades

What it is: Colour melting involves blending multiple shades together so smoothly that there are no visible lines between colours. It creates a natural, dimensional look.

Best for: Anyone who wants a multi-tonal, effortlessly blended colour.

Maintenance: Very low maintenance, as the shades blend well over time.

8. Dip Dye – Bold, Fun, and High-Contrast

What it is: Dip dyeing involves colouring just the ends of the hair in a vibrant or contrasting shade. It’s a fun, creative way to experiment with colour.

Best for: Those who want a bold, playful look without committing to full-head colour.

Maintenance: Bright shades fade quickly, so frequent touch-ups are needed.

9. Root Smudging – Blended, Effortless Roots

What it is: Root smudging is a technique where your natural roots are blended into the dyed sections, creating a soft transition between colours.

Best for: Those who want to avoid harsh regrowth lines and extend the life of their colour.

Maintenance: Very low-maintenance, perfect for busy individuals.

10. Fantasy Colours – Vibrant and Eye-Catching

What it is: Fantasy colours include bold, non-traditional shades like pink, blue, purple, and green.

Best for: Any one who loves expressing their personality through hair colour.

Maintenance: Bright colours fade quickly, so colour-safe shampoos and frequent touch-ups are essential.

11. Grey Blending – Embracing Natural Greys with Style

What it is: Grey blending mixes your natural greys with highlights or lowlights to create a soft, dimensional look.

Best for: Those who want to embrace their grey hair in a stylish way.

Maintenance: Requires touch-ups every few months.

12. Global Hair Colour – A Full-Head Transformation

What it is: Global hair colour means dyeing all your hair in one solid shade, whether natural or bold. If you are looking for a full head transformation, you can definitely give global hair colour a try.

Best for: Anyone looking for a fresh, dramatic change.

Maintenance: Requires regular root touch-ups.

Which Hair Colouring Technique is Right for You?

Choosing the right hair colouring technique depends on your desired look, hair type, and maintenance level. If you want low maintenance, go for balayage or sombré. If you love bold colours, try dip dye or fantasy shades. Highlights and lowlights are great options for natural dimensions.

Ready to refresh your hair? Which technique are you most excited to try in 2025? Book your appointment with you now.