5 Ways to Make Your Hair Color Look Expensive

You’ve probably seen the words “expensive blonde” and “expensive brunette” come across your social media feeds in the past few months, and the expensive hair trend is showing no signs of slowing down. But don’t worry: the expensive part of the phrase doesn’t refer to the amount of money you’ll spend on your hair, but it’s actually referring to what your tresses will look and feel like after just a few steps. Think a multi-tonal, blended, rich in color, and overall shiny and glossy head of hair.

And rather than focusing on just one hair color, the expensive hair trend is all about enhancing whatever hair color you’re currently rocking, from blonde to brunette and everything in between. Here’s how you can make the expensive hair trend your own.

1. Work With Your Hairstylist to Get a Custom Look

What distinguishes expensive hair from other hair trends is the focus on richness and dimension, and it’s meant to work with your own hair color to be as natural and as low-maintenance as possible. That will be achieved through a combination of highlights, lowlights, balayage, and freehand coloring from your stylist. 

To get the best results, talk to your stylist and bring photo references so they can have a full picture of what you would like. You should also be sure to talk to them about how often you’ll need to come back in for touch ups.

If you would like to try the trend from home, try the L’Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color. Custom blended by L'Oréal master colorists, the shimmering hair color will offer a long-lasting, multidimensional look, which is key for the expensive hair trend.

2. Upgrade Your Shampoo and Conditioner

To keep dullness at bay, it’s important that your shampoo and conditioner also work to keep your hair color as brilliant as possible. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, pH Balanced and L’Oréal Paris Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, pH Balanced cleanses without stripping away color, and each is infused with argan oil for a soft feel even after you’re done with wash day. 

The power of the shampoo and conditioner is boosted even more when used along with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze to enhance shine and boost tone even more.

3. Use a Hair Gloss

While you can head back to your salon for a gloss treatment, an at-home hair gloss like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss will work just as well to keep your expensive hair looking, well, expensive. Formulated to boost shine and correct any faded tones, this in-shower treatment will leave your hair glossy and soft without any mixing or mess. 

4. Make Sure Your Dry Shampoo Is Tinted

A lot of dry shampoos can be white and powdery, and if you aren’t careful the residue can make your tresses appear dusty or dull. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair combat that problem with color infused pure pigments. so it’ll absorb excess oil and sweat while maintaining the richness and brightness of your hair. 

5. Add a Hair Mask to Your Routine

While the expensive hair trend is a lot easier on your hair then traditional bleaching, the color change will still require you to show some extra love to your locks so your tresses don’t get dry or damage. That’s where a mask comes in, and options like the L’Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask restore and condition without weighing down your hair. An added bonus? The anti-fade and UV filter means you won’t have to trade hydration for color protection. 

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Written by: Témi Adebowale, Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi , Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Adrianne Kiara