In the realm of hair-color trends, which often feature vibrant and attention-grabbing styles, there comes a time when a more understated, low-key approach is desired. Enter “spongelights,” a balayage technique that delivers a delicately sun-kissed appearance, perfect for those seeking a touch of summer’s warmth all year round.
As the mercury begins to drop, there’s no reason to bid adieu to that sun-kissed look. If you’re in search of a more subtle hair color trend, spongelights might be just the ticket for your next style adventure. Read on as we delve into this captivating color technique with insights from hairstylists, answering your every question about spongelights, including what they are, how to achieve the look, and how to maintain it at home.
Unveiling Spongelights: The Technique That Breathes Life into Hair
“Spongelights are a color application technique that is created using a sponge to apply product onto the hair, rather than a highlight brush,” explains Jaye Edwards, Virtue ambassador and EdwardsAndCo owner, founder, and colorist. The result is hair that exudes softness and dimension, producing a more subtle and natural effect.
The choice between spongelights and traditional color application may vary, depending on the client’s preferences and the colorist’s judgment. Sometimes, a sponge proves to be more manageable, especially for budding colorists. Time also plays a role in this selection, with the spongelight process offering a quicker application, as Cassandra Olivia, hairstylist and colorist, elaborates, “It might take 10-15 minutes to do foils across the entire head, whereas it takes about five minutes to apply spongelights.”
Ultimately, it’s the final result that sets spongelights apart. Jan Spagnuolo, stylist director at Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa, praises the technique for its ability to produce beautiful, natural-looking color. The key lies in its flexibility, allowing colorists to apply varying pressures of color throughout the hair, leading to an organic sun-kissed appearance.
The beauty of spongelights is their versatility, as they work harmoniously with all hair types, textures, and base shades. If you’re intrigued by this trend, it’s advisable to consult with your chosen salon to ensure they have a colorist proficient in the technique. Olivia recommends clarifying your request with your colorist to avoid any confusion, stating, “Asking for spongelights shouldn’t trip up your colorist as [it] is becoming more common, but if you talk with your colorist and they’re confused about what you’re asking for, tell them you’re looking for very natural highlights that make your hair look sun-kissed.” Be sure to bring inspiration photos for reference.
Once your consultation is complete, the colorist will mix color and lightener and divide your hair into sections, based on your desired highlights. Using a clean, dry, reusable sponge, they will gently apply the product, starting from the back and working their way to the front. The result is a seamless transition of sun-kissed highlights.
Effortless Maintenance of Spongelights at Home
To maintain your spongelights at their best, it’s essential to use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Olivia recommends the Leaf and Flower CBD Instant Damage Correction Shampoo, designed to address the needs of compromised hair. Another recommended product is the Living Proof Full Shampoo. If your hair requires additional nourishment, consider using a treatment mask like the Rossano Ferretti Parma Dolce Nourishing Hair Mask to infuse moisture into any dry or coarse areas.
Lightened hair can sometimes develop brassiness, so it’s wise to incorporate a product like the Virtue Labs Colorkick Debrassing Shampoo into your routine to combat this issue and keep your spongelights looking fresh and radiant.
