French-girl highlight: the subtle secret hollywood’s top colorists are using
The obsession with effortlessly chic French beauty isn’t new, but a fresh technique is quietly dominating hair trends – and it’s far less intimidating than you might think. Forget complicated processes, this is about a deceptively simple, sun-kissed glow.
Crafting the illusion of effortless dimension
Travis Ogletree, founder of Treehouse Studio in Los Angeles, noticed a recurring theme during Paris Fashion Week: a low-maintenance approach to color that prioritized subtle, lived-in highlights. He translated that observation into his signature ‘French-girl highlight’ – a technique built on strategically placed foils, designed to mimic the natural radiance seen on Parisian streets. It’s a refinement of his existing California highlight method, scaled back for a truly low-key result.
Unlike traditional balayage, which often relies on hand-painting and can require frequent touch-ups, the French-girl highlight utilizes precisely placed foils to deliver a cleaner, more even lift. “People aren’t looking for constant gloss or the chase for brightness,” Ogletree explains. “They want something intentional, rooted from the beginning, and foils consistently provide that – a sophisticated lift that feels inherently natural.”
The celebrity seal of approval
Even Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Williams’ colorist, Jeremy Cohen – a New York City celebrity known for his discerning eye – is embracing the trend. “It’s all about the placement,” Cohen emphasizes. “Like those inherent highlights you get from basking in the sun as a child. It's subtle but profoundly impactful.” He highlights the technique's effectiveness in adding dimension to brown hair, creating a glossy, elevated look that mimics the best version of your natural color.
The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability. It’s not confined to blonde hair; it works across all hair types – from brunettes seeking a subtle lift to blondes desiring a softer, more diffused effect, even blending grays seamlessly. It’s about the effect, not the starting point, evolving with you rather than demanding a rigid maintenance schedule. Think of it not as a photoshoot reshoot, but as a meticulous post-production edit.
And the result? “People don’t want to be coming back in constantly for glosses,” Ogletree concludes. “They want something that begs the question: Did she color her hair or not?”