Ever since I can remember, blonde has been my go-to hair color—aside from those rare emotional breakdown moments when I tried something different. From at-home highlights and full-head bleach sessions to endless balayage and money-piece highlights, I’ve dabbled in it all. Yet, despite my efforts, I could never quite achieve that luminous glow I’d see on my Instagram feed from icons like Elsa Hosk, Karol G, and the effortlessly chic Matilda Djerf. Turns out, they all share one secret: the Scandi hairline—a subtle, sun-kissed trend that’s quickly becoming the “it” look.
This year, I decided it was time to give my naturally dark-blonde hair a fresh, 2024 twist. But before diving in, I consulted some experts, including Amalia Berglund, the stylist behind Djerf’s signature look, to get all the details. From what to ask your colorist to maintenance hacks, here’s your full guide to achieving this trending look.
What Is the Scandi Hairline?
The Scandi hairline is all about adding brightness to those delicate baby hairs along your face. According to Berglund, it mimics the way Scandinavian blondes naturally develop sun-lightened strands as kids. Essentially, it gives the illusion of having spent hours soaking up the sun—even if your schedule has you glued to a desk.
“The technique lightens the fine hairs around the face and ears to create a soft, natural glow,” Berglund explains. Think of it as a subtle “halo effect” framing your face, adding warmth and dimension without the need for excessive sun exposure.
This trend has become wildly popular, especially during summer, as clients ask for that effortlessly bright vibe. But the beauty of the Scandi hairline is that it also works year-round, adding a radiant touch to any season.
Scandi Hairline vs. Money Piece: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, the Scandi hairline might seem similar to a money-piece highlight, but the two differ in subtlety and technique. While money pieces offer a bolder, more defined contrast (think Charli D’Amelio’s iconic streaks), the Scandi hairline focuses on a much softer, more blended effect.
The Scandi hairline works best on lighter hair bases, but it can enhance the brightness of face-framing highlights. If you’re starting with darker hair, a money piece can act as a great first step, lightening your strands just enough to ease into the Scandi hairline process. This combo approach ensures a natural, glowing look without over-processing your hair.
Can Dark Hair Pull Off the Scandi Hairline?
Absolutely! Although it shines brightest on blondes, the Scandi hairline can still work on darker hair for a more understated pop of brightness. Celebrity hairstylist Dave Stanwell suggests using the technique to subtly lighten the hairline, which can help soften the overall look.
“For brunettes, it’s about pre-lightening the hairline and then toning it to blend with your natural color,” explains Stanwell. This method is also ideal if you’re trying to camouflage gray regrowth or add depth to darker roots.
How to Achieve the Scandi Hairline Look
Achieving this look involves precise bleaching of those delicate baby hairs around your face. At the salon, Berglund starts by separating out the fine strands along the hairline while her client’s bleach is processing. She carefully applies lightener to the baby hairs for just a few minutes, ensuring they don’t get over-processed.
Stanwell, on the other hand, prefers a slightly different approach. “I like adding tiny streaks of bleach throughout the hairline to create a soft, seamless blend,” he says. This method ensures a natural look that doesn’t scream “I just got my hair done.”
If you’re considering trying this at home, proceed with caution—bleach is no joke, especially on fragile baby hairs. Berglund advises using a low-volume developer and keeping a close eye on the process to avoid damage. And if you’re not already blonde, it’s best to leave this one to the professionals. Trust me, it’ll be worth the salon visit.
Maintaining the Scandi Hairline Look
Keeping your Scandi hairline fresh doesn’t require heavy maintenance, but it does call for a bit of care. “Lighter hair tends to need fewer touch-ups,” says Berglund. However, if your natural roots are dark, you might need to visit the salon more frequently.
Berglund also recommends adding purple shampoo to your routine to prevent brassiness—about once every two weeks should do the trick. Additionally, it’s essential to use hair products tailored to your specific needs, whether that’s hydration, strength, or damage repair.
And don’t forget your scalp! A clarifying shampoo can help remove buildup and keep your roots looking clean. Use it once or twice a month if your hair is on the drier side, or weekly if you’re dealing with oiliness.
FAQs
1. How often do I need to touch up the Scandi hairline?
The frequency depends on your natural hair color and growth rate. If you have dark roots, you might need touch-ups every 6-8 weeks, while lighter hair may require fewer visits.
2. Can I combine the Scandi hairline with other hair trends?
Yes! You can pair it with money-piece highlights or balayage for extra dimension. These combinations can make the lighter baby hairs stand out even more.
3. Is the Scandi hairline damaging to my hair?
Bleach always carries some risk, especially on fine baby hairs. To minimize damage, use bond-repair treatments like Olaplex and avoid over-processing during touch-ups.
