French Blending: The Low-Maintenance Hair Color Trend for Gray Hair

French blending is a hair color technique created by L'Oréal Professionnel that seamlessly blends gray hair into the overall color using strategic placement and tone. According to L'Oréal Professionnel ambassador Krista Bartik, it offers a softer, more modern alternative to covering grays. There are three types: first blending for initial grays, retouch blending for maintenance, and total blending for full-head transformation. Celebrity colorists Kadi Lee and Jenna Perry note that the technique works for all hair textures, with adjustments in application for fine, wavy, or curly hair. French blending differs from general gray blending in that it involves more precise, hand-painted placement. Gray hair requires special care, including moisturizing products and violet shampoos to prevent yellowing, as recommended by the colorists.