We’re Calling It: “Jet Set Brunette” is This Summer’s Answer to “Expensive Brunette”

As you can see, Jet Set Brunette is all about channeling a ‘just got off the beach in Capri’ vibe. Like “Expensive Brunette,” it starts with adding layers and layers of highlights for a natural, blended base (as opposed to big bold chunks or ombré). The key difference between the two trends is that a few money pieces—'90s-inspired, face-framing highlights—are added to brighten the front and give you a more textured and sunkissed tone. “You want people to think you just got back from an island vacay,” Roulan explains. “The base color is a rich brown with subtle highlights throughout, while the front pieces are blonde enough to add dimension without taking away from the sophistication of the look,” she adds. 

So, how do you get the look yourself? Read on for the exact colors and techniques Roulan used on me, plus her favorite products to keep the color from getting brassy over the summer. 

First, some cosmetology 101: “When a colorist mentions the word ‘tone,’ they’re talking about the degree of warmth or coolness in your hair. It ranges from level 1 (black) to level 10 (blonde),” Roulan says. “For the Jet Set Brunette trend, you want to be at a level 8. This lightens the warmth of a brunette base without introducing red or orange undertones.”

In my case (shown above), Roulan mixed shades 7.13 (satin blonde) and 9.13 (sandy beige) from L'Oréal’s DIA Richesse line to reach a solid 8.34. “The specific color will vary depending on how brunette your base is. Just be sure to stay in the 8 range to create a sunny, light caramel tone with a little bit of coolness,” Roulan adds.

Once you have the tone down, you want to add some shine with babylights. These are finely woven highlights that add subtle dimension—and per Roulan, they should be applied with a foilyage method (or “strandlighting”) instead of balayage. “The difference between foilyage and balayage is that foilyage involves painting the hair directly on the foil (instead of painting an entire section of hair outside of the foil in open air, like you do with balayage). This creates a universally brightened look, while still allowing the brunette foundation to peek through.” To that end, she also mentions: “Balayage uses a hand-painted technique for a softer natural color. Foilyage, on the other hand, brightens the entire head by weaving and teasing babylights in the foil. The final effect is sun-kissed, seamless and blended throughout."

Finally, to top everything off, you want to add money pieces that repeat the tone of the babylights. While the babylights add shine throughout your hair, the money pieces are thicker and help frame the face and brighten it. “The final effect is subtle and sunkissed with a hint of drama. Everything is natural and understated while still evoking a feeling that you just hopped off a plane from Tulum.” 

What I love most about this trend is that the color is subtle, but makes a noticeable difference. Since I visited the salon two months ago, people have asked me, “What’s different about you?” instead of, “Did you color your hair?” which is exactly the effect I was going for. Also, it’s held up great so far—no noticeable brassiness, especially since Roulan provided every product I’d need to keep the color bright (all of which you can shop below).