Blond Espresso Hair Is the Newest and Glossiest Combination of Brunette and Blond

"Tell your colorist that you still want to identify as a brunette, but you want to add some threads of caramel," Howard said. This could be a range of four, eight, 12, or 14 pieces of balayage depending on how intense you want the overall effect. However, "it's a color choice rather than just a technique," Howard explained. Ask for a gloss service in addition to balayage for a luxurious-feeling finish. He stressed that this isn't about overpowering or changing the color to blond, but rather complementing the base and adding hints of the hue.