We're constantly on the lookout for new ways to play with our look [1] so it only makes sense that "root play" is something experts predict we'll be very into this spring. Roots, in general, are always a big topic of conversation — to dye them [2] or not to dye them, that is the question — but this hair-color trend [3] may be the happy medium between grown-out and freshly done color.

"While balayage will always continue to be a top color trend, I'm seeing an evolution in terms of starting point for the color," celebrity hairstylist Aura Friedman [4] told POPSUGAR. "Balayage color typically starts around three inches from the root, but I anticipate lifting the color to about two inches from the root as a way to play up natural root color for an increased, lived-in contrast."

You may have rocked this lived-in look in the past without realizing it, but instead of landing there by chance we'll be seeking it out at the salon as a way to get ahead of the inevitable. The style, which is made to look slightly grown out from the start, is more low-maintenance than dyeing your hair right up to the scalp. Think of it as claiming back your roots.

"There are a few different ways to achieve a rooted look," said Friedman. "For a softer look, request that your colorist use balayage or painting techniques starting around two inches from the root for a more diffused root line. For an increased contrast, request highlights at the root, followed by a translucent demi-color root shadow. Then, have your colorist apply a darker, cooler toner for the root formula when glossing, but ask that they stay off the hairline to keep face illuminated."

Whether you play with your natural roots by dyeing the rest of your head a bright or pastel hue or stick to a natural-looking color story, the root play hair color trend looks effortlessly cool, which is exactly the type of energy we want to channel in 2021.

Keep scrolling to see more "root play" hair color ideas.