"Drenched" Hair Color Is the Grungiest Trend We Never Knew We Needed

On the arbitrary list of things you might like to be "drenched" in, there is the good (diamonds, compliments, the sun) and the bad (perfume, sweat, perfume) — but perhaps the most unexpected is when the term is used in relation to hair color. The technique, coined by colorist Karissa Schaudt at Maxine Salon in Chicago, is when "the entire head of hair is saturated with at least two different colors" — and it's just the Spring trend you've been looking for.

Put simply, "drenched" hair color is the reverse of "dipped" (think: Billie Eilish's neon roots), but don't confuse it for balayage or grown-out highlights. "This isn't an ombré because the entire head is 'drenched' in color," Schaudt said. "The vision is decorative grunge. This modern color technique is original and punk displayed in a very striking way. It's for the client looking for a statement. It doesn't necessarily have to be as bright or funky as Billie's, but it will put a creative twist on anyone's outdated color."

During your appointment, you'll want to discuss your two takes on the trend (more on that ahead) — both of which provide a "mesmerizing look, but the extremity of it depends on the vibrancy and contrast in your chosen color pallet," she said. Make no mistake: this trend is certainly for the bold — but we have a feeling you'll leave the salon drenched in flattery, too.

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends
Getty | Matthew Sperzel

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends

The first take on the trend is the opposite of what you see on Billie Eilish: drenched ends. "If you want to go darker on top and funkier on the bottom, ask your colorist to deposit a darker color on your roots — preferably one that is two or more shades darker than your natural hair," Schaudt said. "This creates depth within the base and complete saturation of the hairline and part. By first adding a deeper pigment you're creating a perfect backdrop for the brighter color being applied through the mids and ends."

The secondary color should be the brighter of the two shades. "If your ends are prelightened, you'll paint from the tips up. This color should marry with the base color, giving a noticeable meeting point."

Just note: "If your hair is not already prelightened, you'll need to first marry the lightener with the base color."

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Roots
Getty | Onnie A Koski

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Roots

The second take is to do the exact opposite: "With the next option you flip-flop the two, lightening your natural base color to at least a yellow blond," she said. (Again, think Billie Eilish here.) "This gives the option to use more unnatural colors emphasizing the body of your hair. This brighter tone is toward the roots and the more muted tones are on the ends. Again these two colors should marry in the middle."

So there you have it, daaahling — now keep scrolling to check out some of our favorite takes on the drench hair color trend.

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends
Getty | NurPhoto

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends
Getty | Christian Vierig

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Roots
Getty | John Shearer

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Roots

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends
Getty | Christian Vierig

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Roots
Getty | Melodie Jeng

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Roots

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends
Getty | Georgie Hunter

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends
Getty | Christian Vierig

"Drenched" Hair Color Trend: Your Ends