The quiet luxury trend isn’t just taking over the runway—it’s making waves in salons across the country, too. Effortless yet undeniably expensive-looking color with subtle dimension and a seamless grow-out is more coveted than ever.
“Busy lifestyles, budget-conscious decisions, and social media trends are all driving demand for understated, refined color that enhances their hair without looking overly processed,” says Danielle Keasling (@danielle.keasling), Global Artistic Director for Matrix. However, creating low-maintenance looks that stretch the time between salon visits doesn’t have to mean less profit for you.
Photography: Courtesy of Matrix
What Is Low-Key Color?
Matrix's Low-Key Color is an express service that delivers high-impact results in just 90 minutes with minimal foils, giving clients the soft, lived-in feel they want while allowing you to upcharge strategically. And with Super Sync, Matrix’s new multipurpose alkaline demi for gray coverage and toning, it’s never been easier to execute this technique flawlessly.
“Super Sync’s advanced technology ensures seamless blending from root to tip, eliminating harsh lines and making grow-out virtually undetectable,” says Keasling. “It’s also formulated with conditioning agents that enhance shine and keep hair looking healthy, which is crucial for achieving the naturally radiant finish that defines Low-Key Color.”
Photography: Courtesy of Matrix
What’s the Low-Key Color Hype About?
Clients want a wallet-friendly, low-maintenance option that keeps their color looking fresh without monthly touch-ups. This Matrix technique—which focuses on face-framing highlights, flawless coverage, and high shine—delivers results in just 1.5 hours with as few as 12 foils.
“This means more clients per day, increased efficiency, and an opportunity to introduce express services between full-color appointments,” says Keasling. “It also attracts a new demographic of clients who may have been hesitant to commit to traditional highlights or balayage due to time or budget constraints.”
Photography: Courtesy of Matrix
Who’s the Perfect Fit for Low-Key Color?
Just about everyone. This technique works for all hair types and tones. It can also be customized in a variety of shades ranging from cherry to chestnut. Here are three candidates to recommend Low-Key Color to the next time they land in your chair:
- Gray coverage clients who want extra dimension
- Root-to-tip blondes looking for a more low-maintenance alternative
- Haircut clients who want to dip their toes into the world of color
Keasling’s Favorite Low-Key Color Combinations
Cool Brunettes
“A blend of ash brown and mocha tones for soft, dimensional depth.”
Beige Blondes
“A mix of champagne and honey hues for a creamy, low-maintenance blonde.”
Rooted Reds
“Copper paired with warm brunette undertones for a natural, soft grow-out.”
Sun-Kissed Brunettes
“A mix of warm caramel and golden tones to add natural radiance to deeper hair.”
The Low-Key Color Play-By-Play
Step 1: Money Piece
- Divide strands from hairline to nape into two sections.
- Starting at the center point, create a curved section paralleling the hairline and apply High Riser Pre-Bonded Lightener with 20-Volume Developer.
- Create a second curved section that starts at the same point but angles back toward the parietal ridge.
- Connect the third section vertically to mirror the hairline.
Pro Tip: “Focus on face-framing pieces, the crown, and mid-lengths for a natural sun-kissed effect,” says Keasling.
Step 2: Sides & Nape
- Curve the fourth foil diagonally back along the temple.
- Extend the fifth foil above and behind the ear.
- Optional: Add two foils to the nape to lighten and brighten.
Pro Tip: Curved sections complement the head shape and help diffuse the line of demarcation.
Step 3: Mirror It
- Repeat the same techniques on the other side of the head for a balanced look.
Photography: Courtesy of Matrix
Step 4: Top & Crown Highlights
- Create a large, curved diagonal back section that connects to the money piece using a macro bold weave technique.
- Backcomb the base to diffuse the line of demarcation and apply High Riser Pre-Bonded Lightener with 20-Volume Developer where the teasing ends.
- The next section will start behind the first and curve back to the round of the head while the third will parallel the center part.
- Repeat the same steps on the other side and rinse after processing.
Pro Tip: “Monitor hair closely to maintain a soft, natural lift without over-processing,” says Keasling.
Step 5: Root Shadow & Tap
- Section out the hairline 1” (as application will differ from the rest of the head).
- For the shadow, apply Super Sync with 10-Volume Developer 2-3” from the root to everything behind the hairline for a grown-out effect.
- For the tap, apply Super Sync with 10-Volume Developer ½” to 1” from the root.
- Tone mid-lengths and ends with a lighter shade of Super Sync and 10-Volume Developer.
- To add brightness, apply Tonal Control BlondeMax with 10-Volume Developer to the last 2-3” of hair.
Pro Tip: For up to 75% gray coverage, reach for the new NN shades from Super Sync, which are visibly cooler and slightly deeper than regular Ns.
Step 6: Wash & Style
- Allow the color to process for 20 minutes.
- Shampoo and condition with the Instacure Build-A-Bond collection to strengthen and soften strands.
- Spritz Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Leave-In Treatment prior to styling to hydrate, detangle, prevent breakage, boost shine, and protect hair against heat up to 450°F.
Photography: Courtesy of Matrix
Keep That Glow Going Strong
The magic of the Low-Key Color technique? It continues working for you and your clients. The natural blend means longer stretches between salon visits, but that doesn’t mean your regulars are gone for good. Keep them coming back for gloss refreshes every six to eight weeks and root touch-ups (and make sure clients are stocked up on Glow Mania, Matrix’s new laminating haircare collection that helps preserve color and enhance shine from the inside out for up to eight weeks.*)
*With use of the shampoo, conditioner/mask, and leave in
Level Up Your Technique
Want to master Low-Key Color and make it a go-to service in your salon? Join our hands-on classes running this April through June. Spots are going fast! Sign up here: Matrix Low-Key Color Studio Class.
