French Highlights Are Having a Moment: Is This the Brunette Refresh You've Been Looking For?

You've saved the photos.

You know you want something lighter.

You want dimension, movement, and shine, but you still want to feel like a brunette.

You don't necessarily want to be blonde. You don't want obvious stripes. And you definitely don't want a color that requires you to live at the salon.

So now you're wondering:

French highlights or balayage?

The good news? You don't have to know the answer before you sit in your stylist's chair.

At Finesse Spa Salon in Ames, Iowa, we look at your current hair, your goals, and your lifestyle to create a color plan that's customized to you.

French Highlights Are Having a Moment

And this isn't just something we're seeing in the salon.

French highlights are trending nationally, with Byrdie recently highlighting the technique as a subtle, low-contrast approach to dimensional hair color.

The idea?

Create brightness that feels soft, blended, natural, and almost effortless—the kind of color that makes people wonder if you were simply born with really beautiful hair.

Dolly Parton has never been afraid of big hair.

Big volume. Big blonde. Big lashes. Big sparkle. Big personality.

And after decades in the spotlight, Dolly has done something that feels increasingly refreshing in a world where beauty trends seem to change every five minutes:

She found what makes her feel beautiful—and she made it her signature.

The big hair is part of it. But the bigger lesson?

Your beauty doesn't have to follow the rules.

It just needs to feel like you.

Maybe Your Hair Doesn't Need to Be "On Trend"

We're constantly being told what hair is in.

This color is trending.

That haircut is back.

Everyone is going shorter.

Everyone is growing it long.

Natural texture is in.

Sleek hair is in.

Blonde is in.

Brunette is in.

And then, six months later, we're told something completely different.

Dolly's approach is a little simpler:

Find what you love. Own it.

Maybe that's a soft, lived-in balayage.

Maybe it's a rich brunette.

Maybe you love being blonde.

Maybe you want long, full hair.

Men’s Skincare 101: Why Every Man Can Benefit From a Facial

Let's make one thing clear:

Skincare isn't just for women.

Your skin doesn't care who you are. It deals with shaving, sweat, sun exposure, pollution, oil, dryness, stress, and the everyday wear and tear of life.

So why shouldn't men have a skincare routine, too?

In fact, men's skincare has become such a mainstream conversation that TODAY recently featured a segment on men's skincare basics, including best practices and products for starting a routine.

Watch TODAY's Men's Skincare 101 →

At Finesse Spa Salon in Ames, Iowa, we're seeing more men recognize something we've known for years:

Taking care of your skin isn't feminine. It's simply good grooming.

Your Skin Is Working Hard Every Day

Your face deals with a lot.

You shave.

You sweat at the gym.

You spend time outside.

You wash your face—or maybe you don't.

You use whatever soap happens to be in the shower.

You may have dry patches, oily areas, clogged pores, razor bumps, or the occasional breakout.

What Your Finesse Stylist Wants You to Know About Your Hair's Ability to Hold Moisture

Have you ever been in your stylist's chair and heard them say:

“Your hair is really porous.”

And thought…

I'm not sure if that's a compliment.

Don't worry. You're not alone.

When your Finesse stylist talks about porosity, they're talking about how your hair takes in and holds onto things like water, moisture, and products.

And understanding your hair's porosity can tell us a lot about why your hair behaves the way it does.

Why does it seem dry five minutes after you put conditioner on it?

Why does it soak up product but still feel thirsty?

Why does your color seem to fade faster than you'd like?

Why does your hair look smooth and shiny after leaving the salon but feel rougher at home?

Your hair's porosity may be part of the answer.

Think of Your Hair Like a House

Let's make this easy.

The outside layer of your hair is called the cuticle. It's made up of overlapping layers that protect the inside of the hair strand.

Think of the cuticle like the siding or shingles on a house.

Sweat, Strength & Your Hair: How to Care for Your Hair When You Work Out

You made time for the workout.

You showed up. You pushed yourself. You got sweaty. 💪

Now you're standing in the bathroom wondering:

“Do I really have to wash my hair again?”

At Finesse Spa Salon, we know the answer isn't always yes.

Life is busy. Between work, family, workouts, appointments, and everything else on your calendar, your haircare routine needs to work with your lifestyle—not against it.

And if high-intensity workouts are part of your routine, you can absolutely keep your hair healthy and your style looking great.

It's all about having a plan.

First Things First: Sweat Isn't Bad for Your Hair

Let's clear this up.

Sweating during a workout is a good thing.

Exercise is part of taking care of yourself, and we're certainly not going to tell you to skip a great workout because you're worried about your hair.

The goal isn't to prevent your scalp from sweating.

It's knowing what to do after you sweat.

Your scalp naturally produces oil, and sweat can mix with oil, styling products, dry shampoo, and everyday buildup. If you exercise frequently, understanding how your scalp responds can help you create a wash and refresh routine that works for you.

The Serena Joy Effect: Why Polished, Effortless Beauty Is Having a Moment

If you've watched The Handmaid's Tale, you know Serena Joy.

Played by Yvonne Strahovski, Serena is known for her polished, sophisticated appearance—beautiful hair, understated makeup, and skin that always looks intentionally cared for.

And while we're certainly not taking beauty inspiration from everything about Serena Joy, her beauty aesthetic is one worth talking about.

Because the polished, put-together look is having a moment.

And at Finesse Spa Salon, we're seeing why.

It's Not "More." It's Better.

For years, beauty trends have often been about adding more.

More volume.

More contour.

More color.

More products.

More complicated routines.

But today's beauty conversation feels a little different.

We're seeing a return to polished simplicity.

Hair that looks healthy and intentional.

Color that complements your complexion.

Skin that looks hydrated and cared for rather than heavily covered.

Beauty that feels sophisticated without looking like you spent three hours getting ready.

Your Hairbrush Needs a Wash Too: The Haircare Habit Most of Us Forget

You wash your face every morning. But when was the last time you washed your hairbrush?

It's a fair question.

Because if you're a woman in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, chances are your haircare routine has evolved quite a bit. You're not necessarily washing and styling your hair every morning—and honestly, who has time for that?

Maybe you've perfected your second-day hair. Maybe dry shampoo is one of your favorite time-saving products. Maybe you've learned how to stretch a professional blowout for a few extra days.

At Finesse, we're all for it!

Your haircare routine should fit your life—not the other way around.

But there's one small part of that routine that often gets forgotten:

Your hairbrush.

Your Hairbrush Goes Everywhere Your Hair Goes

Think about what your hairbrush picks up throughout the week.

Natural oils from your scalp. Dry shampoo. Styling products. Hairspray. Leave-in treatments. Loose hair. Dead skin cells. Dust and everyday debris.

Then there's nighttime.

You spend hours sleeping with your hair against your pillow. Your hair may have dry shampoo, styling products, or natural oils in it—and your pillowcase is right there absorbing some of that, too.

Noticing more hair in your brush, shower drain, or on your pillow can be unsettling. While some daily hair shedding is completely normal, a noticeable change in how much hair you're losing can leave you wondering, “What is happening with my hair?”

The first place to start may be the place we often overlook: your scalp.

Healthy-looking hair starts with a healthy scalp environment. Just like the skin on the rest of your body, your scalp can experience buildup, dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, and other changes that can affect how it feels and how your hair looks.

How Much Hair Shedding Is Normal?

It is normal to lose some hair every day as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, you may notice more shedding at certain times or after changes in your routine, stress levels, health, hormones, or other factors.

If you are experiencing sudden, significant, or persistent hair loss, talking with a healthcare professional or dermatologist is an important first step. A salon treatment isn't a substitute for medical evaluation when something feels different or concerning.

But if your concern is scalp buildup, dryness, oiliness, or simply wanting to give your scalp more attention, professional scalp care can be a great addition to your beauty routine.

A dramatic hair color change can be exciting.

Going from brunette to blonde, adding dimensional highlights, changing your tone, covering gray, or completely refreshing your color can give you a whole new feeling.

But before making a major change, there are a few questions worth asking your stylist.

A great consultation isn't about telling you what you can or can't do. It's about understanding your hair and creating a realistic plan for getting you where you want to go.

1. Is My Inspiration Photo Realistic for My Hair?

Bring photos!

They are incredibly helpful for showing your stylist what you like.

But remember: your hair may have a different starting point than the person in the photo.

Your stylist should consider:

• Your natural color

• Previous color

• Box dye

• Gray

• Hair texture

• Hair density

• Previous chemical services

• Overall hair condition

Two people can bring in the same inspiration photo and need completely different color processes.

2. How Many Appointments Will This Take?

You've saved the photos. You know you want something lighter. You want dimension, movement, and a beautiful brunette color — but now you're faced with a question:

Should you ask for French highlights or balayage?

Both techniques can create beautiful results, but they aren't necessarily interchangeable.

Understanding the difference can help you have a more productive conversation with your stylist and choose a color plan that fits your goals.

What Are French Highlights?

French highlights are designed to create soft, natural-looking dimension and brightness.

They can be customized to complement your natural brunette color while creating subtle ribbons of lightness.

A French-inspired color approach often focuses on an effortless, blended appearance rather than dramatic contrast.

This can be a beautiful choice if you want your brown hair to look brighter while still feeling brunette.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is a highlighting technique where color is strategically painted or placed throughout the hair to create a customized, dimensional result.

Balayage can be extremely subtle or much brighter depending on the desired result.

What makes hair look expensive?

It isn't always how light, dark, blonde, or dramatic the color is. Often, it comes down to dimension, shine, tone, healthy-looking ends, and a color plan that grows out beautifully.

If you love the look of professionally colored hair but don't want to spend every few weeks in the salon, there are several techniques your stylist can use to create a polished look with a more manageable maintenance schedule.

Here are seven color ideas to discuss with your stylist at your next appointment.

1. French Highlights

French highlights create soft, dimensional brightness that can be customized to your natural hair color.

On brown hair, they can create beautiful caramel, beige, or golden ribbons of color while maintaining the richness of your brunette base.

The result is polished without looking overly processed.

2. Balayage

Balayage remains popular because it can create natural-looking dimension with a softer transition between your natural color and lighter pieces.

For guests searching for balayage near me, it is important to know that balayage isn't one specific color.

Hair trends are changing, but one thing remains consistent: guests want hair that looks beautiful and works with their real lives.

If you have been searching for the latest hair trends, looking for an Ames hair salon, or scrolling through inspiration photos trying to decide what to ask for at your next appointment, 2026 is all about customized color, healthy-looking hair, soft movement, and lower-maintenance beauty.

At Finesse Spa Salon, we are seeing several trends that aren't just beautiful in a photo — they can be customized to work for your lifestyle, natural hair, and maintenance preferences.

1. French-Inspired Highlights

French highlights continue to be a beautiful choice for guests who want brightness without losing the natural depth of their hair.

This technique can be especially beautiful on brunettes, creating soft ribbons of caramel, beige, or golden dimension rather than an overly highlighted appearance.

The goal is effortless-looking color that grows out beautifully.

2. Dimensional Brunettes

Flat, one-dimensional brunette color is taking a back seat to rich, dimensional shades.

Pedicure Ames: Why a Spa Pedicure Is More Than Beautiful Nails

A beautiful pedicure is about more than choosing the perfect polish color. A professional spa pedicure is an opportunity to care for your feet, relax your mind, and take time for yourself.

If you are searching for “pedicure Ames,” you are likely looking for a quality experience that combines professional care with relaxation.

Why Regular Foot Care Matters

Your feet support you every day, but they are often one of the most overlooked areas of self-care.

A professional pedicure can help provide:

• Smoother, hydrated skin
• Well-maintained nails
• Relaxation and stress relief
• A refreshed feeling from head to toe

The Difference Between a Basic Pedicure and a Spa Experience

A spa pedicure focuses on the complete experience — not just the finished polish.

Guests enjoy:

• Professional care
• Relaxing treatments
• Attention to detail
• Time away from everyday stress

Your Spa Ames Destination

At Finesse Spa Salon, we believe self-care should feel intentional. Our spa services are designed to help guests slow down, relax, and leave feeling refreshed.

Facial Near Me: What Your Skin May Be Telling You and How Professional Skin Care Can Help

If you have been searching “facial near me,” you may be looking for more than relaxation. Many guests begin searching for professional skincare because their skin is changing and they need guidance.

Your skin can be affected by seasons, stress, hormones, lifestyle, and daily products. A customized facial can help address your specific concerns while giving you time to relax and recharge.

Common Signs Your Skin May Need Professional Care

Many guests seek professional skincare when they notice:

• Dry or dehydrated skin
• Dull appearance
• Uneven texture
• Congestion
• Changes in how their skin responds to products

Why Professional Facials Are Different

A professional facial is customized based on your skin’s current needs. Unlike choosing products based only on trends, professional treatments allow skincare experts to evaluate your skin and recommend the best approach.

Benefits may include:

• Improved hydration
• Smoother texture
• A refreshed appearance
• Relaxation and stress relief
• Personalized skincare recommendations

Searching for a “salon near me” is easy. Finding the right salon that understands your goals, lifestyle, and personal style takes a little more thought.

Your hair is an investment, and choosing the right salon can make the difference between simply getting a service and having an experience where you feel confident and cared for.

1. Look for Education and Expertise

Hair trends, products, and techniques continue to evolve. A salon that prioritizes education can provide recommendations based on current techniques and best practices.

Professional education helps stylists understand:

• Hair color chemistry
• Healthy hair practices
• New techniques
• Customized solutions

2. Choose a Salon That Values Consultation

A great hair experience starts before the service begins.

A consultation allows your stylist to understand:

• What you love about your current hair
• What you want to change
• Your daily routine
• Your maintenance preferences

3. Look for Personalized Recommendations

Your hair is unique. The best salon experience is one where recommendations are created specifically for you — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you have searched “balayage near me,” you are probably looking for beautiful, dimensional hair color that feels natural and grows out gracefully.

Balayage has become one of the most requested hair color techniques because it creates a softer, more blended result compared to traditional highlighting methods. But is balayage right for everyone?

Understanding the difference between techniques can help you make a confident decision before your next salon visit.

What Is Balayage?

Balayage is a hand-painted highlighting technique designed to create natural-looking dimension throughout the hair. Instead of creating a uniform pattern, balayage allows your stylist to customize brightness and placement based on your hair, features, and desired result.

The finished look can range from subtle and natural to bright and dimensional.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Balayage?

Balayage may be a great option if you want:

• A softer grow-out
• Less noticeable regrowth
• Natural-looking brightness
• Dimension and movement
• A customized color experience

Many guests love balayage because it allows them to enjoy beautiful color without needing frequent maintenance appointments.

Many brunette guests love the idea of adding brightness and dimension to their hair but worry about looking too blonde, too warm, or creating a color that requires constant maintenance. If you have been searching for “French highlight on brown hair” or a “French highlight” technique that feels natural and effortless, this trend may be exactly what you are looking for.

French-inspired hair color is all about creating beauty that looks soft, customized, and lived-in. Instead of dramatic contrast, French highlights focus on enhancing your natural features with carefully placed brightness and dimension.

What Are French Highlights?

A French highlight is a customized highlighting technique designed to create a natural, blended appearance. The goal is not simply to make hair lighter — it is to create movement, softness, and a color that complements your individual look.

French highlights can create:

• Soft ribbons of brightness
• Natural-looking dimension
• A seamless grow-out
• A polished yet effortless finish

This technique is especially beautiful on brown hair because it allows your natural depth to remain while adding warmth, brightness, or contrast where it matters most.

Why a Spa Day at Finesse Spa Salon Is the Perfect Way to Relax, Recharge & Feel Your Best in Ames, Iowa

Looking for a spa day in Ames Iowa? Discover customized facials, massage, hair services, and beauty treatments at Finesse Spa Salon designed for relaxation and self-care.

Why a Spa Day at Finesse Spa Salon Is the Perfect Way to Relax, Recharge & Feel Your Best in Ames, Iowa.

Life moves quickly. Between work, family, responsibilities, and everyday commitments, it can be easy to put yourself last.

That is why taking intentional time for yourself matters.

A spa day is more than an appointment—it is an opportunity to slow down, relax, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, preparing for an event, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply needing time away from the everyday routine, a personalized spa experience can help you feel refreshed and renewed.

At Finesse Spa Salon, we believe beauty and wellness go hand in hand. Our team creates customized experiences that combine relaxation, professional services, and personalized care in a welcoming environment.

If you are searching for a spa in Ames Iowa, a trusted Ames Hair Salon, or one of the best salons in Ames for a complete beauty experience, Finesse Spa Salon offers services designed around your individual needs.

Discover why summer facials are important for healthy skin in Iowa. Finesse Spa Salon in Ames offers customized facials to refresh, hydrate, and protect your skin.

Why Professional Facials Are Essential During an Iowa Summer

Summer in Iowa means sunshine, outdoor activities, vacations, pool days, and spending more time outside. While the warmer months bring plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season, they can also create challenges for your skin.

Heat, humidity, sun exposure, sweat, sunscreen buildup, and environmental stress can leave your skin feeling congested, dry, irritated, or less radiant than usual.

That is why summer is the perfect time to prioritize professional skincare.

At Finesse Spa Salon, we believe skincare is more than a luxury—it is an important part of feeling confident and taking care of yourself. Our customized facial services are designed to meet your individual skin needs while providing a relaxing, rejuvenating experience.

If you are searching for facials Ames Iowa, a relaxing spa in Ames, or a trusted salon and spa experience, Salon Finesse provides personalized skincare treatments designed to help your skin look and feel its best.

Discover how to protect blonde hair during an Iowa summer. Finesse Hair Salon in Ames shares tips for maintaining bright, healthy blonde color, balayage, and highlights.

The Truth About Blonde Hair in Summer: How to Keep Your Blonde Bright, Healthy & Beautiful in Iowa

Blonde hair is one of the most requested looks during the summer months. Whether you love a bright platinum blonde, soft honey tones, dimensional balayage, or a natural lived-in blonde, summer is the perfect time to refresh your color and embrace a beautiful seasonal style.

But anyone with blonde hair knows that summer in Iowa can bring unique challenges. Between sun exposure, humidity, chlorine, lake days, heat styling, and environmental changes, maintaining healthy blonde hair requires the right care and professional guidance.

At Finesse Hair Salon, we specialize in customized hair color designed around your lifestyle, hair goals, and maintenance preferences. As a trusted Ames Hair Salon, our team helps guests achieve beautiful blonde hair while protecting the health and integrity of their hair.

If you are searching for Hair Salons Ames, a professional Hair Salon Ames Iowa, or a color specialist who understands blonde hair, the team at Salon Finesse is here to help you create a color plan that works beautifully all year long.

Beat Iowa Humidity: The Best Summer Haircuts & Hairstyles in Ames, Iowa

Summer in Iowa is beautiful—but anyone who lives here knows the combination of heat and humidity can create some serious hair challenges. One day your hair looks perfectly styled, and the next day the humidity has a completely different plan.

From frizz and flat roots to heavy hair that feels impossible to style, choosing the right haircut can make your summer routine easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

At Finesse Hair Salon, we believe the best haircut is one that works with your lifestyle, hair texture, face shape, and daily routine. As a trusted Ames Hair Salon, our stylists specialize in creating customized haircuts that help guests feel confident through every Iowa season.

Whether you are searching for Hair Salons Ames, looking for a new summer style, or trying to find the right Hair Salon Ames Iowa, the right haircut can completely transform how your hair looks and feels.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time for a Fresh Haircut

Summer is one of the most popular times of year for guests to refresh their look. Warmer weather often means:

Buy 2 Shampoo & Conditioner Liters, Get a FREE Dry Shampoo | August 3–8

Offer Description:

Stock up on your favorite professional hair care products at Finesse Spa Salon in Ames, Iowa! Purchase any two Redken, Pureology, or Surface shampoo and conditioner liters and receive a FREE regular-size dry shampoo—our gift to you.

Professional liters help maintain healthy hair, protect hair color, and keep your salon results looking their best. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to save while refreshing your at-home hair care routine.

🎁 Bonus Gift: FREE regular-size dry shampoo with the purchase of any two qualifying liters.

🗓 Valid: August 3–August 8 In- Salon

Offer Terms: Valid on in-stock Redken, Pureology, and Surface shampoo and conditioner liters only. One free regular size dry shampoo per qualifying purchase of two liters. While supplies last. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, promotions, or rewards.

Save 20% on Redken, Pureology & Surface Liters at Finesse Spa Salon in Ames, Iowa

Keep your salon-quality hair care routine stocked all summer long! Finesse Spa Salon is celebrating with 20% OFF shampoo and conditioner liters from your favorite professional hair care brands.

Save on in-stock:

✨ Redken shampoo & conditioner liters

✨ Pureology shampoo & conditioner liters

✨ Surface Hair shampoo & conditioner liters

Professional hair care helps protect your color, improve hair health, maintain shine, and extend your salon results between appointments.

📍 Visit Finesse Spa Salon in Ames, Iowa, or reserve your products today!

🛒 Shop Now: Salon Pick Up

🏷️ Promo Code: LITER20

Offer Details: 20% OFF in-stock Redken, Pureology, and Surface liters. Valid July–August. Offers cannot be combined with other discounts, promotions, or rewards.

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Save 25% on Professional Hair Care Products at Finesse Spa Salon

Upgrade your at-home hair care routine and save! For a limited time, Finesse Spa Salon guests can save 25% when they purchase $250 or more in professional home care products. Your purchase automatically qualifies you for our blow dryer giveaway!

Mix and match your favorites:

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Whether you’re maintaining beautiful hair color, repairing damage, protecting extensions, or creating your perfect style at home, our professional products help you achieve salon-quality results every day.

📍 Shop professional hair care products at Finesse Spa Salon in Ames, Iowa.

Offer Details: Save 25% on purchases of $250+ in professional home care products. Valid through July 31. Offers cannot be combined with other discounts, promotions, or rewards.

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