Creator Travis Ogletree gives us all the details on the sun-kissed look.

But…that’s what a great colorist is for.

(The bikini and wave catching are my own issues to tackle.)

woman with blonde highlights

@piamance/Instagram

“Can you do California highlights on black hair?”

asked a commenter back in April.

“What’s the maintenance on this?”

A woman with dyed blonde hair.

@treehousehair/Instagram

“Could just let it ride for a year,” he answered.Dreamy.

And yet, somehow, attainable.

What Are California Highlights?

model with blonde highlights

@treehousehair/Instagram

That adjective carries some (measured by the pound at Erewhon) weight.

“The longer our hair is exposed to the sun, surf, and elementsthe lighter it gets.

I use this logic when creating a naturally occurring highlight,” Ogletree tellsByrdie.

Sofia Vergara with highlighted hair

@sofiavergara/Instagram

“I would say that most people have probably seen California Highlights, they just didnt realize it.

Think sun soaked, golden, dimensional, naturally occurring.

“Californias a lifestyle.

Lala Anthony with sun-kissed highlights

@lala/Instagram

And if you’re over the maintenance that some color placement requires, this is the look for you.

(This is an important question to ask no matter what you’re in for.)

After you’ve figured that out, dig out your baby photosyou’ll need them soon enough.

Besides your Pinterest board, look to your baby book.

Highlights look very different if theyre styled smoothed out vs. curled, too.”

@lala/Instagram

And if you need help finding a stylist?

Head online, where plenty of people from all over America have tracked down Ogletree.

“Dont be afraid to ask questions and do your research before booking with a stylist!

There is a stylist of every skill level and price range for everyone.