From the red carpet to the runway to Park Avenue, dark roots are creeping in. Allison Gandolfo of the Pierre Michel Salon, who has tamed the tresses of Bobbi Brown and Jerry Stiller, calls this the "Peak-a-boo highlight, because it's not directly coming from the roots but, rather, hiding under. In the past, everything was chunky and bold. This is definitely different. " Trendsetters like model Gisele Bundchen and actress Kate Beckinsale have been sporting this look for quite some time. "This is a big trend with brunettes, or women in their 20s and 30s, who don't have to worry about gray hairs. It's a fun look without a lot of maintenance," explains Allison.

Why the current overload of dark roots? "I hate to say it, but perhaps it's the recession," says Allison. "This is an ultra low-maintenance look, so you don't have to continually dye your hair in the salon. It saves money–you can have the look and wear it longer and it's considered trendy."

If you're ready to put your roots on display, tell your stylist to do the following: "Start with bigger sections of highlights. Highlight more towards the bottom of the head, or balliage (painting highlights as opposed to using foils) the tips." Or just skip your next appointment at the hair salon altogether.

Sarah Howard is the editor of Beauty Banter.