45 Looks That Prove Balayage Hairstyle Are for You

Y’all know we’ve been on board with ombré hair and its many variations for a long time and are always scouting for a new take on the trend. Luckily, summer is the ideal season to test-drive balayage, a French free-handed (read: foil-free) highlighting technique that will make you look perfectly sun-kissed. Need a little inspiration before you hit the styling chair? Read on to see 45 gorgeous examples of why balayage is the look for you.

1. Muted Tones: For those gals looking to ease their way into the balayage trend, try opting for a more subtle shade that will blend into your natural root color. It’s like the hue you were born with, but better. (via Song of Style)

2. Perfectly Blended: You know a balayage is done correctly if you can’t see lines where it starts and ends. A perfectly blended application will leave your color looking like an upgraded version of your natural shade. No one will ever know you hit up the salon! (via Hello Rigby)

3. Monochromatic: Many people assume that balayage has to be brown fading into blonde, but you can choose to keep things simple with a monochromatic option. Opt for a gradual fade — like dark brown into chestnut — instead of a more dramatic look. (via Hair Play)

4. Warm Blonde: Keep your tresses looking California chic with a sunkissed, warm blonde on the ends. It’s the perfect look to rock as we transition from one season to another — especially when it’s warm outside! (via The Blonde Salad)

5. The Color Trio: Take note from this beauty and opt for the darkest shade at the root fading into a lighter shade followed by a bright pop at the ends. Talk about multidimensional and totally unexpected! (via Negin Mirsalehi)

6. High Up: Many hairdressers will ask where you want your balayage to start, which totally affects the overall look of your ‘do. Don’t be afraid to start it up high toward your roots for a more highlighted, lifted look. (via Tuula Vintage)

7. Cool and Warm Tones: Keep things interesting by combining both cool and warm colors in your balayage. The gradual mix of these tints makes your hair perfectly suited for any season, outfit, or destination. (via We Wore What)

8. Golden Brown: Maybe you just returned from a Mediterranean vacation spent sunning yourself on a yacht. Or maybe you and your stylist just conspired to evoke that look; don’t worry, we’ll never tell. (via Willow Lane)

9. Dramatic Red Ombré: Balayage is a super fun technique for those who like to experiment with color. Your ombré can be blended but still super-bold. (via La Folie Couture)

10. Cool Blonde: If you’ve ever been jealous of the natural highlights children develop in the summer, you can rein in your inner green-eyed monster. With a blonde balayage-d ‘do, you can look that natural too. (via We Heart It)

11. Splashlights: If you’re looking for something edgier, try splashlight, a technique where color is only painted onto the middle of the strand. We’re just waiting for this one to take over the runway. (via Everything Emily)

12. Snowy Blonde: Want to go platinum but afraid to take the plunge? Paint it at varying heights on your strands. You get all the wow of such a bright blonde, but you keep the warmer, subtler tones near your face. (via Add Hairstyle)

13. Honey Shades: Not only does balayage create gorgeous, multilayered color, it also lets you get away with stretching out salon visits just a little longer. Who’s to say if those are roots or just a part of the masterpiece? (via Gal Meets Glam)

14. Highlighted Gray: Kelly Osbourne has been telling us for ages that gray isn’t just for middle-aged women anymore, and we believe her. We’re betting more stylish ladies would rock this color if they knew they could do it with such a variety of tones. (via Miss Teacups)

15. Red Hot: Make your firey red color scream summer with simple blonde balayage. (Photo via Toby Canham/Getty)

16. Luminous Lights: Whether you’re trying to protect your hair or your wallet from the havoc chemical dyes can wreak, just a few well-placed face-framing pieces can totally liven up your look. (via Elle France)

17. Subtle Ombré: If you weren’t born with bottle-perfect color, subtle color can give that mousy brown or dishwater blonde some much needed pop! (via SS Life + Style)

18. Pastel Pink: Ifneon hair isn’t your thing, turn to statement-making pink instead. This pastel pink on platinum blonde fits the bill quite nicely. (via Style Saint)

19. Messy Curls: Balayage is a great choice for curly girls, because it will work with your natural swirls and spirals and give you a sunny glow. (via Fashion Hyper)

20. Loose Waves: It’s no secret we’re big fans of Jamie Chung. We’ll take those loose waves and blonde accents any day. (Photo via Rich Polk/Getty)

21. Pink Accents: Play with interesting color combos like plum and pink for seasonal switchups. (via Jessica Barnwell)

22. Polished Tips: Update a classic lob with trendy, high-voltage tips. (via Daria Daria)

23. Caramel Blonde: Fade darker shades into bright, bold blonde for warm-weather fun. (via Hair Product and Technique)

24. Fire Red and Blonde: We just can’t get over this one. If you’re looking for something new and bold, puh-lease try this and send us a pic! (via Curled)

25. Curly Tip: Embracing your hair’s natural texture doesn’t mean you have to embrace its natural color too. Just make sure the dye is applied with your hair dried and styled, so your stylist can get the placement right. (via The Style News Network)

26. Golden Blonde: Balayage can be used for a natural look too. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your given haircolor, just use balayage to perk it up a bit! (via Mr. Anh Co Tran)

27. Lovely Lavender: Unleash your inner rockstar with a variety of tones. (via Arsova Salon)

28. Curl Makeover: The blonde peeking through at the bottom of these barrel curls is the most traditional way to rock balayage. It may be standard, but it’s still gorgeous. (via The View from 5ft2)

29. Ash Blonde: Look for dramatic color combos and more aggressive shades of blonde to be everywhere this season. (via Box No. 216)

30. Multi-Tone Burgundy: Why settle for one standout shade when you can have several? (via Love, Elizabethany)

31. Get Creative: Pink blending into grey blending into black is what we call a statement hairstyle, and this babe can rock it.

32. Serious Contrast: For a more out-there balayage, try a not-so-subtle blend featuring highly contrasting shades of brown and blonde.

33. Purple Touch: With deeper hair colors, painting in a rich purple tone makes for a subtle, yet eye-catching, look.

34. Starting Down Low: Brighten darker locks with lower lighter strands.

35. Playful Shades: To add a playful touch, hand-paint coordinating bright shades of teal and aqua.

36. Dimension: Add serious dimension with deep hues and rich shades.

37. Magenta: With fashion tones, expert blending is essential.

38. Deep Roots: Even with vivid tones like this pastel pink, you can get away with dark roots.

39. Lighter in the Front: Having the balayage painted higher on your front pieces makes the effect more natural.

40. Rose-Gold: And you thought rose gold was only a warm-tone! This icy pink-blonde pairs well with summer vibes.

41. Mermaid Shades: Keep it exciting with tones that aren’t your typical blonde, black, red, or brown.

42. Mixed Tones: Many feel like they have to choose between warm- and cool-toned blonde, but this example proves that’s not the case.

43. Caramel for Fall: We love sweet shades of caramel for year-round slayage, and this style is no exception.

44. Ice Queen: Icy blonde highlights work well with exposed roots.

45. Seamless Blend: Keep them guessing with simple, subtle hues that mimic your own natural highlights.

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Do you feel like you’re stepping into a time capsule or experiencing a wave of déjà vu lately? It’s no coincidence. As we embrace fall for 2024, fashion and beauty echo the bold yet relaxed vibes of the '90s — a decade profoundly influenced by Saturn in Pisces from 1993 to 1995. This resurgence is more than just a revival of retro aesthetics; it’s a nod to the celestial energies that shaped that era.

Whenever Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, meets the romantic sign of Pisces, magic is bound to happen. Saturn’s time in Pisces encourages introspection and creativity, stirring a cultural shift now that's currently resurfacing in our beauty and style choices — hairdos included. This planetary influence seems to have set the stage for a revival of '90s trends, blending that era's grunge and romantic elements with a contemporary twist.

Looking around, you’ll notice a nostalgic flair in the current hairstyles, which combine the gritty allure of '90s grunge with an updated, romantic sensibility. Women are channeling the spirit of the era through their choice of fashion and hair, from power suits to oversized knit sweater dresses to the iconic "Rachel Haircut."

As a former hairstylist turned astrologer and beauty expert, I’m here to guide you through this nostalgic transformation by blending beauty advice with cosmic magic. Let’s illuminate your inner and outer beauty with a sprinkle of astrological insight! With that in mind, here's what you can expect for fall hair trends in 2024.

​Fall 2024 Haircuts

Getty Images for Netflix

This season, the French Bob — popularized by celebrities like Winona Ryder in the ‘90s — makes a stylish return with a chic, sophisticated edge. The Lob, a favorite of Julia Roberts, continues to bridge classic and contemporary with its timeless appeal. Salma Hayek’s daring Pixie cut and baby bangs from this era are also back, bringing a bold, youthful vibe. The Shag, reminiscent of the rock-and-roll spirit seen in the '90s, and “The Rachel Haircut,” which initially debuted during Saturn’s transit in 1995, are making notable comebacks. Let’s dive deep and look at the haircuts making their mark this fall.

French Bob

Channeling the chic and playful vibes of the '90s with a sophisticated edge. Wearing this flirty cut with your favorite barrette (butterfly clip) can go a long way from work to events.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Lob

The long bob (AKA Lob) remains a timeless favorite, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary. This low-maintenance cut is perfect for busy moms or those who want to give bobs a chance without commitment.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Micro Fringe

Bringing a bold, youthful touch reminiscent of the era’s daring looks. These bangs are risqué, yet you can wear them proudly with the right attitude and pomade.

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The Shag (AKA The Wolf Cut)

Embracing the layered, textured appeal of the 90s with a blend of rock-and-roll and romance. This haircut is ideal for those with natural waves that need a boost. Use a diffuser and leave-in product for the best results.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The Rachel Revival Haircut

I’m calling this “The Rachel Revival Haircut.” It's a mature take on the iconic Rachel, adding a polished twist to a classic favorite. The trendsetter Aquarius, Jennifer Aniston, reawakened this timeless haircut earlier in 2024, and it's definitely making an official comeback this fall! Fun fact: this original haircut was debuted by Aniston when Saturn was in Pisces on Friends in April 1995.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Long Layered Haircut

This haircut balances nostalgia with modern elegance, offering a versatile and timeless choice. Long hair has been an American girl’s staple, but tresses must be healthy and well-maintained. Schedule routine haircuts with your stylist to ensure health and longevity for your locks. Also, invest in a hair treatment mask and use it every other week.

​Fall 2024 Hairstyles

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

The hairstyles for fall 2024 are a vibrant nod to the '90s, as well, channeling the duality of grunge and romance, reflecting iconic trends sported by celebrities of the time. Drew Barrymore embodied the carefree spirit of textured waves, while Pamela Anderson brought Hollywood glamour to the forefront with her voluminous updos. Kate Moss personified the bedhead grunge look with effortless style. These timeless hairstyles are set to make a striking comeback this fall, blending '90s nostalgia with modern flair.

Textured Waves

Loose, tousled waves that evoke the carefree spirit of the 90s grunge scene. The secret to working an effortless look is to use a salt spray.

Sleek Half-Updo (With Gel)

This polished yet relaxed style is a major throwback to the glossy finishes popular in the ‘90s. Use a paddle brush to achieve a sleek look and manage flyways.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Pamela Updo

Voluminous and glamorous, reminiscent of the 90s Hollywood glamour that combines practicality with retro chic. From the office to a fall gala, this hairstyle will turn heads.

Sleek Single Braid

This minimalist and refined style echoes the decade’s sleek and structured trends. Apply a hair serum to dry hair to give it a glossy finish.

Bedhead Grunge

To achieve this look, embrace the effortlessly undone aesthetic that defined '90s grunge. Use a pliable leave-in product and apply it to towel-dried hair. Twist random locks and allow them to air dry.

​Fall 2024 Brunette Trends

Netflix

Fall 2024’s color palette embraces deep, rich browns, echoing the earthy tones popular during the early '90s under Saturn in Pisces. This revival mirrors the iconic brunette looks of that era, including Winona Ryder’s natural elegance in Reality Bites, Julia Roberts’ striking deep brown in The Pelican Brief, and Salma Hayek’s dramatic espresso in Desperado. These shades — rich brown with baby lights and bold espresso — capture the sophisticated essence of fall 2024’s color trend. Let’s explore the range of brunettes that can capture your essence this season — and don’t forget to use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to preserve your new color!

Rich Brown with Babylights

A look that holds onto the memories of summer while transitioning into autumn. It is a warm and multi-dimensional color that includes highlights for dimension.

Truffle Brown

This look will channel Emily in Paris vibes. It's a classic, tasteful, and yet low-maintenance color that will keep you on your A-game this fall.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Chestnut

A classic, warm brown with a natural shine. This is the perfect color for those who like to rock a shade that emanates intoxicating shades of red, gold, and copper.

Espresso Brown

This is your go-to shade for an alluring yet endearing tone. It is deep and dramatic, offering a bold contrast.

Ebony

An ultra-dark hue that brings a sense of mystery and depth.

Saturn’s influence brings a wave of introspection and transformation, so it’s no wonder the 90s are making a stylish comeback. This fall, let’s embrace the past with a renewed sense of style, celebrating the nostalgia and sophistication of the season’s trends!

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Header image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

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Drew Barrymore recently chatted up actress (and mom to Kinds of Kindness actress Margaret Qualley) Andie Macdowell on her talk show, and I couldn't help but swoon over her gorgeous gray locks. I spotted my first gray hair at age 25 in a GAP dressing room, and it felt like an attack on my youth at the time. But there's been a growing cultural shift toward accepting and celebrating gray hair. If men can salt-and-pepper it, why can't we? Embracing gray hair can be such a positive and empowering choice. Here are 7 compelling reasons why.

1. You'll Save So Much Time And Money

Alexandra Tran

Coloring your grays can turn into a lifetime commitment of keeping up with the color. You’ll save time and so much money by not going to the salon every other month — and eventually every month — by letting your hair go gray. It’s freeing!

2. You'll Feel More Natural

Natasha Brazil

In an interview, Macdowell said she felt "more real and honest" going gray. Gray hair is just a natural part of aging and can look stunning when cared for with regular cuts and gentle styling, giving you a unique look that actually makes a positive statement.

3. You'll Look More Confident

Alexandra Tran

Embracing your gray hair can boost your confidence, showing the world that you're comfortable in your own skin.

4. You'll Reduce Your Exposure To Chemicals

cottonbro studio

According to the American Cancer Society and a study by Harvard Medical School, there is a possible link between hair dye use and cancer, especially skin and breast cancer. Avoiding hair dyes means less exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, which can be better for your overall health.

5. You'll Enjoy Healthier Hair

Alexandra Tran

Frequent dyeing can cause damage to your hair. Embracing gray hair allows your tresses to stay healthy and strong.

6. You'll Be A Positive Role Model

Shutterstock

By embracing your gray hair, you can be a positive role model for other women and girls, encouraging them to normalize the aging process and be grateful for it.

7. You'll Embrace Change

Khaki Bedford

New chapter in your life? Going gray can signify a new milestone and embracing change. Here's B+C editor Haley Sprankle (right) with her mom, whom she convinced to go fully silver. "She looks so cool with silver hair," says Haley. I couldn't agree more!

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Lead image by Natasha Brazil on Unsplash

Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

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So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

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Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

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Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.