Loving Ombre!

I have been LOVING the variations of ombre I've been seeing lately. Using reds instead of browns, pulling the blonde up higher or keeping it more towards the ends. Even using louder colors such as bright pinks and purples. I like the ombre technique (darker at the roots moving to lighter at the ends) because of the soft, natural, grown out look it creates. Additionally, it is nice when it comes to maintenance for the client because they only need to get their roots colored after the initial color service for their next 2 or 3 color services until the blonde needs to be brought back up. I also think this could potentially help in maintaining the integrity of the hair because it is not constantly being bleached, but allowed to rest and rejuvinate (if you are using a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for repairing color treated hair) through your next few color services as you are only touching the new-growth with color. Definitely a color technique to try if you are bored with your current style and looking for something new.

Color Ideas for the Financially Minded

There is just something about the feeling you get when you have freshly colored hair that makes you feel like you are running the town. It is also a great way to update your style in a short period of time. The problem? Coloring your hair can be a bit of an investment. For some, this may not be an issue but for those of you who are thinking of turning to the color on the shelf of your local store, let's talk about some different options you can discuss with your stylist that will help keep some money in your pocket AND great looking hair on your head.

Dimension without maintenance. Adding dimension to your hair is great for breaking up a solid color and giving a different look to your current color. Many dimensional placements are creative, and can be placed in the hair in a way that won't leave you feeling like you signed up for going to the salon more than you are wanting. Your stylist can section off a section of hair around your part and leave this as your natural or to just be touched up at the roots (if you have an existing color other than your natural). Dimensional pieces (whether light or dark) can then be added and will essentially be under the section of hair taken around your part; this section will lay over the dimension to where you will still see the dimension but won't see the regrowth. This is great because again, though the intial first service may be a little more, you will be able to go longer between color services because you won't feel like you have roots that need to be touched up.



Melting. The word melting has been going around the hair world for the past couple of years. For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, melting is a technique that gives that grown out highlight look, with the roots being darker than the ends and looking as if you haven't had your hair highlighted in at least 6 months. There are a couple advantages of this technique. One advantage is that you can (depending on the existing color of your hair) ask your stylist to choose a root color that is close in level to your natural color so as it grows out there is not a definite line. This will help you feel like you don't need to go to the salon every 8 weeks to cover your roots. Another advantage is that even though the initial first service may be a little pricier, your next two services (at least) will be less because you will only need to have your roots touched up.

The grey factor. Having grey you want covered can be hard because grey can feel very high maintenence. Well, it is! So, one way to make your life a little easier and make you feel like you can last a little longer between salon visits is to stay lighter rather than go darker. Going darker is going to make your grey regrowth stand out more. However, if you stay lighter with some nice highlights and lowlights, your grey is going to be more camouflaged as it grows back in; there won't be a stark contrast of the light grey versus the dark color. This will help you feel like your grey is less noticable and that you can go further between colorings. Additionally, you can opt to just get your roots touched up with your chosen base color every other time which will also help you save because a touch up is less than foiling.

If you love how your stylist colors your hair but are needing to see them less due to personal finances, talk with your stylist about what could work with your hair and style that can keep you in their chair but less frequently. As professional stylists, we are always happy to talk with our clients about new ideas that will work to suit their changing needs. Great looking color can always be affordable, it's just about finding the right look.

Dimensionalizing Dark Hair

Feeling bored with your dark hair? Want to do something different, but don't want to lighten it? Adding darker dimensional pieces is a great way to change up your look without adding maintenance. Whether you are naturally dark, or artificial, this technique can be exactly what you need to make you feel like you have a whole new style.

When talking to your stylist about adding dimension, you can decide whether you want to add one or two different colors, as well as what levels and tones you want those colors to be. For example, I would recommend adding a color that is at least two levels darker than your current hair color. In order to ensure you can tell that you colored your hair, it is essential there is enough of a level difference between your existing color and the color you are adding. You can also add a color that is between your current color and darkest dimensional color but has different total qualities, such as something that has more of a red or gold tone to it.

Placement is also something you may want to talk with your stylist about. See what ideas they have about how you may want to place the colors in the hair to best compliment your current style. You can also find pictures before your appointment as examples of elements you like and would hope to be able to achieve as an end result. Remember, though, that pictures are just referrences and visuals to help you and your stylist be on the same page as to the direction you are wanting to go with your hair. Don't come with the expectation that you will be leaving looking exactly like a particular picture. Coming with this expectation may be setting yourself up for disappointment since there are many factors that could come in to play such as hair type, texture, current color, etc. which may need to be addressed when deciding on your final style. 

Don't think that dark hair has to be one boring color. Dark hair can be fun and eye-catching, too. Next time you are feeling you need a little change but don't want to cut, think color!

Got Gloss?

Today's color class at the salon was on glossing, which we brought in models for. As we were going through class, it got me thinking about the benefits of glossing and why more clients would enjoy getting this service. So, let's talk gloss!

A gloss is used to refresh color that has faded, which is great for keeping your color looking fresh between color services. Additionally, it adds shine and conditions your hair to help it look and feel healthier, sealing the outside layer of the hair to give life back to your tired ends. A gloss can also just be clear, so no color is being deposited but you are still getting the same conditioning benefits.

Another great thing about a gloss is that it is only about an hour service, including the blowdry. Done at the shampoo bowl, a gloss only sits on the hair for 20 minutes; you could think of it as an express color service. This is great because you don't always have 2 to 2 and a half hours to spend at the salon, but you feel like you need something to boost your look.

Want shiny, soft, healthier looking hair? Need to bring your faded color back to life? Ask your stylist about getting a gloss and see why this service is for you!