You step out of the salon feeling revived and ready to conquer the world. You want to keep this feeling forever --- not to mention the look and depth of your new exciting color. Before you lose that great feeling and color don’t fret. You can keep looking and feeling sensational with these few quick tips:
Protect your hair: If your going to be out in the sun, always wear a hat to protect the life of your color and the condition of your hair.
Don’t over wash: Most people are very active these days which will contribute to over-washing your hair. If you feel that you must wash your hair every day, opt instead to wash and condition one day, and then just rinse and condition for the next day or two. This method will help prevent the hair from drying out quite as much. My best recommendation to all my clients is to wash only once a week. If you over wash your hair it not only fades the color, but it will cause it to dry out and upset the PH of the hair.
Try a glaze between color: Another Idea to extend the life and shimmer of your new color is to try a glaze. Hair glazes, which come in either clear or colored versions, add brilliant shine to existing color. It will help to seal color and prevent the dull look that we all dread between trips to the salon.
Use quality Products: Using a quality shampoo and conditioner that is created to lock in color will make a huge difference in the health and look of your hair. I recommend trying D. Laudati’s “Delizioso ” shampoo and conditioner which is perfectly PH balanced and also contains UVA protection -- or Aquage’s “Color Protecting” shampoo and conditioner which contains marine extracts. These products not only help to enhance the condition of your hair but help to maintain a healthy shine.
Most people have the opinion that color-treated hair takes too much effort or special treatment to keep it looking fresh. However, simply washing your hair less often and using quality products will keep that salon fresh look and excitement just a little longer.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Don’t Let the Recession Get You Hair Down; There are Some Easy At-Home Bailouts
According to an article in Elle, “After polling 600 mid- to high-range salons nationwide, the National Cosmetology Association found that more than 70 percent reported seeing a drop-off in customer spending.” Of course, I want my clients to be able to see me for regularly scheduled touch-ups and trims, but the reality is there are some things you can do at home to stretch out those visits a bit. One caveat: unless you’re coloring your hair within a shade of two of your natural color, you must see a professional. As a Master Colorist. I have had to correct some truly frightening home jobs.
But you can do the little things, like trim your own bangs, or have your long hair cut with interior layers that you can style to create volume and wait much longer between visits. We offer our clients free bang trims, but many feel uncomfortable coming in for a free service when it’s been a long time between visits. This article has a couple of good videos showing a terrific long style and a tutorial on trimming your bangs. Soon, things will take a turn for the better, and you can get back to your regular love affair with your stylist.
But you can do the little things, like trim your own bangs, or have your long hair cut with interior layers that you can style to create volume and wait much longer between visits. We offer our clients free bang trims, but many feel uncomfortable coming in for a free service when it’s been a long time between visits. This article has a couple of good videos showing a terrific long style and a tutorial on trimming your bangs. Soon, things will take a turn for the better, and you can get back to your regular love affair with your stylist.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Bring Out the Rocker Chick for a Night of Fun
With clients asking us for lowlights, darker shades and edgier cuts for Fall, this style is the perfect looks-casual-but took-some work typical of the rock n’ roll genre. The male version would actually be Kristen Stewart’s co-star in Twilight, Robert Pattinson.
The stylist saturated damp hair with a combo of matte hair wax and glistening styling gel to create texture and shine. Her hair was then combed back with fingers while blowdrying to keep the look deconstructed.
To finish the look, he pulled the back layers of her hair into a twisted ponytail, fanning the ends out and pulled out random pieces for an edgy “vampy” vibe. For the whole story, see InStyle.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Understanding Haircolor Terminology
If it sometimes seems like your haircolorist is speaking a foreign language, these consumer- friendly definitions of common haircolor terms should help.
PERMANENT COLOR
A product that can lift color (make hair lighter) or deposit color (make hair darker). It contains a small percentage of ammonia and is mixed with varying strengths of hydrogen peroxide.
DEMIPERMANENT OR SEMIPERMANENT COLOR
Products that deposit color to darken or change hair to a cooler or warmer shade. Because there is no ammonia, they cannot lighten color.
BLEACHING OR DECOLORIZING
Bleach is used to lift (lighten) color three or more shades. A toner is usually used afterward to achieve the desired cool or warm tone.
TONER
A gentle color that is applied to damp, bleached hair for 3 or more minutes to add or cancel warm or cool tones. Can also be used to refresh dull highlights.
HIGHLIGHTS OR STREAKS
Selected strands of hair are woven out and placed on foil, then brushed with bleach to lighten them in contrast with the rest of the hair. Gives a more natural, dimensional look to color.
LOWLIGHTS
The same technique as highlights, but color or a glaze is used instead of bleach to darken select strands of hair. Great for hair that has become too blonde and one dimensional from frequent bleaching or highlighting.
GLAZE
Translucent, hydrating color that can only deposit color, as it is ammonia free. Helps replenish amino acids lost during other color processes. A glaze is long lasting, repairs damage, and intensifies shine. A great add-on after any color service.
STAINS
Special effects dyes used to achieve bold colors of the rainbow and pastel shadows. Hair must be
bleached before a stain can be used.
COLOR FILLER/REPIGMENTATION
When hair is overbleached and damaged, it needs to be repigmented with warm tones before a new color can be introduced.
BALIAGE
The art of painting hair, freehanded, with color or bleach to add dimension.
BLOCK COLOR
A foiling technique where the entire head is separated into large sections and 3 or more different colors and/or lighteners are used on select "blocks" which process simultaneously. Results are beautiful and dramatic.
GRAY REDUCTION
A subtle, gradual way of reducing the percentage of gray hair by adding darker, usually ashy tones over time. For those who want to look younger, naturally, without a drastic overnight change.
PERMANENT COLOR
A product that can lift color (make hair lighter) or deposit color (make hair darker). It contains a small percentage of ammonia and is mixed with varying strengths of hydrogen peroxide.
DEMIPERMANENT OR SEMIPERMANENT COLOR
Products that deposit color to darken or change hair to a cooler or warmer shade. Because there is no ammonia, they cannot lighten color.
BLEACHING OR DECOLORIZING
Bleach is used to lift (lighten) color three or more shades. A toner is usually used afterward to achieve the desired cool or warm tone.
TONER
A gentle color that is applied to damp, bleached hair for 3 or more minutes to add or cancel warm or cool tones. Can also be used to refresh dull highlights.
HIGHLIGHTS OR STREAKS
Selected strands of hair are woven out and placed on foil, then brushed with bleach to lighten them in contrast with the rest of the hair. Gives a more natural, dimensional look to color.
LOWLIGHTS
The same technique as highlights, but color or a glaze is used instead of bleach to darken select strands of hair. Great for hair that has become too blonde and one dimensional from frequent bleaching or highlighting.
GLAZE
Translucent, hydrating color that can only deposit color, as it is ammonia free. Helps replenish amino acids lost during other color processes. A glaze is long lasting, repairs damage, and intensifies shine. A great add-on after any color service.
STAINS
Special effects dyes used to achieve bold colors of the rainbow and pastel shadows. Hair must be
bleached before a stain can be used.
COLOR FILLER/REPIGMENTATION
When hair is overbleached and damaged, it needs to be repigmented with warm tones before a new color can be introduced.
BALIAGE
The art of painting hair, freehanded, with color or bleach to add dimension.
BLOCK COLOR
A foiling technique where the entire head is separated into large sections and 3 or more different colors and/or lighteners are used on select "blocks" which process simultaneously. Results are beautiful and dramatic.
GRAY REDUCTION
A subtle, gradual way of reducing the percentage of gray hair by adding darker, usually ashy tones over time. For those who want to look younger, naturally, without a drastic overnight change.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Executive Advantage
When it comes to getting the job, earning the promotion, landing the big account, or in these harsh economic times, keeping your position, how you look is as important as what you know. The most expensive suit, designer necktie, or status handbag won't matter if you are not only impeccably groomed but also up to date in your fashion statement and youthful looking.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Day Spa Association, the number one anti-aging treatment available at salons and spas is haircolor. This is true for men as well as women. As we age, the face needs the softening effect of a lighter haircolor. (That's why Mother Nature makes us gray.) But gray hair, even the most flattering shade, still makes anyone look older. And in today's youth obsessed culture, looking younger is always better than looking "distinguished."
So whether you are already gray or just starting to notice some gray, a good haircolorist will be able to advise you on the most flattering shade of haircolor to complement your skintone, your style, and your age. If you don't want a dramatic overnight change, a good colorist can reduce the gray gradually, over time, so one notices. This technique is especially popular with men.
With women who are just starting to go gray, highlights can camouflage the gray initially so an all-over color is not necessary. When an all-over color becomes necessary, a good colorist may recommend a shade lighter than your natural color for the base and add dimension by foiling or painting additional shades. The biggest mistake people make is trying to recapture the look of their youth by choosing a haircolor that is too dark and one dimensional which makes them look even older. You see this all the time with those who color their own hair at home.
For the best haircolor possible, always put your hair in the hands of a qualified, experienced haircolorist.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Day Spa Association, the number one anti-aging treatment available at salons and spas is haircolor. This is true for men as well as women. As we age, the face needs the softening effect of a lighter haircolor. (That's why Mother Nature makes us gray.) But gray hair, even the most flattering shade, still makes anyone look older. And in today's youth obsessed culture, looking younger is always better than looking "distinguished."
So whether you are already gray or just starting to notice some gray, a good haircolorist will be able to advise you on the most flattering shade of haircolor to complement your skintone, your style, and your age. If you don't want a dramatic overnight change, a good colorist can reduce the gray gradually, over time, so one notices. This technique is especially popular with men.
With women who are just starting to go gray, highlights can camouflage the gray initially so an all-over color is not necessary. When an all-over color becomes necessary, a good colorist may recommend a shade lighter than your natural color for the base and add dimension by foiling or painting additional shades. The biggest mistake people make is trying to recapture the look of their youth by choosing a haircolor that is too dark and one dimensional which makes them look even older. You see this all the time with those who color their own hair at home.
For the best haircolor possible, always put your hair in the hands of a qualified, experienced haircolorist.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
How to Get a Great Haircolor
If you're frustrated from going to one salon after another in the hopes of finding someone who can give you the haircolor you want, there is a better method than trial and error.
Know that there is a big difference between a hairstylist and a haircolorist. Not all stylists have
invested the time and money in years of continuing advanced education that is necessary to become a good haircolorist.
When you see someone whose hair color looks great, ask them who does their color. (They'll be be flattered that you asked and happy to provide the information.) Collect pictures from magazines of models and celebrities whose haircolor you like.
If you're going for a dramatic change, try on a wig first to make sure it's what you really want.
Schedule an appointment for a color consultation with a recommended colorist. Bring your photos. If you sense an "attitude," or an unwillingness to listen to what you want, go elsewhere.
Once you've found a colorist whose willing to listen to you attentively, ask for his/her recommendations. An experienced, good colorist will be able to tell you exactly why the color in the photos will be right for you or not, depending on your natural hair color, skintone, eye color, desired hairstyle it will have to complement, and your body proportion and weight. Another major consideration is how much time and money you are willing to commit to maintain your color. If his/her recommendation is different from the exact color in the photo you've brought along, take his/her advice over your own emotional choice.
When it's time for a retouch, a great haircolorist will always use one formula on the roots and a different formula on the rest of your hair.
A great haircolorist will protect your hair by using quality shampoos and conditioners at the sink, and by recommending periodic deep conditioning and reconstructing treatments.
Finally, a great haircolorist will take the time to prescribe the right color-friendly products for you to purchase for home care, an investment worth making to prolong the life of your color and health of your hair.
Know that there is a big difference between a hairstylist and a haircolorist. Not all stylists have
invested the time and money in years of continuing advanced education that is necessary to become a good haircolorist.
When you see someone whose hair color looks great, ask them who does their color. (They'll be be flattered that you asked and happy to provide the information.) Collect pictures from magazines of models and celebrities whose haircolor you like.
If you're going for a dramatic change, try on a wig first to make sure it's what you really want.
Schedule an appointment for a color consultation with a recommended colorist. Bring your photos. If you sense an "attitude," or an unwillingness to listen to what you want, go elsewhere.
Once you've found a colorist whose willing to listen to you attentively, ask for his/her recommendations. An experienced, good colorist will be able to tell you exactly why the color in the photos will be right for you or not, depending on your natural hair color, skintone, eye color, desired hairstyle it will have to complement, and your body proportion and weight. Another major consideration is how much time and money you are willing to commit to maintain your color. If his/her recommendation is different from the exact color in the photo you've brought along, take his/her advice over your own emotional choice.
When it's time for a retouch, a great haircolorist will always use one formula on the roots and a different formula on the rest of your hair.
A great haircolorist will protect your hair by using quality shampoos and conditioners at the sink, and by recommending periodic deep conditioning and reconstructing treatments.
Finally, a great haircolorist will take the time to prescribe the right color-friendly products for you to purchase for home care, an investment worth making to prolong the life of your color and health of your hair.
Friday, May 1, 2009
How to Find a Good Haircolorist
If your hairstylist is coloring your hair, you probably already know that what you really need is a haircolorist.
In Europe, one becomes a hairdresser by becoming an apprentice in an established salon and mentoring under those with experience for perhaps two to three years before being allowed to perform services on clients. In the U. S. however, to become a hairdresser one must atttend a cosmetology school for a certain number of hours which varies from state to state. (In Florida, it's 1200 hours.) Anyone who pays their tuition, completes the required courses, and passes the State exam receives a license which allows them to cut, style, color and chemically process hair with less than a year's experience, most of which is theory rather than practical experience.
So what distinguishes a competent haircolorist from a licensed hairstylist? Continued education.
When looking for a haircolorist then, years behind the chair means nothing. Hours of advanced education outside of the salon is what is important. So how do you find someone who has invested time and money in ongoing, continuing advanced education in hair color?
Schedule a color consultation at a recommended salon. Most salons offer this as a free service; some charge for the consultation but apply the full amount to your service. The consultation is your chance to interview your potential new colorist and ask important questions.
More on this in my next blog.
In Europe, one becomes a hairdresser by becoming an apprentice in an established salon and mentoring under those with experience for perhaps two to three years before being allowed to perform services on clients. In the U. S. however, to become a hairdresser one must atttend a cosmetology school for a certain number of hours which varies from state to state. (In Florida, it's 1200 hours.) Anyone who pays their tuition, completes the required courses, and passes the State exam receives a license which allows them to cut, style, color and chemically process hair with less than a year's experience, most of which is theory rather than practical experience.
So what distinguishes a competent haircolorist from a licensed hairstylist? Continued education.
When looking for a haircolorist then, years behind the chair means nothing. Hours of advanced education outside of the salon is what is important. So how do you find someone who has invested time and money in ongoing, continuing advanced education in hair color?
Schedule a color consultation at a recommended salon. Most salons offer this as a free service; some charge for the consultation but apply the full amount to your service. The consultation is your chance to interview your potential new colorist and ask important questions.
More on this in my next blog.
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