Clients Love The Fact That I Keep Detailed Appointment Records!

I keep detailed notes for each client.  Call it my little black book of hair.

The notes can include dates of service, color formulas, style goals, color correction records, and physical details of illnesses or other conditions that can affect hair growth or loss. 

I also capture client feedback. These notes become a tangible track record of hair services over the years.  The records help in a variety of ways:

1. As hair becomes gray, adjustments must be made to formulas to offset the changing     consistency of texture and color.
2. If color build-up has occurred, such as by use of home color kits, two or three stages of correction may be necessary over the course of multiple appointments.
3. If a client has a wedding or special event, and desires a certain style, we will select a photo representing that look and help them work toward the correct length and color to achieve it.
4. When metabolic or physical conditions affect hair growth, I explain why it is happening and note improvement in hair textures, colors, or retention.

Reviewing these notes prior to an appointment and reminding clients of previously stated goals is a perfect way to make the most of our valuable time together in the salon.

Transform Your Gray Hair into Rich Browns or Warm Blonde

When I have a client who wants to color their gray hair, I always ask about their color changes through the years. Their hair may have been a dark brown with clear peachy skin tones, but that has now changed. Before graying your natural hair color had a variety of color tones that were shades of that natural color that reflected light and never looked flat and dull. So the question is "how to create that same subtle blending?"

Over coloring from touch-up to touch-up can create that dull flat color that lacks softness, luster and shine and movement so often seen from home color application. When applying color it is hard to keep it just on the roots, I prevent this from happening by applying a protective product so the color pigment does not build-up creating that artificial look.  I very carefully blend some color where needed.  While the color is processing I monitor every section to create that blending effect. Our hair was never one solid color, it had a lighter shade around the face and darker in the nape because the texture and porosity varies all over our head.

The wrong color can make you look tired and bland, but the right color can make you look fresh, vibrant and much younger.

Protect your tresses with a UV protector

Hot weather, sun, water activities can really take a beating on your tresses, long or short.
There are some great UV products available for skin and hair.  Here are a few suggestions.
 Just like your skin, hair needs daily moisturizing.  Add a drop to the palms of your hands and run through your ends, even if you are just pulling your hair back in a knot or ponytail!

PLANNING THE PERFECT HAIR STYLE FOR YOUR WEDDING

One of the biggest decisions to make after selecting your dress is how to wear your hair.
Will you be wearing a veil, hat, or some type of accessory like a hair band, clip, comb or fresh flower?

If your hair is at least shoulder length an up-do can be created into a chignon, twist, braid or ponytail. Half up in a chignon, half down in loose curls. Anyone of these can give a sophisticated or romantic look.

Short hair can be swept up on one side with comb and hair jewelry. The right accessory can add that dramatic or romantic look placed just behind the ear, a half hidden barrett or a carefully matched extension.

Plan your hair color and haircut appointment at least one week before the big day. Bring a photo of your dress, any hair accessories and pictures of hairstyles you are considering.

Find a stylist who will take the time to try different styles and ideas, this is not the time to feel rushed!

Add Shine and Repair Dry Thirsty Ends!

One of my favorite products I reach for when I start working with long hair, especially before a color application, is BC Repair Rescue-Sealed Ends. I smooth out the cuticle layer immediately with a small amount applied to the dry ends even before brushing through. Dull dry ends start feeling better instantly. After the color service is complete I apply it again.

This intensive cream/serum seals and prevents tangles and split ends. perfect for everyday on straight, curly or frizzy ends. If you flat iron your hair and want to freshen up the next day this restores the shine and smooth feel.

I always have Sealed Ends in stock. Please stop by the salon for a sample and I will show you how to
apply it, takes only a minute!

Lighten Up, Going from Dark to Lighter Tones

Time to Lighten-up?

Have you been a medium or dark brown color fighting gray roots for so long that you're feeling a little bored and trapped in the same old touch-up routine, and don't know what to do?

There are very subtle ways to lighten up that one solid color, with transitional highlights. I like to weave very fine strands of a lighter color throughout your hair giving a dimensional look that catches light and makes the hair look fuller, shiny and healthier.

There are techniques to accomplish this no matter the length or thickness of your hair. These highlighted strands show off the natural waves of curly hair or the sleek look of straight hair.

The greatest benefit about this technique is that there is no touch-up commitment! It grows out gradually and subtly or can be done again to lift your over all color another shade each time achieving that lighter brown color.

Hair trends for 2015

Every year haircuts and colors take a swing in new directions.  It might be something totally new and fresh or it may be revisiting and revising a past popular trend with a new twist to freshen it up.  This year is no different!  

These are four main color trends that seem to be picking up momentum this year.

The Rombre --  'The red  ombre'   Adding  a red overlay on top of faded ombre from last year is a wonderful up-date to deepen and enrich ombre hair.  Or adding an amber glaze over faded ombre ends to produce a shiny rich deep caramel blonde.

Highlights -- Bold ribbons of color and contrast return from the 90's compared to blended all-over subtle color. Many ways to achieve this effect.  It might be the new vivid colors like amethyst, copper or plum.  Or a few strands along the hairline in two shades lighter than your natural color.

Babylights --  For blonds only.  Very fine highlights all over the head with lighter pieces at hairline to create that natural sun-kissed color of a child's hair.

Men's lowlights --  Subtle blending in natural browns to look a lot less gray.

Not ready to make a major change? There are ways to ease into a new look with a plan of action.  A consultation is a great way to learn possible options, look at color swatches and style magazines.

Gray Hair - Things to consider before you color your gray hair.

Showing signs of gray hair? 

Eventually we all do, some of us as early as twenty, and others won't see one gray hair until our fifties.  The lighter your hair, the less noticeable gray hair is, but they are there.  So you may be thinking, "Should I or shouldn't I color my hair?”, “And How and where do I start?”

At this point it is best to take it easy and not reach for a box of permanent hair color.

Semi-permanent or demi-permanent color lasts a few weeks by blending those grays without taking away the natural colors running through your hair. As you accumulate more gray it will also become more resistant to being colored, they become wiry and defiant, the semi-permanent colors won't cover or blend in any longer.

A permanent color actually changes the hair color by using a developer or activator mixed with color formulated to enter the hair cuticle instead of just coating the hair shaft.  Permanent color can be applied as highlights, or color weaves that blend in with your natural color to produce that blonde or warm tone that is lost in the graying process. Applied all over the hair it will completely cover the gray and produce a natural shiny color and finish.

Prior to coloring a professional will ask you questions that help them know your color history, your preferences, plus they can determine warm and cool tones of color that will best compliment your skin.

Your professional colorist will show you color swatches and make suggestions on how light or dark it should be to maintain a natural look.They will explain your home maintenance to keep you color long-lasting and healthy, and how to know when to return for a touch-up.

The right color can be a fountain of youth, but we also know when it comes to color “one box does not fit all!”

Next post I'll discuss color correction, stay tuned!