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!