Color crash course

Aside from finding a skilled colorist (preferably one whose own hair you admire), there are certain preventative measures you can take to ensure you get the hair you want every time you go to the salon. Here’s what I’ve learned since going to goddess of color Stacy at San Francisco’s Cinta Salon:

Be prepared to share your entire color history. If you were auburn last season and blond before that, let your colorist know so he or she can take the health of your hair into account. Old color can be more difficult to work with than virgin hair.

Do your research and bring pictures to clearly communicate what you want. It’s helpful to find someone who has both the hair you want and skin tone similar to your own. Try on every hair color under the sun by uploading a photo to Taaz virtual makeover. You can see exactly how you’ll look before taking the leap.

Going blond, the most high-maintenance color of all? Pinkish tones in your skin necessitate a “cool” icy blond, while olive skin tones perk up in warm golden hues. Unfortunately, some high-priced stylists don’t really understand this truth (I’ve learned this the hard way). Don’t let them talk you into something that won’t flatter the coloring you were born with.

Be sure to ask about upkeep so there are no surprises when your roots start taking over at 4 weeks. If you have a lot of dark hair, be prepared for the long, gradual process. Nobody goes lighter overnight without doing some serious damage.

Ask about makeup, it will make a huge difference as you transition into a “new you.” You’ll quickly find that a drastic change in hair color demands an updated makeup palette and most stylists can help you with ideas. Blonds look great in cool browns, taupes, bronzes, tawny pinks, pastels and mauves. Brunettes benefit from burgundies, forest greens, mochas, golden pinks, navy and sapphire blues. Redheads look ravishing in pale golds, eggplants and khaki greens.

 

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Category: Beauty & the Beat