I'm thinking of completely changing my look.
I want to make changes to both my length and color.
I am thinking of going shorter with a new color.
My question is what should I do first, cut or color?
Terri
Answer
Dear Terri,
If you are going with a completely new length
and style, I would recommend that you get your
hair cut first. If you are desiring a
complete restyle, book a paid consultation with
your professional stylist first. Explain
that you want to pay for a consultation that
allows you to discuss all your styling options
based upon your lifestyle, ability to maintain
the new look and your potential color options.
You may wish to take several photographs to
the consultation to show your stylist the
various styles that you like. During that
consultation discuss how a new color might work
with your new look. Question how lighter
or darker colors may impact a new hairstyle.
Consider everything that your hairdresser
suggests and then wait a few days before you go
in to have the cut done. This will give
you time to really weigh your options.
After you have the new cut for at least a
week, to allow you time to get used to it, go
back for your color changes. Many
colorists can really punch up a new length or
style with carefully planned highlights and
lowlights which serve to add depth, movement and
bring attention to your best facial features.
Remember to watch the stylist closely while
they are cutting and styling your hair so that
you can recreate the same look when you get
home. Be sure to ask for product
recommendations that will also help you achieve
a successful recreation.
Best wishes,
Karen
August
8, 2005
Adding Color Without Roots?
Dear Karen,
I have naturally dark chocolate brown hair that
is very long and has chunky layers. I am
craving a change but don't want to mess up my
natural hair color, which I mostly enjoy. I
want to do something like highlights in a trendy
color, but and not sure what to do. I also do
not want a major root line.
Becca
Answer
Dear Becca,
Depending on the overall shape of your
current hairstyle and the coloring of your skin
and eyes, you might try what is known as
"placement color" which is carefully layered
throughout the internal layers or your hair.
Placement color is often applied in blocks or
splashes so that as your hair moves "flashes of
color" are displayed in a subtle way. With
chocolate brown hair you might consider the trendy
new red hues that are taking the hair world by storm
for Fall 2005.
A vibrant, rich red in shades of Merlot, Ruby or
Chardonney will work well with chocolate brown while
still allowing the placement colors to stand out
without out being too bold. When this
type of add-on color is utilized, the roots are not
impacted, thus there will never be a growth line.
Proceed carefully and schedule a paid
consultation with your colorist to discuss all your
options and possible considerations before you take
the color plunge.
Best wishes,
Karen
August
5, 2005
Pre-Wedding Hair Color Change?
Dear Karen,
I’m
getting married in four months and I’m thinking of
changing my hair color from blonde to a rich red,
When would you advise me to do this so that my hair
looks perfect for the wedding?
Cheryl
Answer
Dear Cheryl,
The earlier you
start this process, the better. Keep in mind that
changing your hair color can alter your entire
appearance. This means that you may need to rethink
your make-up and even your choice of wedding hair
accessories or headwear. Book an appointment
immediately with the best colorist you can find for
a paid consultation. If possible, take full color
photos of your wedding gown and what you plan to
wear in your hair so that the colorist can access
the best tones to play up your natural skin and eyes
while enhancing your wedding hues.
Once you have
decided on your new hair color, have it processed
immediately to give you plenty of time to adjust to
the new look before your big day. If you’re not
happy with it or want to add additional highlights
or lowlights, you’ll have plenty of time to made
changes.
Color should be
refreshed approximately 7-10 days before your
wedding date.
Keep in mind that
red colors fade the fastest so switch to hair care
products designed to prolong and protect chemically
colored strands.
Best wishes,
Karen
August
4, 2005
New Redhead!
Dear Karen,
I just dyed my hair a wonderful shade of cherry
red. Any tips on keeping it looking fresh?
Debbie
Answer
Dear Debbie,
Red hair color
fades faster than any other hue. To keep it looking
luscious use a color-enhancing shampoo and matching
conditioner or shampoo products like Phytocitrus
that will not strip color from your strands. Select
a product that enriches your color and deposits a
slight pigment to add subtle lights and rich depth
to your tresses.
Colored hair fades
faster when washed frequently or when hot water is
used. Shampoo less often and always select lukewarm
water. Avoid piling your hair on top of your head
since this encourages lifting of the cuticle,
allowing that precious color to escape even faster.
Always finish with a cool/cold water rinse which
helps lock in color and add shine.
Minimize use of
hot styling tools such as blow dryers, metal brushes
that retain heat, hot irons or curlers which
encourage faster fading of the color. When
possible, let hair air-dry.
Select styling
products that are color coded for red hair or use
light products that will not build up, blocking
natural shimmer.
Nuture your cherry
red strands and you can definitely extend the life
of your gorgeous new color.
Best wishes,
Karen
August
3, 2005
Bored With Traditional Updos!
Dear Karen,
I am
the maid of honor in an upcoming wedding and the
bride has requested that I wear my shoulder length
hair in an updo. I don’t mind her request but I
hate boring updos that look so stiff and contrived.
Any suggestions?
Margo
Answer
Dear Margo,
Updos can be
created so that they are sophisticated yet sensual
and sassy. The key is to create soft touchable
curls that are slightly messy.
Working with your
shoulder-length hair, start by using a comb and
parting your hair down the middle or to one side in
a messy zig-zag fashion. Pull all of your strands
up into a high ponytail. Secure the pony at the
crown with Blax or hair bungees. Divide all of the
hair in the pony into a series of 1-2” sections.
Curl each section of hair with a medium sized
curling iron or with hot rollers. Pin each section
of newly curled hair in soft messy barrel curls that
extend softly from the crown down towards the nape
of your neck. Gently pull some tendrils loose around
your hair line and curl from root to tip. Pin
randomly all over the head for a casual disheveled
finish. Add a beautiful silk flower or other fun
hair accessory. Viola, a hot updo that would make
any bride proud.
Best wishes,
Karen
August 2, 2005
Enhancing Pale Blonde Look?
Dear Karen,
I
have super pale blonde hair that is rather short but
heavily layered. I mostly love the look but want to
try something new to tone down all this blonde. I
also want more movement and body? Any ideas?
Lizzy
Answer
Dear Lizzy,
Try having darker
contrasting color added throughout the inner
perimeter and the under carriage of your short
locks. Very light blonde carefully blended with
darker blonde hues will instantly add depth and
movement. In the 80s, letting darker roots show
through were very popular and were matched to darker
strands interwoven throughout the underside of the
strands. This is another option you may wish to
try.
Just by changing a
part from one side of your head to the other will
add more movement and body. Another trick is to
brush your hair against the normal direction it
grows. Flip hair over from a side part and keep it
in place using tiny bobby pins or a good hairspray.
Best wishes,
Karen
