Featuring…
Joico Global Brand Ambassador, Larisa Love
Joico Global Brand Education Expert, Ricardo Santiago
Quaking in your boots at the prospect of brand-new hair color or a major cut going sideways? Well, put your worries aside: In the latest installment of our brand-new hair series, Big Changes, our seasoned pros are sharing tips that will get you to your goal, minus any mistakes. “I know change can be a scary thing; and a lot of times, clients struggle trying to explain to their stylist that they want something different from “the usual,” says Ricardo. “It’s easy to see someone on the street and think, “I love how they have that fun color in their hair; I wish I could do that.” And the truth is, it’s easy, as long as you communicate.” Here’s how to make change happen seamlessly….
Snap a pic of your hair in natural lighting
Even though you’ve scheduled a consultation, remember that your stylist is only seeing your hair under salon lights – and that’s not how it looks when the sun is shining on it. That’s why Larisa always asks clients to bring a photo of their hair in natural lighting – even if it’s just a glance at your IG account.
Give your stylist a rundown of your hair-color history
Light hair that’s been darkened or dark hair that’s been heavily bleached behaves completely differently than virgin hair. Larisa says it’s super important that your stylist knows exactly what kind of chemical processing your hair has been exposed to in order to get the best results.
Be prepared to talk details
Sure, bringing an inspo photo is helpful; but get ready to talk specifics with your stylist. “If a client shows me a few photos, I tell them to pick one, and then ask what they like about that photo. It may be the depth of the hair color. It may be the blend. Or the tone. There are many factors that come into play, so I like it when my clients go into detail, explains Larisa.
Patience is everything
“When my clients want to play around with fun color, I usually go for a softer, more muted touch initially, so they can get the feel of something totally new. Then, if they feel like taking things bolder and more vibrant, we do that in the next session,” says Larisa.
Listen to your hairdresser
Colorists know their stuff, and there’s a reason they might initially put the brakes on your dream look, explains Ricardo. “A client might not be aware, say, that there’s an elaborate blonding process required to achieve certain colors; and that’s why your colorist has suggested an alternative in the meantime.” If the big change is do-able but time consuming, your stylist might require some pre-planning, multiple stages, and longer appointments.
Consider asking for a virtual e-consult
Minimizing time in the salon can be helpful to everyone these days, so Ricardo suggests asking your hairdresser if a virtual consultation is possible before scheduling a big alteration. “It’s a great way to safely plan a fun change!”
