They say hair color is a science. Which explains why it’s sometimes hard for a “civilian” to communicate with a hairdresser – they’re not only listening to you but are simultaneously translating what you’re saying into actual techniques and formulas in their head. To make sure you’re both on the same page – and you get exactly what you love – let’s learn how to speak color.
What it is: The essential last step that refines your color and is applied at the shampoo bowl…taking, say, a brassy blonde to the cool side after it’s been lifted, darkening the tone, or sealing the cuticle to reduce damage and add shine.
Example of how to ask for it: “I like an ashier look. Can you make sure to tone me cool at the end?”
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
What it is: A gradual shift between different colors…a gradient look from dark to light or light to dark that “melt” into each other.
Example of how to ask for it: “I’d like an Ombré, with darker roots that get more golden towards the ends. Can you melt the colors, so you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins?”
What it is: Instead of using foils, your stylist will freehand-paint ribbons of lightness throughout the hair for a very natural, sun-kissed effect.
Example of how to ask for it: “I like low-maintenance highlights that grow out subtly. Can we do Balayage today instead of foils?”
What it is: Creating depth/darkness at the scalp (either with color or your natural base color); this helps extend the life of dimensional highlights, because they blend naturally as they grow out.
Example of how to ask for it: “I’d like a darker root shadow so my grow-out isn’t super obvious.”
View this post on Instagram
What it is: Darker tones in the hair – usually placed with foils — to create depth and against lighter pieces.
Example of how to ask for it: “Can you add some lowlights for dimension?”
View this post on Instagram
What it is: Lighter pieces in the hair created with bleach and a chemical developer, applied with either foils or a brush.
Example of how to ask for it: “I’d like a lot of highlights today to really brighten up my hair.”
Posts You Might Like:
