DO YOU NEED BLOND REHAB?

Today I was asked a question about blonds from a client who is a brunette and it really had me thinking for a while. The question was why are there so many bad blond colors walking around? She quickly presented an answer, her sister has brassy blond hair and it's because she does not have the money to spend on her hair. I thought about her comment and her sister's crisis for a while and this prompted me to write down my thoughts for you.

WHAT IS TOO CHEAP FOR HIGH LIGHTS?

I feel that $100 is too little to get great results, especially in New York City. Don't get me wrong. There are many talented hair stylists at lower price points, but finding the right one can be challenging. To get great blond color, it takes quality product, skill and time. I am a foil man I love to foil. I love working with Wella's Blonder Bleach, I find it lifts the color gently, while it conditions your hair. I baliage with Loreal's Platinum. Why? It is simply the best product on the market!! If your stylist is not properly skilled, they may not be aware they are cutting corners with inferior products which can dramatically affect the desired result. There are so many tricks of the trade to the perfect blond color and it takes a skillful eye to do the job right. The perfect blond is time consuming but Rome was not built in a day. Be patient and you will find it will be worth the wait. Sometimes it takes a full head of foils or baliage and then a glaze to blend in the roots. If your stylist is a perfectionist like me, they will add a separate glaze for the ends. This process requires me to be present for the entire time to make sure the color is applied properly. Highlights can range in price from $100 to a $1000, but there are many price points in between. Take the time to find the right stylist and make sure during your search you ask the right questions.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED BLOND REHAB?

1) If you look at your blond hair and you see too many tones from beige, light golden, brown low lites and those frosty bits chances are you are sporting a rainbow blond.

2) Orange roots are the tell tale sign of a blond who needs some loving from her colorist. There are so many reasons why roots are a problem for colorists (Even I have had my share). The product and technique you choose to soften the base color will depend on how dark your roots are and the blond you desire. There are many techniques and color brands so find a colorist who is diverse and can offer you options. Some of my favorite recipes are Goldwell, 10A with Pmix and 10 volume, Loreal Dia Color Light Beige with a squirt of Light Golden Blond, Wella Color Touch 10/01 with 10/03, Wella Koleston Perfect 12/01 with 4% peroxide and Alfaparf Color Wear 10/31.


THE SHADE

When having your consultation, be clear on the shade of blond you are seeking. If you are unsure, ask your stylist to help you decide on what would be the best shade for your skin tone. Ask to see the color book and look at some swatches to help you find the right color. There are so many colors of blond used in the salon. Here are a few; cognac, light golden, wheat, ash, caramel, just to name a few.

SKIN TONES


For me, the general rule in choosing the right blond for your skin tone is if you have too much red in your skin then you may want to stay away from gold tones so it won’t highlight the redness in your skin. In this case you may want to work with more beige tones. But this does not mean you are limited to a flat beige tone. You can have a beige glaze mixed with some gold tones just to add a little kick. It’s about finding the fine line between being the right beige-gold mix with out being too beige or too gold. If your skin tone is very pale, you can have multi golden tones with high lights and low lights.

I hope with the tips I have pointed out you are able to get a better sense of knowing when you need to check your self into Blond Rehab.

I wish you great hair!

AFG
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