New seasons bring about a strong desire for change - sometimes it’s for your environment, other times your wardrobe, hairstyle, or even hair color! The transitioning leaves just have a way of stirring up inspiration. If their warm, earthy tones have encouraged you to experiment with a new hue, we’ve got a few details you’ll want to consider before taking the leap. Licensed stylist, Fawnne Morris Smith, is sharing her expert advice and insight, just for you!
Owner, Master Stylist and Colorist at Salon Noa (located in Virginia Beach Virginia), Fawnne is a national educator and mentor with over 18 years of experience in the hair care industry!
“The way to ruin a great new look or the opportunity to impress new friends, is by having a less than professional or satisfactory hair color service performed. Before you decide to hide in a closet and promise to never come out again, let me recommend you seek a consultation with a professional color stylist to have your color service performed.
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What To Expect From Your Consultation
Color Choices: your work environment can affect your color choice. Military, government, and professional settings may not allow trendy, fashionable colors “ie” green, pink or pastels, but instead give preference to brown, black, or dark blonde highlights. Your color choices should flatter your skin tones and eye color. You can use hair color changing apps where you upload your picture and try out different colors before you make your final decision. Using color swatch rings and placing them directly near your face or hands can also help to make a color match.
Note: Check with your employer to make sure you are within your job’s dress code.
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Maintenance Required
Keep in mind that getting a color service may require additional shampoo and conditioning services as well. Be sure to incorporate moisturizing and/or hydrating conditioners to your shampoo regimen. It’s important to use sulfate-free or salt-free shampoos, washing weekly or biweekly to remove build up from the hair. Deep Condition (under a hooded dryer with a cap, a heating cap, or a steamer) with every shampoo session, whether at home or in the salon.
Note: Lighter shades like blondes/pastels will require you to begin using clear, dye free gels and stylers. Using dark colored gels can stain your hair and affect your color, causing it to look dull or muted. High heat/ flat irons/ blow dryers can also cause colors to fade. If you opt to use heat, keep setting below 375 degrees.
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Budget/Prices:
- Color is an investment. Permanent color/ lightener will last until you cut it or grow it out
- Color service could cost as much as 3 to 4 times the cost of your regular salon visit and services done correctly, could take 4 to 6 hours.
- Factor in monthly salon visits to care for your colored service investment.
- Also consider the purchase of new shampoos and conditioners to care for your tresses at home.
- Finally, add on new products to style your tresses (hydrating leave in and moisturizing creams for daily maintenance.)
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Schedule for Color Maintenance
- 4-6 weeks for blondes
- 6-10 weeks for other permanent colors
- 5-7 weeks for pastels
- 8 to 10 shampoos for semi-permanent/high pigmented
Note: Growing out color will require a trim and treatment service to get rid of split ends and provide a protein/moisture balance to the hair.
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Product Recommendations:
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Deep Conditioner/ Moisturizing Conditioner
- Clear/ Dye-Free Gels or Stylers
- Heat Protectants for Heat Styling
- Daily Moisturizers
- Leave-In Hydrating Conditioners
"I hope this information motivates you to take the next step towards seeking out a professional to provide you with a color service. Remember, making the decision to maintain your investment will keep your color-treated hair healthy and beautiful." - Fawnne
Interested in booking Fawnne? Check out her salon’s website here and keep up with her via Instagram @salonnoa!
Now, you’ve got the facts straight from an expert! Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your hair. Color is a great way to express yourself, and with a professional to help you along the way (plus some great after-care products), you can conquer any look!
In the comments below, tell us what hair color has caught your eye this season! Should you decide to go for it, share photos of your new look with us on social tagging @edenbodyworks!
