Carol the Colorist

Be Aware of End of Summer Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:48:00 +0000

When the sun is shining, most days, and a beach or roof deck is inviting, we are soaking up the sun's rays. Some love the beachiness this adds to brunettes and the brightness it brings out in blondes. What nobody loves, though, is the dryness of those thirsty, sun-drenched ends. And, for some, the sunkissed blonde can come on too strong, especially if you embrace the sun all summer long. The solution, a conditioning color gloss and a moisture treatment. At Aveda, we have an amazing deposit-only conditioning color treatment that is up to 99% naturally derived, and can saturate the summer scorched hair with shine and tone without damage. We also have a home care line specifically designed to remedy summer hair. Try the Sun Care Protective Hair Veil before and during sun exposure and the Sun Care After Sun Masque as a treatment to revitalize after a day at the beach or pool.

End of summer promotion: Send a friend special. Send a new guest to Aveda Vandam Salon for a color service and they will get a complimentary botanical therapy hair treatment, customized to their conditioning needs, a $25 value. Plus, for sending a friend, you will receive a complimentary botanical therapy treatment as well, during your next color service.

For the Gentlemen: Let it Grey

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:14:00 +0000

The gentlemen’s hairstyle trends are seeing a classic swing, and men are cleaning up the scruffy look for something more refined. A clean side part with the right cut, maybe some pomade and a beard trim; instantly debonaire. The look could be inspired by Great Gatsby or Mad Men or anywhere in between. It is a timeless, truly classic look. There is very little room for color here. Men with this look shouldn’t appear to be covering grey or highlighting. It needs to be natural. Who would argue that Anderson Cooper, or George Clooney, or John Stewart would look better without any grey hair? Probably nobody, ever.

With my male clients, I use a few techniques to reduce the appearance of grey without the ugly grow out. Do you want dark hair with white or grey roots? I don’t think you do. I keep the front hairline and part natural, and any color that is used blends in with the natural hair color composition. I am a big fan of deposit-only color that does not leave artificial looking warm tones in the hair that permanent colors might.

If highlights are added, they are applied finely to the tips in a controlled yet beachy, sun-kissed way.

Whose Hair is it, Anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:20:00 +0000

As a hairstylist, I occasionally have requests from guests to adjust the color within a couple days of the service. They loved it when they were in the salon, but it looked different at home, or in the elevator, or in the bathroom at work. It happens. I understand. What is tricky sometimes, is when a guest requests a change because their significant other doesn't like it. For a long time, this reason for adjusting color bothered me. I would want to make the guest happy, but part of me would wonder, whose hair is it, anyway?

I am about to get personal here. I was in a long term relationship when I started cosmetology school. I also was in a long hair phase. My boyfriend loved my waist length hair, and despite my future career, he didn't understand why I wanted to start going shorter with my cut. He even went so far to say I wasn't skinny enough to wear short hair. I think I was a size 6 at the time. While we were dating, I never went shorter than chin length, but he hated it. He didn't understand why I had to change so much. I was afraid to admit to my peers that I couldn't go any shorter without upsetting my boyfriend. I know what they would have said about it, collectively. Whose hair is it, anyway?

After my boyfriend and I inevitably broke up, I waited a month, and then went for the short cut I wanted and deserved. I felt more confident in my look than ever before, and people around me noticed. I was determined to never let someone else dictate my appearance again. I also felt like I needed to share my story with other women that kept the same hairstyle because it was what their partner wanted for them. I thought I was helping these women, empowering them. Instead, I scared some of them off.

Fast forward to this week. I am in a great new relationship. Of course, my new boyfriend wants to know my opinion about his hair. I wasn't shy about letting him know that it could look better. Then, he asked me to recommend a new stylist for him (since I don't cut hair) and he even asked me to come along so I could tell the stylist how I wanted his hair to be cut. I was a little hesitant at first, worried about being "that girlfriend," and whether the stylist would wonder whose hair was it, anyway? Despite my initial reservations, I went along with my boyfriend and helped him explain how I wanted his hair to change. The stylist didn't seem to mind, and it did look great after. The next day, my boyfriend got a lot of attention at work; the new cut was a hit. He owned it, although he was sure to mention to people that it was my idea.

Now, I have to think again about who influences us, and the changes we make or not. It can be a healthy thing, to respond to suggestions from partners and peers. I think the most important thing, though, is that it is a positive experience, and not a limiting one. It is your hair, after all.

What is new?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:17:00 +0000

I am often asked by guests "what is new in hair right now?" I want to have a new answer every time. The world of hair color, and the trends that support it, are always evolving. Or revolving. I like to think it is a combination of the two. Old becomes new again, but improved, or refined.

What is new? Or should the question be what looks good in hair right now? This, of course, is a matter of taste, lifestyle, region, etc.

For 2012, I expect to see clients gravitating to either end of the drama spectrum. After the ombre effect gets old, some women will opt for more refined foil highlights and subtle all over color, both custom designed to give the client a better-than-natural, believable color. On the other end, some will make use of those pre-lightened ends and incorporate obviously unnatural shades like pastels and jewel tones. The more bold colors are better suited in the ends, because for some the look may only be fun for few weeks or months, and they can just cut out the color and move on.

I couldn't help but put up a photo of my hair twin, Michelle Williams. I think this will look great heading into spring, and could easily lighten up again for the summer months.

Aveda color can create a full spectrum of shades to satisfy the desires of those seeking a bit more drama, or for those wanting to fool everyone into thinking they don't color their hair at all. Best of all, Aveda colors are up to 99% naturally derived and leave the hair in exceptional condition.

Friendly Feathers

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:44:00 +0000

This feather trend, love it or hate it, will probably be around for awhile. Sadly, I learned recently that there is not a humane way of harvesting the feathers that are commonly sold as extensions. With this in mind, and as a hairstylist that does not offer extensions anyway, I decided to reinterpret the trend. I set out to create a similar look by pre-lightening a small section of hair, then I painted on a freehand feather pattern. I did this on my friend, who has hair past her shoulders. I took a section just above and behind her ear, about a two inch by two inch square. The "feather" looks great against the balayage highlights in her ends. This is a creative technique, so be prepared for the cost and time of the service to reflect that.

NEW PHOTOS!

This is another happy friendly feather recipient! We color melted the tips with an intense copper a few months ago. We both still loved the color on the ends but wanted to add something new. When Leia came in, she was wearing some feather earrings. I brought up the feather trend and offered to paint a feather pattern in a section of her hair. She currently has great layers that Master Stylist Peter Corvington cut for her. I chose to take a section just in front and above the ear, but behind the front hairline slightly. I lightened the section, then toned the background to a rich golden blonde. I used the tip of my tint brush to paint, or press, horizontal lines into the hair. I love the way it turned out!

photos via http://girlgenius.tumblr.com/post/8350780875

Spring Has Sprung, and So Have Your Curls

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:24:00 +0000

We are now heading toward the time of year with sunny days, and beachy waves. The humidity is building up and this leaves many curly and wavy texture clients submitting to their natural texture. This can be painful for some, the straightening iron addicts, particularly. It can lead to a vicious cycle of re-ironing the same sections that keep kinking up. This can also lead to damage from excess heat. So what is a girl to do?

Well, if you must keep up the fight, arm yourself with the right tools. Aveda Smooth Infusion line is designed to protect the hair against humidity and can also add a barrier from the heat of styling tools. Start your routine with Smooth Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner. Depending on your hair texture, you can follow up with one or a combo of styling products.

For fine to medium texture, just a pump or two of Style-Prep Smoother applied to towel-dried hair can be combed in and then style as usual. If you let your hair air dry, consider the Light Elements Smoothing Fluid instead because the Style-Prep can dry a little stiff if not brushed.

If the hair needs more help, and can handle something a little more heavy, layer on a small amount of Glossing Straightener on top of the Style-Prep and then use a brush with tension to dry the hair smooth. Be sure to direct the airflow of the drier down the hair shaft to help smooth down the cuticle. Then use the iron to polish off ends. Finish the hair with either Air Control Hair Spray for flexible hold on those fly away hairs. If you are not a fan of spray, you can smooth down the hairs with a dab of Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, just keep it off the scalp or you will look a little oily.

New York Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:46:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to help on the Aveda hair team for two shows on Sunday at the Helen Mills Event Center. The first show (with a 6 am call time) was a showcase featuring 7 emerging designers. It was great to see the variety. With such a large number of designers, there were an insane amount of models to prepare. 80, actually. We divided the 40 stylists into teams, and we were each assigned to one designer for the morning. I worked on the Natarsha Shearin team, and the look was the classic "Gibson Girl" loose bun. We used control force and 1 1/2 inch irons to set the hair first, then we backcombed the hair except the hairline. The hair was then gathered to the crown, leaving it loose and billowy on the hairline still. The hair at the crown was secured into a small bun. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a good shot of the finished look, but I will post one later if I get one from someone else.

The master at work. Jon Reyman was the lead stylist for both shows.

After we finished prepping the first show, we had enough time to recharge and refuel for an hour. The next show, also at the Helen Mills Event Center, was Leeanne Marshall. I was excited to be on this team, because I was a fan of Leeanne ever since she was on (and won) Project Runway a couple years ago. We only had 10 models, so we all teamed up to execute the look quickly. The hair had an extreme side part, and a slick low ponytail. My model had short hair, so we adapted the look with the side part, and then used glossing straightener to slick the hair to the side and back. After prep, we were lucky enough to actually get seats for the show! I love NYFW!

Going Gray in a Gorgeous Way

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:42:00 +0000

I have spent a very long time thinking about gray hair. As a colorist, usually I am thinking about how to cover it up. Recently, I am realizing there are many options for enhancing gray. More and more women are asking for help during the transition from the base colors they thought they were bound to and the soft silver hues they were hiding for years.

For some, this transition is easier than for others. It all depends on how much gray you have, how it is distributed (big patches or sprinkled throughout), how dark is your natural color (if you still have any), and how much coverage you have right now. Additionally, we need to take skin tone into consideration.

I am going to explain the process I went through with a couple of clients to help them go gray. I wish I had before and after photos for all of them.

Client 1: Margery was almost 100% gray, but was coloring her hair copper red for many years. She was naturally a redhead, but there was no evidence remaining, except her skin tone. The fact that she was used to seeing so much warmth against her skin, along with the fact that red is a tricky tone to get rid of, we were up for a challenge. After looking through pictures, we decided that the first step would be to make her a very light golden blonde. This way she still had warmth next to her face while she got used to seeing a lighter shade. We had to do a lightener service to remove all the red from her hair, and we brought it up to a pale yellow. Then we toned the hair to the golden shade we agreed on ahead of time.

It was still a shock, but Margery felt like herself. She was thrilled that her new growth was a lot less obvious when it grew out. She came in a couple more times, a couple months apart, and we toned her hair more neutral the first time, and then platinum. You could barely tell as it grew out from there, and from then on she only came to the salon for haircuts.

Client 2: Denise had most of her gray at the front hairline, and on the top of her head. She was naturally light brown, but we were coloring her hair red brown with copper highlights. She still wanted to color her hair, but wanted something lower maintenance. She had great skin that really worked with color, so we decided to go with a slightly richer version of her natural color, with really pale highlights where her gray was. I did a lot of very fine foil highlights so they looked like they were growing out of the scalp, and I neutralized the old red to a soft golden brown between all the foils. Then we toned the highlights to a nice neutral blonde that would not contrast too much when the gray grew out. The result was beautiful! I knew the red tone would show through in a few weeks, so Denise came in again in six weeks and we picked up the same highlight pieces and toned the hair between the foils again. It was gorgeous again, and lasted much longer. She could easily go three to four months between appointments if she wanted.

Client 3: Lisa had naturally dark brown hair, and enough gray that she was coming in every three weeks. She was considering going gray, but wasn't sure she was ready. We decided to have fun with it and created a couple ribbons of gray where she had big patches naturally. Think Stacy London on What Not to Wear. The effect was very striking, but we did still need to tone the pieces every time she came in for base color so they would look gray and not blonde. Even though it didn't make her color lower maintenance, it allowed her to see herself with some gray, and it made people question whether she colored her hair or not.

I could go on and on with many different client scenarios, but I try keep my posts from going long. If you want to transition away from your base color and are not sure what your options are, send me and email form this blog. Or if you are in the New York City area, call Aveda to schedule a free color consultation with me at (212) 473- 0280.

The Trend for 2011: Fresh and New

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:33:00 +0000

The excitement and anticipation of the holidays has come and gone. For many people, the first couple months of each new year are dull and dreary. One great way to fight the down season is to get a fresh look with new hair and makeup.

I was studying the trend forecasts over the last couple days, and one thing that stood out was the change to brighter colors. I was particularly drawn to photos of Claire Danes at the Emmy's. In a sea of smokey eyes, she stands out with beautiful pinky shadow. She is radiant! I think this look will catch on by spring at the latest.

I think this change to bright eyes will pair well with lighter, brighter shades of hair. I love the "bronde" look where it is a brown base with blonde highlights. Jennifer Aniston has had this look forever, but now it is modernized with the "rooty" look so the it is predominately brown at the base, and mostly blonde at the ends. I personally like this look to be a flowing transition from dark to light, on hair that is at least past the shoulders. This way it looks intentional, rather than roots in need of touching up.

Another option for a brighter new year is red. Whether you are changing from a blonde or brown, make it vibrant! Red is tricky, so a great color consultation before the color service is essential. The wrong shade of red against your skin tone and eye color will make you look like you are wearing a wig. You want people to wonder if maybe you are a natural redhead, even if you are wearing a not-so-natural shade.

Here is to a bright future for us all!

Happy Holidays from Carol the Colorist

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:14:00 +0000

It has been an exciting year for me, and I am overjoyed to celebrate my first Christmas in New York City. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a white Christmas but I will settle for snow at any point during the Christmas weekend.

I find it almost hard to believe that Baltz and I packed up the cats and a 22 ft truck and drove up to New York only four months ago. We miss many people and things in Atlanta, but have fully embraced and adapted to our new city. One of the biggest changes is the commute. I am very fortunate to live and work very close to the subway, and I am glad to not drive on I-285. I have acquired the right New York outerwear, I hope. I am fortunate, I think, that my current haircut responds well to hat hair.

I love working at Aveda Vandam Salon, and really love working with such an amazing team. The environment is very comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. Being Aveda, every detail has the well-being of both the guests and the staff in mind. We invite our guests to lounge on sofas while they wait for their color to process, and offer Botanical Hair and Scalp Therapy spa services in a VIP suite where one feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

My business at the salon is growing at a fair rate, and I am getting many clients through the Carol the Colorist blog. I am thankful for everyone who is reading and I am sorry I haven't been writing as much since the move. Can you blame me though? I just moved to a new amazing city, and I am making new friends, seeing new things!

As I welcome a New Year, I would love to welcome some new clients to the salon. Great hair color requires great chemistry; both in the bowl, and between a client and a colorist. Until further notice, I will offer 20% off the first color service of any new guest to Aveda Vandam. Just mention "Beauty Within Reach" when booking. If you are already a client, you will receive 20% off a color service after three clients that are referred by you, come see me at Aveda Vandam for the first time. They get 20% off, you get 20% off, and everyone has great color. So spread the word!

Merry Christmas, everyone, and I hope we all have a happy and healthy 2011!

Beat the Winter Blues with Fresh, Shiny Hues

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 22:30:00 +0000

Every winter, clients come in with the same complaint: their hair is too dry and dull. For most people this is an easy fix. Aveda Deposit-only Conditioning Color Treatment can add shine and smoothness to the hair, and add tone as well. The best part about it is there is no maintenance required. Deposit-only color fades off the hair over time, leaving no new growth line on the hair. The color is so gentle, and 99% naturally derived, that it actually is conditioning to the hair. The essential oils and low pH help smooth down the cuticle of the hair, allowing it to reflect more light. Tones can be added to the color for a custom look. If you already get permanent color to cover gray, a deposit-only formula can be applied to previously colored ends at the same time. If you are a highlight client, your deposit-only treatment can be applied between your foils, or as a gloss after the highlights are processed. It is the season of giving, after all, so why not give yourself the gift of beautiful, shiny hair for the holidays? Call the salon today and schedule a single-process color appointment with your favorite colorist.

Fading Fast? How To Make Your Hair Color Last

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 23:59:00 +0000

Most shades of color, even "permanent" formulas, fade over time. Red shades fade fast, and blondes loose their luster. Brunettes can get brassy. So what can you do to reduce or delay the inevitable? Here are a few tips.

Use a shampoo for color-treated hair, like Aveda Color Conserve. The gentle formula cleans the hair without drying it out too much. Avoid shampoos that are "volumizing" or "clarifying" because they will strip the color.
Don't skip the conditioner. After shampoo, the cuticle of the hair can remain slightly raised, like an open door for color molecules to slip out. The conditioner is designed to smooth down the cuticle, locking in the color, and leaving the hair more manageable and shiny. Some fear conditioner because they used one that left their hair limp or greasy. There are many great conditioners out there for all the different hair types, so talk to your stylist about which one is right for you.
Wash only as often as necessary. Even with the right shampoo and conditioner, the color will fade a little bit with each shampoo, so the more time between shampoos, the longer the color will last. The average woman should only need to wash every other day. If you need to get your hair wet, just use a light conditioner and rinse thoroughly.
Protect your hair from the sun. We all are used to the idea of sunscreen for our skin, so why not use sunscreen for our hair? Aveda has a product that you can apply every day called Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. You spray it on like a leave-in conditioner, and comb through for even distribution.
Keep your hair healthy. The healthier the hair, the better the color. A good colorist will address any hair health issues and offer the appropriate conditioning treatments to get your hair back on track.

Enviable Brunettes: Better Than Basic Browns

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Since moving to New York, I find myself coloring more brunettes than ever before. I love the opportunity to transform the guest in my chair from bland to brilliant in only a couple hours time, without creating high maintenance hair. Sometimes, it is as simple as refreshing the ends with deposit-only color to add richness and shine. Occasionally, a few strategically placed low lights a couple shades darker than the base does the trick. The most important thing with the darker hair is the let the guest know there are always options while still maintaining the healthy, shiny hair that is the envy of their friends.

To remind myself of the variety of choices with hair, I keep up with the collections posted in the industry magazines and online groups. Planet Salon in Beverly Hills, California, recently debuted a "Brunettes Only" collection. Above is my favorite image from the set.

Color Clarity: Common Color Terms Decoded

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:42:00 +0000

I am going to start this post with a confession. When I started cosmetology school, I did not know the difference between a highlight and a low light. In fact, before I enrolled at 22 years old, I never had my hair colored. I try to keep this in mind when communicating to clients about service options.

As a color specialist, I have a large vocabulary of terms in reference to technique. The definitions of some of these words may be common knowledge, particularly to clients that already have their hair colored. I am listing terms that I find myself explaining most frequently. This is a long list, so I am going to add to this in later posts.

All over color: One color formula applied to the entire head with either a bottle or bowl and brush. Also called a single process color, because the final result is achieved in just one process.

Baliage or Baylayage: A highlighting and low lighting technique where fine sections of hair are painted freehand, without foils.

Color Cleanse: A service using a lightener and shampoo to remove color that is too dark or the wrong tone.

Deposit-Only Color: A category of hair color that can improve hair's condition and add depth, tone and shine. The results fade over time, but can last up to 6 weeks. The color can stain gray hair, but might not cover it completely. It does not have the ability to make the hair lighter, only darker.

Foil Highlights: Hair is sectioned out and a piece of foil placed underneath. Color or lightener is painted onto the hair, and then the foil is folded. The technique allows the hairs that are being colored to be isolated from the rest.

Gloss: A color that is applied after lightening the hair to change tone and add shine. Also called a toner.

Gray Blending: Color is applied with the intent that the gray is not covered completely, only stained, usually with a deposit-only color. Ideal for clients that are not ready to maintain color on a monthly basis.

Highlights: Sections of hair are made lighter than the rest of the head, either with color or a lightener.

Low Lights: Sections of hair are made darker than the rest of the head with color, either permanent or deposit-only.

Lightener: A product that removes color from the hair. Also called bleach. Professional versions have conditioning agents that allow the hair to lighten while still keeping it healthy. Lightener is a necessary tool to achieve pale blonde, and to lighten previously colored hair with predictable results.

Melting: A creative technique where in a section a darker color is applied at the roots then lighter in the middle and lightest color at the ends.

Beautifully Believable Blondes

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:46:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Okay, so we have all heard the saying a million times or so. "Blondes have more fun!" Well, depending on how light you are naturally, maintaining blonde can be less fun, and more expensive. So how do you find a balance of blondeness and budget? Make it a believable blend of highlights and lowlights.

Many women get addicted to blonde, and loose any evidence of their natural color on the ends. When this happens, the grow out of natural color looks more obvious than it does when the natural color connects through the ends. Now, I do feel that truly believable blondes are also lighter on the ends than at the scalp, so after I apply a head of highlights and lowlights there are some previously highlighted ends left untouched.

If I am highlighting a client that has no previously highlighted ends, I make it look more believable by just highlighting the ends in some of the foils. I then also wait a couple appointments before lowlighting to maintain the look.

The great thing about blending highlights and lowlights, besides the appearance, is that it can actually save you money. Clients with more blonde and less natural color come in more often, and usually get more expensive services. I also like alternating services when a client has gray coverage and highlights. We cover the gray every appointment, and only highlight every second, third or even fourth visit.

Ultimately, the most beautifully believable blondes are close to blonde naturally, and we are just adding to what Mother Nature already provided. Just remember, they are called "highlights" for a reason.

My favorite believable blondes right now: Amanda Seyfried, Naomi Watts.

Are You Ready For Red? The Hue For Fall!

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:56:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Redheads around the world can turn heads effortlessly more than any other color. They are unique. There are far fewer redheads around than the usual blondes and browns. Red done right, be it lipstick, heels, or hair, makes a fashion statement. That statement can be classic, bold, or fashion forward. With fashion week upon us, we are all ready to renew our look. This season, I look forward to an array of reds that can compliment any skin tone and eye color.

Some of my favorite shades right now are bright coppers. Think Mad Men's Christina Hendricks. This particular shade isn't for everyone. Some clients mights be better suited with a more cool red (with blue or violet undertones) or a more brown shade with a hint of red. The possibilities are infinite. Overall, though, I usually recommend shades that are believable on each client. You know the color is right when others wonder, "is she a natural redhead?"

Aveda Vandam Lifestyle Salon: New Home of Carol the Colorist

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:57:00 +0000

I am excited to announce that I will start taking clients on Wednesday, September 22nd, at the Aveda Vandam Lifestyle Salon in Soho. The location is one of the two company owned Aveda salons, and upholds all the standards that Aveda salons should.

Appointments are available Wednesdays thru Saturdays. Here is the address and phone number:

20 Vandam St

NEW YORK, NY 10013-1274

USA

212-473-0280

See you soon!

Where Do Top Aveda Colorists Work in NYC? Answer Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:55:00 +0000

I have received a lot of interest since starting Carol The Colorist as to where I will be working in New York. The big announcement is coming soon! I considered many salons, and I want to work where I will be accompanied by other service providers that share my standards of professionalism and technical skills. I believe I have found my new home, but I am waiting to make it public until I have all the details, including the date I will start taking clients. Thank you, everyone for your support and patience.

Local Love Fashion Benefit 6.30.10: I do more than color hair

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 02:27:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of working a fashion show back in Atlanta this summer. The event was called "Local Love" and it was a fundraising event for a non-profit organization called Hats for Hearts. One of my friends started the whole thing to raise money and awareness of a heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot, that her coworker's daughter was born with. The designers, hairstylists, makeup artists, and dj and dance crew were all local talent.

I was mentioned in Allure as a Top Colorist!

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:36:00 +0000

http://www.allure.com/directory/atlanta/alist/alist

I just found this while checking my google rankings. I thought it was pretty cool. I will miss working at Van Michael Salons!

Vintage Aveda

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:18:00 +0000

This is the cover of Aveda Magazine, Winter 85/86 Volume 1 Issue 1. I recieved this as a gift from a client few years ago.

It is hard to say goodbye to your colorist

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:46:00 +0000

One of my clients posted this photo on her facebook.

The Root Problem: Warnings, advice about root touch-up kits

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 05:04:00 +0000

I am not shy about my stance on home hair color. I have corrected many mishaps from some of the brave and ambitious that take the color bottle into their own hands. Regardless of the reason anyone colors their hair at home, it will always look better if someone else does it for you. There are times, unfortunately, where there is no time, or money to go to the salon. Maybe you have a half inch of gray showing at the temples. The big event is tomorrow. What do you do?

This isn't as easy as "pick the color on the box you like and that is exactly how your hair will turn out." If that was the case, I probably wouldn't have a career as a color specialist. So here are some things to keep in mind.

Consider a temporary option first, like eye shadow or hair mascara. If it doesn't look like it will be enough, get a root touch up kit.
Focus on just coloring the roots, specifically at the front hairline and the part. Don't pull the color through the ends, even if the box suggests it. This color likely has ammonia in it, and your ends already had ammonia on them before. More ammonia can lead to more damage.
Study the color of your hair now, and not what it was when the color was fresh, this will make it easier to match shades. I do not recommend changing your color yourself.
Understand the tone terms. Cool tones are also "ice, steel, platinum, ash." Warm tones include "gold, cream, bronze, copper, auburn, mahogany." Neutral tones are also "natural, beige."
If you are just trying to cover gray, buy the box for gray coverage.
If you are making your natural color lighter, your hair will likely look more warm than the box.
If you are trying to make your natural color lighter, and covering gray, be prepared for variation in color where there is gray versus where there is not.
Be neat. Apply moisturizer on skin around hairline to reduce stains. Wear gloves.
Process color for full time recommended. Many mistakes are the result of color not processing fully.
Don't make a habit out of coloring your hairline and part more than once between visits with your colorist. A good colorist can put you back on track if you made a couple mistakes, but I am a beautician, not a magician. Also, if you end up needing corrective color, the money and time you saved before might not seem worth it anymore.

Permanent Perfection: Why I use two different color formulas on one client

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:28:00 +0000

My boyfriend’s mom has been a client of mine for three years now. She has been getting her hair colored for probably most of her adult life. However, the first time I colored her hair she was amazed that I applied two separate formulas to her hair. I was covering her gray, and making her hair lighter than her natural color, so I needed to use permanent color where her natural color was exposed. I explained to her that the permanent haircolor formula that I was applying on her regrowth has ammonia in it, and that if I used the same formula on her ends that have already had ammonia on them before, it would potentially damage her hair. Instead, I used a deposit-only color to refresh the previously colored ends. Deposit-only color, sometimes called semi-permanent or demi-permanent, is usually very conditioning to the hair, and leaves it often more smooth and shiny than before the color service. After I finished her hair that first time, she was thrilled with how healthy her hair looked and felt. She called my boyfriend immediately after leaving the salon to tell him how great was!

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Hair Don't: Bad color, bad hair.

noreply@blogger.com (Carol the Colorist) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:27:00 +0000

I think everyone knows which person is guilty in this photo. If this is you in this picture, or someone you know, consider this a hair intervention.