Color Correction & Communication

This is my first blog on the patch, and I am so excited, as a hair color specialist, to share some of my knowledge and stories (some funny and some serious). Hair color can be so much fun, whether you are bold and daring and have a sense for the avant-garde, or conservative and looking for just a few highlights. It is when a client comes in with an issue, however, that a strong understanding of hair color theory is needed to get the client back to the correct color balance.

First thing's first: let’s talk about where problems start, even before a tube of color is opened. During the consultation, it is so important that your colorist takes the time to get to know you and comes to an understanding of what your expectations are for your hair color. It is so important that your hair colorist not promise anything that he or she cannot deliver during a color correction, and they especially should be upfront if may take more than just visit (sometimes even three). Communication is so important. Though there are many wonderful salons with very gifted colorists in the tri-boro area, when clients come in my salon unhappy with their hair color from one of them, many times it is not the application of color that was in error, but rather a simple communication. “I thought that I was going to be a cool blond and left a warm blond.” That’s why the consultation is the most important thing and shouldn't be rushed.

A question that frequently pops up in my salon is, “what hair color brand is the best?” With brands such as Wella, Matrix, Framesi, Schwarzkopf, Loreal, or new ammonia-free Inoa, there is much to choose from. There are times when a client may walk in that asks whether we carry a certain brand color, and if we do not they leave.  This type of client puts all their trust in the product, rather than the colorist. All the products that I have listed above are great products, provided the person using them knows the line inside and out. Extraordinary color comes from a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of your color brand.  

In future blogs I will go into more detail about what new technology in hair color is available to you, such as direct dyes, oxidative dyes, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, permanent, electra, etc. I will also cover one of the biggest factors in the tri-boro area that affects hair color: the water in our wells and our pools. If the water is out of balance, it can have devastating effects on the results of your hair color. We will discuss how to deal with green hair from pools and off tones from hard water.

My ultimate goal is to help you obtain knowledge that makes you a more-educated consumer equipped to make better choices with your color.

I look forward to answering any questions you have about hair coloring or anything related to our industry.