applied three to four inches
from the scalp to the ends
of the hair. Balayage is my
recommendation for those
with medium to very dark
hair, for there is very little
contrast at the outgrowth
thus requiring a lower level of
commitment.
If you are looking to
make a bolder statement,
the Ombre technique of
gradually melding together
a wider range of lighter
tones, processing two thirds
of the total length of your
hair, creates a more dramatic
change. But like Balayage,
the color application generally
starts almost midway down
the hair strand, making it a
low-maintenance color service
as well. I recommend Ombre
for all hair colors.
If you are ready to step out
of the dark completely, then
go for the bleach! Nothing
hollers spring louder than
a head of blond highlights.
Don’t be shy when asking
your stylist for the full
treatment when going for
the gold, but be aware of
the maintenance level you
are working up to. Avoid
the appearance of haircolor neglect by booking
out your next few-up keep
appointments before leaving
the salon.
“To keep your
new look as
badass as you
are, styling
and haircare
are critical .”
To keep your new look as
badass as you are, styling and
haircare are critical. Have
your stylist help you choose
a cut that will trim dead ends
while adding a fun shape
to your hair. Sliced angles
with long messy fringe help
to define the deep depths of
multiple tones throughout
your tresses. Loose braids
paired with soft messy waves
accentuate your new complex
color patterns.
Ask for styling products
that allow the hair to move
and sway, such as sea-salt
sprays, light creamy styling
lotions, and flexible holding
sprays. Nothing sticky,
oily, or stiff, for this will
just weigh the hair down
making it appear greasy.
And unfortunately to achieve
the effect of the morning
sun reflecting off your halo,
peroxide has to part of
the equation. But have no
fear! Just make certain to
arm yourself with plenty
of moisture-rich cleaning
products to safeguard your
new beauty investment.
Happy spring shimmering!
Ursa Wylie-Duncan is the owner of Jaivika
Salon located near Chicagoland. She has been a
professional hairstylist since 1999 and a salon owner
since 2006. Through advanced training with some of
the top professional leaders in haircare nationally
and internationally, Ursa is well versed color, cutting
and styling techniques suitable for all hair types and
textures. Conquering your biggest hair blunders is
what Ursa does best!