As stylist behind the chair, we hear all the time questions and statements along the lines of "You guys are speaking a different language" or "Wow, there's a lot more behind doing hair than just 'coloring' or just 'cutting' someone's hair?". For this week's blog our stylist team decided to break down the steps of what goes on in our head as you sit in our chairs to be pampered. Our Master stylist, Trish, decided to demonstrate a common service done in the salon (partial highlight with base color) on her wonderful client, Debbie.
Step 1: Breaking the Base
As seen in the 'Before' picture located above, our client started with a much darker natural hair color, and ended with a beautifully toned highlighted blonde. The way her base color was achieved way by first 'breaking the base'. Doing this allowed stylist, Trish, to lighten her natural color prior to highlighting, giving her a lighter canvas to work with, while letting the client's hair pull to a natural tone without leaving a line of demarcation or leaving the hair damaged.
Step 2: Highlighting
When highlighting, the stylist determines the best formula for the client. Many factors come into formulating such as the condition of the client's hair and how light or dark the client desires.
Step 3: Foiling pattern
If you have ever had your hair highlighted in more than one salon you might have noticed those crazy looking foils going in every direction. Have you ever wondered why every colorist doesn't use the exact same pattern on your hair? Many things factor into which placement is chosen. (hair length, natural look, more dramatic looking highlights) Stylist, Trish, picked a very natural look highlighting technique, allowing her client to be able to pull it up in a pony tail with out getting the stripey affect, while also giving a very soft grow out in between appointments.
Step 4: Toning
Toning is used to correct any unwanted tone left in the hair at the shampoo bowl. In this service Trish decided to use the blueberry Artego color shine mask. This is a BLUE mask tones out any yellow, brassy tones and leaves the hair smelling like fresh picked blueberries.
Step 5: Blow drying with product
Trish decided to use our Matthews & Co. 'Rockin' Cream.' This product is thermal safe and adds a little hold and body while adding shine and hydration to the hair. Debbie just wanted a soft natural looking blow out so this one product took care of all of her needs. Trish used a round brush and flipped out the ends of her hair, while pulling out an unwanted curl.
Step 6: Trim
When preforming any chemical service we always recommend to keep up with your haircuts, so your hair is not left damaged! Trish decided to do a dry trim, since she was taking off very minimal length and shaping up her previous haircut. This trim allowed Debbie to leave with fresh ends and no splint ends!
-XOXO MCS Staff
That sums up the "Behind the scenes with a professional stylist" blog of the week. Thanks everyone for reading, we love feedback on the blogs and would love to answer any questions you guys have! Please follow us on our social media networks!