Anthony Anders - 4/4 - Hair Color Code

Brown Hair – Radiate Style

July 11, 2011 By Anthony Anders 37 Comments

There is just something sexy about the richness of a brown hair color. Brunettes show their confidence by staying true to their natural shades, but will turn it up and be playful with underlying vibrant hues that give a prismatic interest when hit by sun light.

From your milk chocolates to your chestnuts; brown hair brings a timeless sense of feminine beauty to your choice in color.

Brunettes offer a casual commitment to change unlike some of the other color options available to you. Since they will hover in the safety of the middle ranges of the color spectrum, you can simply go up or down a few levels to alter your hair color palette. This also allows for those who may have a tendency to change every season (or with the arrival of your new fashion magazine in the mail.)

The benefits of going brunette

Brunettes have a solid balance of color so they are not as likely to wash out a fair complexion as perhaps a lighter blonde or darker color selection may do. Think of milk chocolate. Think of coffee with a splash of cream. Think of caramel. Think of all the delicious options available to you in choosing to go brown.

Brown hair also benefits from the personalization that only highlights can offer. Brunettes work wonderfully in tandem with both highlights and lowlights which also offer greater options for seasonal adjustments. Rich chocolates and tobacco shades benefit by subtle latte shades of lightening or by adding the depth of some random pieces of cinnamon for warmth.

The possibilities are endless. Or if you so desire, personalize your hair by adding both highlights and lowlights strategically placed to show off your style and personality!

Brown hair can be easily maintained by occasional color baths of semi/demi permanent dye to refresh the ends in between touch ups. Most brunette colors do have complementary formulation options that will help you keep your brunette rich and luxurious. There are also many color enhancing shampoo options to aid in the upkeep.

What style goes best with brown hair?

As there is no definite rule for any color to style match, you cannot go wrong with long brunette hair with soft, long layers. (This is not to say that a rich brown pixie cut will be any less sultry.)

Think of the beauty of Eva Medez, Brooke Burke, or Vanessa Hudgens.

If you want a color that will flatter most any skin type, has a palatable degree of maintenance, and a timeless appeal, check out the options that brown hair has in store for you. Some may say brunettes play it safe with hair color – I think they are playing it sexy.

Blonde Hair – The Iconic Color

July 11, 2011 By Anthony Anders 45 Comments

They say gentlemen prefer them, they are the life of the party, and that it is the most coveted of hair colors – of course I am talking about blondes.

From the arousing allure of the glamour days of Hollywood (think Marilyn Monroe), to the outrageous fashion flair of Lady Gaga, blondes make a definite statement, and that statement is one of the most fun and glamorous looks available.

Blondes have historically combined the flirty girlishness of “the girl next door” with the hypnotic magnetism of the big screen vixens. Scan your eyes across the top of any crowd of people and the shades that catch the eye are frequently the blondes. There is something powerful and empowering about those who choose to venture down this hair color avenue. Since blondes will flatter most any skin tone and hair style, it is more of a technical and cost factor that needs to be considered before hitting the bottle and brush!

Which blonde shade is for me?

Although falling at the extreme end of the color spectrum, there are still so many hues and tones available for those who desire blonde locks. From the cooler champagnes, to the warmer strawberry shades, blondes do offer a variety of selections that can adapt to almost any skin tone.

Blondes add brightness and vibrancy to those whose skin tones could use a little pick-me-up. Whether through the strategic application of a few highlights around the face for a healthy glimmer, to a spray of foils in the crown to give a summery lifeguard-like glow, almost anyone can benefit from a bit of blonding. To the beach or to the bleach, the choices are up to you!

What are the downsides to going blonde?

Blonde hair color is a commitment. The lighter you go, the more noticeable the regrowth. For those who totally color or bleach their hair, you will see regrowth in a matter of days as opposed to weeks. You must also be aware that the chemicals required to lighten hair are much more caustic than those that just deposit pigment.

Beware of overlapping, over processing, and overdoing it. I have seen the hair of the abusers turn to an indescribable substance that no longer resembles hair. (In the industry we call it getting a “chemical hair cut.”) So if you are not a pro, respect your abilities (or lack thereof.)

Blondes can also require “toning.” This is a process where a shade of color is applied over the existing lightened hair to either neutralize brassiness, add a cooler tone, add shine and richness, or simply tweak the color to the desired shade. The downside, it is an extra service that requires money.

The upside, it can refresh your color in between retouches. This however is not a substitute for tending to your scalp regrowth. I don’t care what the fashion magazines try to tell you, “roots” are not hip, and you will become the girl others make fun of in line at the grocery if you neglect your blonde. Only celebrities can pull off the rooted look (even then, not so much!)

Go forth and go blonde

From the honeys to the wheats, from the icy to the warm, blondes offer a wide variety of color that adds interest, sex-appeal, and charm. You must remember though if you want the perfect finish, you must give attention to your blonde hair color. It is best to have a plan ahead of time as to what you are willing to invest in time and dime.

Consider the following:

– How much money can you afford?
– What technique (or techniques) will be used and what do they cost?
– How often must you attend to your hair?
– What products are best used to maintain the tonality?
– What will become of your hairs condition?

The options are endless and the menu of services is vast. No matter if it is inspired by icon Farrah Fawcett, to the edgy pale blonde of Christina Aguilera, blonde hair color can help you make your own bold statement as you stroll down the runway or down your own sidewalk!

Black Hair – The Timeless Classic

July 11, 2011 By Anthony Anders 1 Comment

Are you a bit naughty? Are you a bit daring? Do you like your look to have an air of mystery? Then you may be the perfect candidate for black hair.

While many will reach for the foils and bleach to go blonde, or try to achieve that perfect shade of red, black hair commands notice and has an undeniable attitude all its own.

Up front I will let you in on a secret (looks left, then right), most of the deep, dark shades you see are not true black but ‘darkest brown’. True black hair color takes on a blue/black gothic depth that can take on an artificial hue that may be best for a goth ensemble or for theatrical applications. For the fashion-concerned, holding back one to two levels will still take you to new depths without losing luster.

Not convinced that black hair is for you?

For those who may still recoil and shudder at the mention of ‘black’ hair, again try not to think of the black hair you may have seen on a baby doll–flat and lifeless. Think of dark chocolate. Think of espresso. Think of all the dark, rich guilty pleasures you enjoy and then think of this color flowing around your face!

Which black shade to go for?

The darkest shades are also relatively simple to apply, and simpler to achieve. A lot of the tweaking and formulation adjustment is eliminated in the darkest depths of hair color. The only warning I have is to wear gloves if you do this yourself, and to also place some protective cream around your hairline to keep from staining. If you forego this step, your secret is out. The stained palms and irregular black band framing your face and neckline will be a dead giveaway! (Hint: Use old bath towels and pillow cases for a day or two as well!)

The Noir shades can also be a ‘one size fits most’ type of color as well. Whether your skin is milky fair, or has an element of being sun-kissed, your darkest color options can still complement. To add drama, simply play around with your makeup palette to add spark to your new color attitude! (Hint: Whether with a brow pencil or a bit of tint, you may wish to add a touch of depth to your eyebrows as well!)

The best styles for black hair

Very dark hair colors also complement virtually any style. Although long, sleek, one-length hair can really show off the shine potential of darkest browns and blacks, there is still something flirty about a confident short bob or choppy crop! My professional opinion is if you want to show off your shine, minimize the layers– and if you opt for layers, use some hair products that offer shine. (Hint: Seek hair serums that have high-quality silicone/dimethicone in the ingredients!)

Take it from the likes of the lovelies Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, or Katy Perry. Not only do they turn heads, but they also make a heart skip a beat or two. Whether you consider it black, or call it by the name of a favorite yummy treat, this hair color will take you to new bold and beautiful levels!

Hair Dye Guide

July 10, 2011 By Anthony Anders 4 Comments

So you’ve decided to color your hair, heck, you might even be one of the lucky ones that has already found the perfect shade. However excited you are to make the color transition, there are still some big decisions to be made to make sure you achieve the most spectacular results.

If you have ever strolled down the hair color aisle at the beauty supply outlet or grocery store, you will have been inundated with row after row of vibrant and perfectly coiffed beauties with impeccable color. So how do you select the best hair dye for you?

For those who decide they are ready to rock their locks in the privacy of their own bathroom, I have drawn up the below summary of the different hair color products available. Most, if not all, of these can be found in your local pharmacy or grocery store, but if you are lucky enough to live near a beauty supplier that sells hair dye to the public, I suggest starting there as they will have someone who may be able to offer some degree of advice. In most cases it is not so much the ‘quality’ of the product, as the skill in application and proper selection to achieve the desired end result.

When choosing a hair dye the major consideration (all shades and color choices aside) is the ‘type’ of hair color product you select. These not only affect the longevity and change potential, but your cost (especially if going professional), maintenance, and potential wear and tear on the hair fabric.

COLOR RINSES

These are products from days of old when people rolled and set their hair. They come in natural shades (remember though, gray is natural, and so is mousy blonde) that are not the most flattering. They are meant to ‘blend’ gray until it is shampooed out. However, if you use them and are caught in the rain, beware. The best way to describe it is to have a child paint a watercolor picture and then hit it with the hose. You get the idea.

GLOSSERS

These are often used to complement existing hair color rather than replace it. Think of putting on sunglasses. The shade does not totally change what you see, but puts a filter over it. You change the hue. If you do not first enhance or alter what is underneath, often times the outcome is unnoticeable or unflattering. With no initial color change, using a clear glosser at least enhances shine.

SEMI/DEMI PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

Many time people claim that these ‘wash out in twelve shampoos’. Well, from twenty five years of doing hair, my experience is that this is somewhat untrue.

Even if the brilliance of the initial color has left, there is still evidence left behind which still means you have to maintain the process somehow. Semi permanent colors do contain a small degree of peroxide, or an activator that acts as peroxide to allow the color to work. Over time these can dry your hair if not properly applied as people have a tendency to ‘dump n’ rub’ them on the hair.

These ‘temporary’ hair dyes are best for subtle color enhancement, tone-on-tone coloring, and for the novice who wants to dip their toe in the waters, so-to-speak.

PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

This is where the rubber glove meets the road. These products do contain varying degrees of peroxide. However peroxide is not the ‘big old meany’ that many make it out to be. It is a necessary component of the coloring process. However, if the hands of the ‘disrespectful’, it can sometimes lead to a scarring memory.

Peroxide simply softens and swells the hair to allow color to do its job. It removes some of your natural color to make way for the new selected shade. This allows for a deeper penetration as opposed to a more subtle ‘staining’ action of other color products. Peroxide also allows for greater levels of lift, hue selection, changes, and creativity.

However this extra room for creativity also also raises the potential for mishap in untrained hands (and at times, even the trained!) I recommend caution; or at least having a girlfriend in proximity who will give you her brutal opinion if you opt away from the salon. Plus it is good to have a set of eyes that can see the back of your head to make sure you don’t miss spots.

HIGHLIGHTS

This is a process of taking randomly selected strands of hair to lighten for dimension, effect, and interest. It can be as subtle or as daring as the wearer chooses. This can be done with foils, balayage, or even through the ‘old-school’ frosting cap.

This is where dexterity, an adept practitioner, and a trained eye can really be useful. Lightening hair has the greatest potential for damage and disaster. I know, I know; the cute little kits you see on the television make it look so easy. Many hairdressers buy their summer homes with the fees they charge by correcting these mistakes!

If you must do this at home, enlist a trusted, skilled friend if you choose to avoid the stylists’ chair. As far as platinum blonde and toners – go seek a trained professional. ‘Nuff said.

So put your wish list together and decide your level of daring and commitment. The options are virtually endless. Respect your boundaries, seek help where you are unsure, and whether it be the box or the beauty salon, a beautiful new you awaits!