How often should I have my color done?
I just colored my hair and some of the gorgeous tone seems to have faded. What gives?
Ahhh, I see gray! Will I be coloring my hair now until the end of time?
What do I do if I can't make my appointment?
Any suggestions on tipping? Who do I tip?
How can I book my appointment online?
1. Which process should I choose?
Gloss aka Glaze aka Toner: The application of a translucent non permanent mixture to shift the tone, accentuate or deepen parts of the hair, seal and add shine.
Single Process: The application of one tone, whether permanent or non permanent, to the root area. Used for grey coverage, or to refresh base color.
Partial Highlight/Lowlight (aka ½ Head): The application of bleach/color on usually just the top visible layer of hair to create dimension or in parts of previously highlighted hair to deepen the overall look or make the existing highlights contrast further.
Full Highlight/Lowlight (aka Full Head): As above except dimension is created throughout the hair, so when styled, worn in an updo, ponytail etc the effect is visible throughout the hair. Also used when an overall color change is considered (i.e. when transitioning from dark to light, from foils to hair painting).
Single process with Partial/Full Highlights/Lowlights: A combination of two processes (not to be confused with Double Process, easy error to make with it’s dual purpose) one tone (Single Process) is applied to the roots then highlights or lowlights are applied to part (Partial) or all (Full) of the hair.
Double Process: Application of usually multiple layers of bleach from the roots to the ends to remove all pigment from the hair. This is the process commonly used to create a platinum blonde or to create a “blank” canvas before adding tone to the hair. This is a lengthy process that would most certainly change the texture of the hair not recommended for fragile, overly processed or thinning hair. Always consult with your colorist prior to booking this. Do not wash your hair for a few days prior to your appointment—the natural oils from the scalp can help alleviate some of the discomfort of having bleach on the scalp.
Double Process Touch Up: For the platinum look, it is recommended to have a double process touch up no later than 6 to 8 weeks to address new growth. Waiting any longer can mean putting the hair through a harsh second Double Process.
Fantasy color (aka Mermaid, Galaxy, Opalescent, Oil Sleek, etc.): Any tone of color created by applying various colored pigments in parts or all of the hair.
2. How often should I have my color done?
Always ask your colorist for their recommendation before you leave. Follow-up appointments depend on several factors—the type of color service you received, the frequency you shampoo, and the condition of your hair.
Typically people who color their hair to cover gray need to return between 4 to 6 weeks. Highlighted/Lowlighted hair varies from 6 to 12 weeks to a bit longer.
Fantasy-colored hair tends to fade between one and four weeks. Some tones retain their vibrancy longer than others. The paler the tones, the faster they fade; frequent shampoos does the same. We recommend our clients purchase a color conditioner and to return for a touch-up once a month or so.
Sometimes you need a colorist to correct color, most after a home color ('boxed color') mishap. Tones are not as accurate as advertised, there's too much color deposit (even in the non-permanent category), it can oxidize unpredictably, and the color could've been sitting on the shelf for years.
'Corrective color' is also for clients who are transitioning from foils to freestyle painting (balayage, hair painting, etc.) in order to slowly but surely diminish the look of the vertical or horizontal bands from the foils. Anyone transitioning from permanent hair color or henna (vegetable dyes) to highlights or lowlights also requires corrective color. Permanent color leaves a mark on the hair—as roots grow it takes several blending sessions to dissolve the permanent color.
Corrective color can be a process, not just a quick turn around from a 'bad' color situation. The desired ideal may take more than one visit, and our colorists will thoroughly explain what can be achieved, how long it may take, and how they think your hair can and should be treated.
4. How do I maintain my color?
Reduce the number of shampoos you have per week.
Wait for at least 24 to 48 hours after a color treatment before you shampoo.
Learn about product ingredients and purchase carefully what you use.
Unfortunately the majority of shampoos and conditioners, as well as styling products sold commercially are laden with not good for your hair ingredients.
Heat styling is not great for color. But if you must, use the right tools plus heat-protecting products and the right techniques to help prevent some of the damage.
Be gentle with your hair. Twisting, twirling, rough brushing, and lack of brushing are habits to break. Invest in a good boar bristle brush to assist blood circulation at the scalp by massaging it gently when brushing dry and a wet brush for detangling when wet.
Scalp health is crucial. Dry or oily scalp is an indication of an imbalance. First nutritionally/ hormonally then the result of bad hair hygiene: using detergent filed cleansing and styling products, over coloring, burning with heat styling etc.
5. I just colored my hair and some of the gorgeous tone seems to have faded. What gives?
Any type of tone added to hair is in most cases a translucent layer applied over the previously highlighted/lowlighted hair. Some tones have a tendency to fade a lot faster. For example, if you added a soft peach tone to your highlighted blonde hair, unless you maintain it with pigmented color conditioner or an in-salon gloss, chances are you will only get to enjoy it for a few shampoos. Many of the shampoos and conditioners on the market are heavily formulated with detergents and other ingredients that not only cause color to fade but actually damage the hair itself.
Always ask your colorist and heed their advise on maintenance to prevent that from happening.
6. Ahhh, I see gray! Will I be coloring my hair now untili the end of time?
It's going to be OK! For women with darker hair, gray hairs tend to be more visible, and if it you aren't crazy about it, coloring is the next step. But before going to the permanent stuff, there are non-permanent solutions that can soften and blend the gray to the rest of your hair. Hair-painted lowlights and highlights are also an option to blend, and they create more dimension in the hair so the grays are less visible. Maintenance for those two options varies, but both are less demanding than coating the hair permanently with opaque color that will be visibly in need of a refresh within 4-6 weeks (sometimes more often).
7. What do I do if I can't make my appointment?
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Appointment reminders are sent via text a few days prior to an appointment. Please call to reschedule or cancel an appointment. We charge 50% of the service fee for cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment.
8. Any suggestions on tipping? Who do I tip?
It's customary to tip 20% of the service to a salon professional. And tipping the owner of a business can be a token of appreciation for their time and skill. It is especially important to tip any apprentice assisting with shampoos, rinses and blow outs—typically a minimum of $5 for a shampoo, $10, $20 and up if they were involved in the toning, rinsing and blow drying your hair.
Balayage is a technique for highlighting the hair in which the dye is painted on in such a way as to create a graduated, natural looking effect.
10. How can I book my appointment online?
We have designed our online booking system with you in mind. Click here to book. We have made it straightforward and easy to book selected services on the Vagaro App. Download the Vagaro App on your smartphone. We do not allow advanced color services such as Balayage or Color Correction to be booked online since timing varies from client to client. Keep in mind, our last appointments are always one hour before closing when booking through our app.