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Stylist answers top five common color questions

Healthy Hair

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 00:00

Caron, colorist

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Helping woman gives stylists chance to revisit chair-side manners

By Caron, colorist and national educator

Spring is the season for growth and change. More than any other time of year, spring opens us up to promise and possibility. I was reminded of this while facilitating training in a little town on Maryland's eastern shore. The purpose of the training was to reintroduce color systems to a small, but prosperous salon. The salon's goal was to grow its color business.

Our model was an evacuee from Hurricane Katrina. It had been some time since she had any personal services or thought of anything other than survival and returning home. As a colorist, I know how small changes can alter the way someone looks at herself and her world. This woman faced great challenges. While in the process of change, we often lose part of ourselves-through economic hardship, family and home issues, tests of faith and courage. We also forget about those things that make us feel like women.

I believe if you challenge the issue, it will change.

We proceeded with training, sharing information and progressively working toward our common goals of learning together and giving something back to someone who had lost so much. We learned a great deal from her. She asked many of the questions new clients often do, which forced us to re-evaluate our chair-side manner.

It had been some time since she had any color services (about nine months). Often, to save money, she would color at home, but could never achieve the desired result.

Question 1: Why can't I get the right color at home?

Color is both a science and an art. Without understanding the dynamics of its process and effects under varied conditions, results can be unpredictable. Color and tone may be close to the desired result, but in the end, can lack life and vibrancy. Color fading also is a common issue as well as overall condition. Professional colorists are trained to consider these and many other factors.

Our guest was double chemically dependent. She had a color history, and had perms to add volume to her fine texture. This coupled with her lack of any real attention to her required specific treatment and care that we were able to provide in a salon environment.

Question 2: Why won't my color last?

Environmental factors can adversely affect color and its life. UVA and UVB rays from the sun, water quality and product choice all make a difference. Color preservation has created a new category of products to address these needs.

Question 3: Why must professional products cost so much?

All products are not created equal. Many drugstore brands are detergent-grade and cost more than quality professional products. Counterfeit and diverted brands are sold in supermarkets and drugstores. Professional brands are only sold and guaranteed by salons. Buying professional products from the salon ensures that the consumer gets the best products. Sometimes, products sold in stores are counterfeit, stolen and may even carry harmful bacteria. Trust your hair care professional's recommendation. Consider it a form of protection.

Questions 4: Why must services and maintenance costs be high?

If you are making a complete change, a color service could cost more initially. However, there are maintenance options that can save you time and money. Your plan of care should consider not only your look, but also your budget.

Question 5: Is a consultation really that necessary?
Consultations make all the difference in the world. If the stylist/colorist won't take the time to talk to you, they probably won't listen to you either.

Our new friend left us floating. We were able to give back some of what was lost-a little confidence and pride in being a woman. So ladies, what's the lesson here? Life is too short to live without recognizing that you are a gift. True power is acknowledged and affirmed through adversity. Choosing to add color to your life can change it!

Caron is an American colorist and celebrates more than 25 years in the industry as a celebrated hairdresser, national educator, award-winning artist, consultant and columnist. A highly sought trainer for corporations and salon professionals at every level, she shares insight, vision and expertise on excellence in service, artistry, diversity and new media. Named one of the top beauty professionals by InStyle magazine and recognized as an industry expert by Modern Salon, her journey continues as Creative Advisor for Aloxxi International and director of QueeNOIR Beauty & Media Group and NOIR-TheStudio. Check out her website, CARONISM.COM

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Nice Article
written by Moha, October 03, 2011

I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept. Thank you for the post.