Frequently Asked Color Questions

At our academy, we're always talking to our guests about their “hair journey.” We call it a hair journey because, oftentimes, those hair photos you found on Instagram for your inspiration were not an overnight transformation – those blonde highlights took years of lightening, those chocolate lowlights require regular maintenance, and those curls you want took hours to style. Most of our guests start their hair journey with color and this can be a big decision if you've never had your hair colored before. There's no need to be nervous though – if you're working with a professional who knows how to help you reach your goals, while valuing your hair's integrity, you're in good hands. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about haircolor to get your hair journey started:

Q: What’s the difference between Permanent and Demi-Permanent color?

A: Demi-Permanent haircolor is color without the commitment of permanent color. This type of color coats the outside of the hair shaft and gradually rinses away. This color option coats your hair, instead of permanently changing it so while it's less commitment, you can also avoid having obvious roots as your hair grows out. Permanent haircolor, on the other hand, is just that – permanent. This color penetrates the cuticle of your hair in order to replace your natural hair pigment with the color you've chosen. This type of color is ideal for covering grays, lightening hair (as long as it's never been colored) without bleach, and permanent color offers more bang for your buck, since it lasts longer than demi-permanent color.

Q: I keep hearing the terms “toner,” “glaze,” and “gloss” around the salon. What’s the difference? Why would someone choose one of these over permanent color?

A: While these terms can be used interchangeably to describe any treatment having to do with shine and color, gloss is a non-permanent color often used to make a subtle change and glaze/toner is a non-peroxide color often used to make semi-permanent color corrections. Both coat the outside of the hair shaft and gradually rinse away. Along with less commitment, gloss and glaze/toner make a great conditioning treatment that adds lots of shine to the hair. With permanent color you will see a line of demarcation as your hair grows out, with gloss and glaze/toner your color washes out evenly.

Q: How long should a toner last in your hair?

A: We always tell our guests that their toner should last around 4 weeks. If you're an avid swimmer, who is in chlorine a lot or wash your hair too much, your toner will rinse out sooner and require more frequent touch-ups.

Q: I've noticed every time I get highlights, they eventually get brassy. How can I keep my highlights from turning brassy?

A: This is a common complaint from our “warm-haired” guests... Since toner is a Demi-Permanent color, it slowly washes away, revealing your hair's brassy undertones. The best way to avoid this is to refresh your toner every 4 weeks. If you're looking to stretch this four week timeline, we do offer some shampoos that will buy you a little more time between appointments:

· For Brunettes, we love Redken's Color Extend Brownlights Blue Toning Sulfate-Free Shampoo. It's available for purchase at the salon and on our website.

· For Blondes, a purple shampoo is best. You can stop by the salon or our website for my two of my blonde favorites – Redken Color Extend Blondage Color Depositing Purple Shampoo -or- Pureology Strength Cure Best Blonde Shampoo.

Q: I have dark hair and want to add dimension to it. If I don’t want to bleach my hair for highlights, what are my color options for adding dimension to dark hair?

A: If you have “virgin hair,” meaning you don't have any color in your hair (like, for real – no box dye or previous color whatsoever), then you have more options than those who have previously colored their hair. One option is that you can go two to three shades lighter with permanent color. Another option (that can apply to “virgin” and dyed hair) is that we can add lowlights. This means that we would color sections of your hair to be darker than your natural color, so your natural color becomes your highlights – this is why we use the term lowlights, because we're adding a darker color to your hair.

If you're new to the world of haircolor, it can be overwhelming. Beyond answering the frequently asked questions, it's best to line up with a stylist who values your hair's integrity (health) and gives you realistic options that you'll ADORE. We love providing our guests with consultations. Feel free to call our Front Desk and book a consultation with one of our students.