Warm, Cool,or Conditioning Color

Can you believe it? Winter is here again. Its amazing how fast the year went by. Want to end it with a fun new hairdo? Today we are going to be talking about winter color. For me, the first thing that comes to mind is a ride through the Poconos looking at all the foliage that the season brings---- bright shades of yellows, reds, and oranges. For you, it may be a drive through somewhere more local, like Asheville, but the colors are the same warm, inviting variety. With all that in mind, imagine your hair color with some of those warmer tones. Which one would complement your hair and skin tone? When you see your colorist, ask which one would look best. Its important to look at your base color or your "roots". If your base color is gold or warm, you do not want to use cool tones. If you have ash or cool base colors, you would tone with a cooler color. Its a basic but effective guide to never making mistakes. You want to use a toner that is lighter than your roots, up to three levels....personally, I prefer the lightest option.

For example, lets say your hair is a light warm brown.  If you'd like a subtle but noticeable change, you could use a dark copper blonde toner, with light golden blonde highlights. If you were a light ash brown, you'd want to use a medium ash blonde toner accompanied by some light ash blonde baby-lights. This approach will provide a kiss of sunlight to your hair, as if you have just left the Bahamas. it is important not to go too overboard on the highlights....... applying just enough to accent the darker colors. I can assure you that this formula always works, leaving you with a sophisticated and classic look. 

If you're open to a less traditional approach, you may want to consider colored conditioners! Now I know what you're thinking: colored conditioners? Hear me out. If you like fashion colors and healthy locks, color conditioners are definitely the way to go! If you have any experience with 'fashion' color, you know what a toll it can take on your hair. As I said before, its amazing how quickly 365 days can go by and how quickly you may change your mind concerning hair colors. With 'fashion' color conditioners, you can have the benefit of changing up you look, while maintaining a healthy head of hair.  Its conditioner! Rose gold, topaz, magenta, violet? Imagine the possibilities ( they make awesome stocking stuffers too!) Its a east as washing your hair and leaving in the color conditioner in for a certain amount of time. For a more temporary look, 2 to 5 minutes. Want something more permanent? Leave the conditioner in for 30 to 40 minutes. It really is dependent on the intensity you're seeking. It fades just like color. All that is left to do is enjoy the holiday season and love your hair!

By Ray Roesemann