The Truth About Color Correction

Color correction can be a daunting term—but do we really understand the meaning? You would

think that if your hair is colored too dark, you can just put another color on and make it lighter.

But there is a very strong science behind this: color does not lift color. If you put a lighter color

on hair that is too dark, it will do absolutely nothing.

Color correction is primarily used in two cases: when colored hair is too dark, or the color is not

the right tonality. Too dark means that it does not suit your skin tone and eye color, or perhaps

it washes you out, emphasizes every line and pore on your face, or brings out your not so

beautiful features. Tonality means it may be too warm or too cool for your skin tone and/or eye

color, and something just isn’t quite right. This does not always mean that you are in for a

complete overhaul, but it does mean something must change for it to look more natural on you

and bring out your more flattering features.

Color corrections can be challenging because they all depend upon what was used to color the

hair, how many levels lighter the hair needs to go, or what kind of shift in tone is required. Box

dyes are by far the worst. Using metallics and high levels of ammonia to color the hair, they

blow the cuticle or the outer layer of the hair shaft and then the metallics are placed in the

cortex inside the hair shaft to make the color stay. They also typically color your ends a much

darker shade than the rest of the hair. If your hair is made too dark by a box color, the metallics

are going to resist and make it very hard to get that color out. How much lighter you want your

hair to be will determine how much work needs to be done.

Professional color is much easier to get out of the hair because many times the color was done

recently, and so it has not had complete time to set into the hair. Professional color also does

not contain metallics, so it’s easier to remove than box color. That being said, all is contingent

on what color we are shooting for. If you’re a dark brunette and want blonde hair, it may be as

simple as putting some highlights in such as foils or balayage to brighten things up. If you want

to go all-over light, then maybe a color remover is your best option. If the tone is not quite

right, that can always be adjusted with a simple color wash to bring out your best features and

make you glow.

Color corrections have come a long way from what they used to be. No longer do we have to

“strip” the hair, meaning put bleach all over your head and pray that the color lifts out.

Professional color companies have developed color removers, which open the outer layer of

the hair shaft and remove the color molecule (mechanically while shampooing it). These are

safe and effective and will not leave the integrity of your hair lacking. Once the color is

removed, you can apply your target shade.

Color correction does not have to be scary. The best thing you can do when faced with a color

challenge is call us at Dsparada and book a complimentary consultation so you and your stylist

can decide the best course of action to make you feel like yourself again!

By Jennifer Patronelli

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

Sometimes Less Is More

Do you ever see someone with a really cute and fun short haircut, and wish that you could have

their style? I hear that all the time from people with long hair who want to go short, but are either

afraid of change, or afraid of looking too masculine. Short hair can be very empowering for a

woman of any age, especially when the cut is specifically tailored to her own personal style.

With trends constantly changing, it can be difficult to decide on the haircut that best

suits you and your lifestyle. This doesn’t have to be a challenge if you have a good hair

stylist. When making the decision to go short we often have a certain “look” in mind.

However, our mental image of what would looks good, does not always translate into a

good haircut. This is when you should let your stylist take the reins, it is what they are

trained for.

One of the main things to take into consideration with short hair, is texture. If you

have naturally curly hair, then this is something you know very well. The last thing a

woman with curly hair wants is to feel like she is walking around with a big ball of frizzy

curls, instead of a flattering hair style. With that being said, let’s talk about the angled

bob, which is one of my favorite styles. Especially when it comes to the curly hair guests

that likes the versatility of a short style that looks great curly, yet is long enough to make

straightening easy and manageable. When it comes to living through the humidity of

North Carolina summers, manageability of the style is important for curly hair. Another

great option for style support of curly hair is a Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment. This

treatment uses keratin, which is a naturally occurring protein, to seal the cuticle layer of

the hair shaft. This sealing action works to nourish the hair shaft and prevent frizz.

If you are looking for something a little shorter and with a touch of sass, then a pixie

might be perfect for you. When someone mentions a pixie the first thing that

automatically comes to mind is the classic black and white image of Twiggy from the

60’s. This is by far one of the most fashion forward haircuts a woman can have, because

it makes a statement. I’ve always loved this haircut since it looks different on every

woman. Every time a guest with long hair sits in my chair and shows me pictures of a

pixie with lots of loose texture, and a short fringe, I get excited. This is where I put my

skills to work to create a completely bespoke haircut that is unique to my guest’s

features. Another great thing about a pixie is that it really shows off a woman’s best

facial features.

The main thing most women tend to worry about when cutting their hair this short, is

the dreaded fear of looking too much like a boy. In my professional opinion, most women

that have this concern typically do not have anything to worry about. That’s where the fine

details of the style really come into play. If I know my guest wears glasses the majority

of the time, I will shape her fringe and ear line to compliment her frames. This goes back

to the fine detail work and customization of the haircut that transforms it into a bespoke

style.

My #1 haircut is the “I want to cut all my hair off” haircut. If you read Cosmo in the

90’s, I’m sure you heard horror stories like this. Don’t believe the hype. I’m not telling you

to cut all your hair off, but if you are considering it, then go for it!!! For whatever

reason, damage, change, breakup; don’t be afraid to go short.

Grey hair, what do we do about grey hair? Own it, love it, because it’s what your mom

has. I am a colorist, but my passion is deeply rooted in haircutting. I have a handful of

clients with the most beautifully marbled salt and pepper hair, that 20 somethings on

Instagram want to have. They have decided to embrace their grey and opt for a funky and fun

pixie cut, because it’s youthful look is timeless and easy to style.

Once you’ve found a short haircut you love, keep in mind that sometimes less is

more. Meaning that even though you’ve reduced style times, you may have to make

more frequent trips to the salon. We recommend every 4-5 weeks to maintain your style.

If you have been thinking about changing it up and going short, now is time to come see

us at DSparada. If you already have short hair, but just haven’t found the cut that is right

for you, we invite you to come have a complimentary consultation. We look forward to

seeing you!

By Jon Weston

No Short Cuts

No Short Cuts: We put you first at Dsparada Color Salon.

By Don and Jen Patronelli

Eighteen years ago I founded Dsparada Color Salon, and together Jen and I have made it one of the top-rated salons in Raleigh. We started in Five Points and grew with the area. Now our salon is located in North Raleigh on Falls of Neuse Road. After traveling the world doing hair, my final stop was in Raleigh. I knew immediately that this area would need a great hair salon   to accompany the thousands of heads moving here every year.

     We strongly believe that when it comes to hair everyone should be happy because when you love the way you look you express it out into the world. One of our clients, Julie Woodson, says, "Don and Jen have been doing my hair for over a year now and my hair has never looked better or healthier. both are fantastic at what they do."

     Our whole process starts with great communication. That's why the color consultation is the most important part of your appointment. We spend anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes with you going over everything from pictures and swatches to how much time it will take and what the services cost. This consultation is so important and it's not just for new clients, it's for ALL clients as an extra step we take to ensure you're happy.

Our Color Philosophy

     When it comes to hair color three factors determine what the best color is for you: first, the time of year; second, your skin tone; third, your eye color.

     About every six months you should be ready to change your overall look, and the quickest way to do that is with a color and haircut. The time of year lets us know whether to go darker or lighter. The standards are to go darker in the fall and winter and lighter in the spring and summer. 

    When we look at your skins undertones, we check to see if you have green undertones ( a cool color). If you have pink undertones, the cool to medium warm tones can look best on you. 

      Eye color is also key because you want your eye color to stand out. For example, if you have green eyes with gold flecks and you like lighter tones, then a Carmel blonde to match your eyes would be a great choice. Or, if you have blue eyes and a light complexion, copper tones might be your best bet.

      You should also consider how different lighting can affect your color. Consider that at home your color looks one way and when you are outdoors or in the office it can look another way. All of our lighting that you see from outside from the hours of 4:00pm until 7:00pm. this is the best and most true to tone light to view your hair. Our location is also surrounded by windows to make the most of evaluating your hair in natural light. 

Our Cut Philosophy 

    Our cutting techniques are unsurpassed; i graduated from Vidal Sassoon in London and brought my expertise back to the states. So whether you like strong lines, such as a blunt bob, or a softer look such as a shag, we have the haircut for you.

    Several things we consider are: first, your best facial features; second, your face shape; and third, your lifestyle. For instance, are you always at the office and need to look your best at all times? Or are you a new mom and don't have time to do alot of styling? These are all things we need to take into consideration when choosing your perfect look.

     This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we offer at Dsparada and what helps set us apart. Hair is an important part of who we are and what we stand for. Plus, it's not just hair; it's your best accessory and something you wear every day. Why not come and let out talented staff at Raleigh's best salon take car of you and make you feel like the amazing person you are! Long time customer Laurie Ruettimann says, "Without hesitation, I recommend Dsparada to my family and friends. If you're thinking about trying a new look or have grown tired with your current stylist, it's the best salon in Raleigh.

How to - Fall Fashionista

How to- Fall Fashionista

In a world where trends change like the cover of magazines, it’s hard to know what kind

of change you should make to your hair this fall season. With summer seemingly in our rear

view mirrors and our hair left out to dry, it’s time to look forward to fall and embrace a change.

The season of crisp, rich deep haircolors and short sassy textured haircuts is upon us!

This season try on a cropped style for a change, take those long beachy waves and

giving them a chop,shoulder length is where sophistication begins this fall but wait this haircut is

versatile! You can smooth this out and have a beautiful sleek, layered haircut and by night with

the quick twirl of a curling wand have sassy flirty waves. Try combining this haircut with some

caramel blonde balayage over a chestnut base this adds dimension to your hair and when you

twirl your curling wand the dimension pops even more.

If simple glamour is more your thing try a smoky brown or a crisp platinum blonde,with

an every hair in its place cut, cut to your chin and a dramatic fringe to top it off. All eyes on you

as you strut your stuff! Cool tones are what’s hot right now from summer right into fall. If your

underlying skin tone notes pink or blue know that you can wear anything from a smokey brown

to an icy platinum no problem. Long gone are the days when you must go dark in fall and light in

the summer. Just a change of hair color for the change of season is enough to make you feel

new.

If you are a little more geek chic then look no further than your pixie long or short. While still very

classic chic this style offers lots texture for easy styling for the on the go, working fashionista!

Kick it up a notch by adding a fashion panel of any rainbow color! This accentuates your

personality just enough to keep them guessing.

Looking for a longer version of sexy?! The shag is full of texture, movement and very

versatile whether you are a wash and go girl or a blow out queen. This haircut looks great wet to

air dry or heat infused. The shorter option is the gypsy shag, think Joan Jet but not 1979 Joan

Jet, 2018 working sophistication or as we like to call it the SSS factor. Strong sexy sassy. This

haircut is a favorite of the season great for any hair type and any face shape. As the shag never

really left is has exploded into this year! What kind of color goes with a shag? You want to focus

on panel coloring or baby lights and less on the balayage, focusing the attention on the face.

Creating more depth in the back and getting lighter towards the face.

Remember always consult with your stylist so that you can have the perfect look for your

face shape and color for your skin tone! Don’t be afraid to try a new trendy look because you

might surprise yourself and realize a new look is exactly what you needed! If bold change isn’t

your thing, subtle changes can be made to any style as you evolve into a trend-setting

fashionista!

Fall for Color

By Don Stacy Patronelli
While the temperatures are cooling down, your look is heating up. Rich tones, sexy silhouettes and textured tresses will be at the forefront of trends this fall. I am going to give you some expert insight on how to get seasons most fashion forward styles.

Hair color will be very blended, very beautiful. The bright, strong high fashion colors are a muted back seat and we are seeing a lot of soft tones with warmer color effects. If you are looking for more of a pop of color in your hair but still want to see it more on the conservative side you can have more of the muted tones. We do accent highlights in the salon. Six to eight foils in the hair to give a monet of color here and there. You can camouflage those highlights within our natural hair color or you can make those as bright as you want.

Green is a big color for fall. Just sayin’! Lol! If you have a big personality and you like change, GO FOR IT!

Rusty tones are also going to be really popular. A combination of rust and violet in one. So you have those warm and cool tones.

For blondes, color is like coral, lilac, peach and yes sea foam green. They are beautifully blended into the hair. With brunettes violets, emeralds, and sapphires in the hair look very hot and bold.

For hair color techniques, we’re seeing balayage tones done with naturally warmer, richer tones. We are also seeing a combination of ombre and balayage all in one a combination of blended colors through the mid length but with a pop of bolder color on the ends.  We are also holding strong to the lob! We’re seeing it very weighed and one-length or we’re seeing it with a thicker texture that is broken up for a shorter effect and then trashing into the shag which is what I spoke about in previous article.

Texture is popular on so many different levels. If you have fine hair and you want more body you can build texture through styling products that will create a soft beachy waves in the hair and short hair can make a play on texture. Just have fun with it. Play with different type of tools; flat iron, curling iron, wand, and roll brushes for a beautiful finish. Dsparada color salon does three thousand services a year and we make sure no matter who comes into our salon they are treated as a VIP and receive the absolute best service. 

Winter Winner Hair

Admit it, you spend tons of time shopping for pretty pieces to update your winter wardrobe but pay scant (if any) attention to your poor, suffering strands. And after summers  slaughter of all those feel-good- yet- very- bad –for- your- hair elements like sun, saltwater and chlorine not to mention skipping trips to the salon, your locks are going to need some rehab…like right now! That is why I put together this list of things you can do to make your mane look healthy, shiny and effortlessly beautiful into the holiday season.

The Big Fix

Post-summer is your color dried, fried and faded? No surprise there. To bring it back to life, start with gentle shampooing to remove product buildup. I recommend colorproof detox. Next moisturize to strengthen strands and reduce split ends. Then to add amazing shine I recommend my favorite service clear of color gloss the next time you visit the salon. It’s a great fix for dull hair of any hue and will make it smoother and easier to manage in one simple step.

Lighten Up

While a lot of women darken their hair in the winter I like to take the opposite approach. I think it is a great time to go lighter because winter is dark and dreary.

Try the Razored Layers

Fall in love with your bob all over again by having your stylist add some razor layers. It will let you achieve loose, lived in texture. Plus the razor allows the hair to lock pieces with minimal layers. Ask for weight removal instead of short layers.

Party Time

It’s never to soon to plan ahead for all the seasonal fun to come. Here are some ideas and practice makes party perfect!

To enhance the shape of your short style blow dry it immediately after It is towel dried and use a texture spray or dry shampoo. I recommend Goldwells Dry shampoo. Don’t be afraid to experiment with waves, deep side parts and full voluminous blow outs to keep it fresh.