Carrie Sedok, master stylist and owner of MirrorZ Salon, styles Christine Valentine’s colorful locks. A longtime fan of bright colors, Valentine says this purple is her favorite. (Photo by Jay Paul)
Pinks, blues, greens and all hues in between for your hair are the rage for those trendy enough to take the plunge. From just a few panels for a pop of color to a striking full head application, this look is fun.
Where to start?
“You can find the hottest trends with the touch of a finger, so Google and Pinterest are your best assets,” says Kat Tinsley, owner and master stylist at Kat’s Hair Studio in Chester.
That means the sky is the limit.
Once you’ve chosen a look, your stylist can consult with you on which colors are most flattering, on cost and on the upkeep. Tinsley uses Pravana Vivids. They come in 31 shades and are paraben- and phthalate-free.
Tinsley says the color can last one to six weeks, depending upon your hair condition and if you care for it properly. “It’s all about the longevity,” she says. “I’ve tried other product brands, but they don’t last.”
Purple lasts the longest and is the most popular color of choice, followed by blue, according to Carrie Sedok, master stylist and owner of MirrorZ Salon in Short Pump. “The deeper the shade, the longer it stays,” she says.
Direct dyes are nonoxidative hair colors and do not rely on hydrogen peroxide to develop. For the most vibrant of looks, pre-lightening is recommended. Your stylist can lighten one small panel or your full head of hair.
Once that step is complete, the vivid color is added to your lightened hair.
Tinsley cautions not to rush the process. “You have to let it sit longer than is recommended in order for it to last longer,” she says. She also advises the use of a clear glaze afterward to seal in the color, add shine and to recondition the hair.
The more elaborate the color, the more it costs. This type of service generally starts at $100 and can move upwards of $350 per visit, depending on how many colors you get and how much of your head you want to cover.
Sedok says that some of her customers keep the cost down by opting for “small peek-a-boo slices or an ombre effect.”
Pre-lightening may not be required each time, so expect to pay the most on your first visit. Ask your stylist about future visits and what will be needed to keep the look.
If you’re considering a home color treatment, you may want to first talk with a professional, says, Sedok. “Not all colors are created equal and an improper mix could create a costly fix,” she says.
Tinsley also suggests appropriate home care: Avoid chlorine, wash in cool water, limit how often you wash and always use thermal protectants for heat styling. Dry shampoos are the best friend of vivid colors as they allow fewer washes between visits. Tinsley says 7Seconds Refresher dry shampoo is her go-to maintenance product.
