This year it’s all about being blonde! So prepare for the onslaught of would-be flaxen goddesses in your salon!
All of us know that color services can bring great revenue to a salon, so it is important to engage your clients. Part of this strategy implies watching out for the latest products and trends to keep hair healthy and the color looking fresh. Color preferences come and go with the passing seasons. But Wella Professionals conducted a survey of 400 hairstylists across the country and the consensus would seem to indicate that the top color trend in 2014 will be golden/honey blonds (25%), followed closely by copper reds (21%), and hazelnut chocolate (19%).
Wella Celebrity Colorist, Jennifer J, says, “The Trend this summer is a beautiful golden base color with light butter blonde highlights, giving a brightness and movement throughout the hair.” That being said, let’s admit it: anyblonde goes!
There are not a few challenges involved in getting the perfect blond, and often the first among them is the client’s expectations. Nakia Stevens admonishes, “The hardest thing is getting your clients to understand that creating the ultimate blonde takes lots of time and patience.” The Mastery’s Nicoletta Gauci concurs, “Being a bottle blond means consistently getting your color done and taking care of your hair. Most people don’t have the time, patience, or budget!” Nick Pagano, a Goldwell Artist, also brings up the technical problems of keeping blondes looking natural and healthy with a seamless multi-dimensional blend of warm and cool tones. The consultation should focus mainly on skin tone and even dominant colors in their wardrobe. But don’t take this superficially. Investigate their lifestyle as well! Does she spend their time indoors or outdoors? Is she an avid tanner? Is she a swimmer or a beach babe? As Nick reminds us, “Fun in the sun does take its toll, especially on blond hair!”
The next step is to play hair doctor and get a full history, including both previous color and chemical services, and assess the overall condition of the hair. The experts cannot stress an under-standing of the natural base of the hair enough. Stevens and Gauci both warn against overtoning – a common error. Stevens observes that it is useless using a strong violet to counteract warmth if the hair has not been lifted first to the base level. Gauci incites, “The worst for your confidence and someone’s hair is to overtone on the first shot and have to remove it and re-tone… after you just went through the lightening process!” All also agree that products have improved greatly, guaranteeing more reliable and stunning results.
But education is once again important and –of course– there is no substitute for experience! And obviously, in addition to regular salon maintenance, home care is also vital to protecting your client’s investment in time and money. Stevens and Gauci both recommend using a hydrating mask and professional deep conditioning –like Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Keratriplex– to replace what has been stripped from the hair and prevent fade. Gauci even recommends extending the time between washes if possible. Pagano agrees, saying he recommends blond-specific Goldwell DualSenses and Highlights Collection for its unique FadeStop Formula. Blondes may have more fun – but their colorists sure work at it!
By Marie Scarano
Nakia Stevens: The new creamy metallic is the hardest to achieve 
Nicoletta Gauci 
The 4 Services offered by Goldwell’s innovative “We Love Blonde” program: Naturally Blonde, Sun-Kissed Blonde, Nordic Blonde, and Honey Blonde 
Nick Pagano: Spring colors are brighter and lighter mixes of cool, warm, and creamy tones
