Highlight trends - new tones, techniques and tips for autumn/winter
Published
26th Jul 2011
by rachael
Dip-dye and balayage
This season's dip-dye look, as popularised by Alexa Chung, proves a prime example of commercial colour that clients can't get enough of, and which offers bespoke results which can only be achieved in salon.
Relying on the balayage technique of painting on colour freehand, the ombré result this look achieves requires technical dexterity but offers clients low-maintenance results.
Ideal for summer months, this technique is set to remain popular, prolonging the post-holiday look well in to winter.
Billie Crago of The Chapel, London says: "I use this spin on highlights for everyone from super-groomed girls to grungy, boho babes. As with normal highlights the overall amount and heaviness of placement is chosen in consultation. Any colour can be applied giving it seamless results, with little-to-no regrowth and is visually stunning as it grows out."
To achieve the look, Billie says: "Imagine the colour is barely there at the roots and then slowly builds up intensity down the length of the hair. You can create a floating light that offers as much contrast as you like to the natural colour but still allows little commitment. For fine hair, it adds bulk and a 3D effect, and for thicker hair, where normal lights get lost, you achieve beautiful colour that appears to have just evolved rather than looking too 'done'."
Traditionally the reserve of blondes, today's colour-savvy clients of every shade will appreciate the option to transform their hue with highlights for beautiful, three-dimensional results.
Bruno Elorrioroz, technical director of the Aveda Institute in London, says: "Blondes will be warmer and richer this Autumn, with antique gold highlights as well as peaches and rosy tones. For brunettes a touch of bronze will feel new and for reds experiment with shades from soft mandarin to bright copper. You can play with pastel shades too, like pinkish and beige champagne blonde, or even soft violet/lilac."
Maintain colour on a budget
While a full-head of highlights used to mean a salon visit every six weeks, today's cash-strapped clients are looking for ways to cut costs with no compromise on colour or condition. The dip-dye look may grow out naturally, but for those with traditional highlights consider services to maintain colour on a budget.
The Headmasters chain has recently introduced the Mid-Lights Lift, a service for when regrowth is visible but roots aren't big enough to justify getting colour redone. A bespoke toner and colour-preserving conditioner is applied at the backwash, smoothing the transition between appointments and improving condition.
Andrew Barton has launched an express highlight service where two colourists work on one head, while HOB Salons are offering a 'One Night Stand' service, which provides temporary colour that lasts between one and ten washes - ideal for clients who want to experiment without long-term commitment.
Finally, Spirit Hair Company in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, found that clients were stretching out their appointments so introduced a new short highlighting service, allowing clients to 'top up' their colour by charging for individual foils - up to 10, at £2.50 each.
This 'in-between service means clients leave with perfect, fresh colour and ensures the salon retains its business.