Shades of Autumn

What a lovely start to autumn it’s been! Slow, steady and the sun has stuck around for the most part.

The change of seasons is usually accompanied by a change in colour palette. The bright, sun-kissed colours of summer are gradually giving way to the warm, rich shades of autumn and it’s nice to reflect these transitions in our seasonal styles too. Just as we’ll change-out our summer wardrobe for our warmer wintertime collection, we can adapt our hair colour to complement our lighter skin tone during the cooler seasons.

One way to do this is to switch out the sun-kissed highlights of summer in favour of a more block-colour that gives a rich, warmth to your complexion. Here are a few more suggestions on suitable shades for this autumn….

 

Shades of blonde

The standout blonde hues for autumn are golden honey and a rich, dark blonde - both are flattering for most skin-tones. Deep golden lowlights will create a rich depth to your colour and caramel blonde tones will add a beautiful warmth and radiance. (To keep your blonde colour looking natural, opt for shades no more than two or three shades darker than your eyebrows.)

Shades of brunette

If you’re a natural brunette – it’s time to embrace your dark side! Glossy chestnut-browns and rich chocolate shades are the choice colours for brunettes this autumn. Add depth to your brunette locks with the addition a few natural looking highlights.

Shades of red

Whether strawberry blonde, auburn or fiery scarlet, you can’t go wrong with shades of red this autumn. Crimson hues bring warmth to most complexions and add some radiant spice to your style.

Seeing these beautiful shades of autumn has inspired you, yes?! Pop in and see us at our Northampton or Dunstable salons. We can help you choose a colour that best suits your skin tone and brightens your complexion.

Images courtesy of Zimbio.com

2013 Cut and Colour Trends - Part 2

It’s that time of year when we look ahead at the favoured cut and colour trends of 2013! Although it’s not essential to be “on trend” to look spectacular, it is nice to be in the know as to what’s hot and what’s not.

A few weeks back, we took a looksee at a few of the top hairstyles trending in 2013 (check them out here). This week we’re going to give you a taster of this year’s favourite hair hues.









An ode to ombre
The ombre trend is holding strong in 2013, but with a more subtle blended approach. Graduate and smudge rich caramel, chestnut and bronze tones through darker hair colours to boost your base colour and add dimension and texture.

 









Precious metals
For the fairer haired, rich luxurious tones are the creams of the crop this year. Think gold, platinum and rose golden shades that are bright, warm, lustrous and polished.

 









A rainbow of reds
Red hues are popular for 2013, thanks to the likes of  Jessica Chastain and Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks. It’s the perfect blend of glamour, sass and sultriness. From strawberry blonde to deep copper, you can’t go wrong with red this year!

 









Pops of pastel
If you’re keen on experimenting a little and like to have a playful point of difference, consider this year’s pastel-paint trend. Blend or dip-dye some pretty pastel accents into your tresses for a bright but delicate effect. Floral and candy hues like lilac, raspberry, lemon or silver are the powdery pastels of choice.

If we’ve got you pondering a colour change - read up on the best hair colours for your skin tone and then you know who to call for the revamp!

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

2013 Cut and Colour Trends - Part 1

It’s that time of year when we look ahead at the favoured cut and colour trends of 2013! Although it’s not essential to be “on trend” to look spectacular, it is nice to be in the know as to what’s hot and what’s not.

This week we’re looking at a few of the top styles trending this year, and next week we’ll give you the goss on the favourite hair hues of 2013.








Frilled by fringes
Bangs are like adding a nice trimming to a basic coat - a simple, subtle way to change up your look and draw attention to your shining eyes. A heavy, blunt fringe will add a bit of edginess to your style similar to Jessica Biel’s current cut, or opt for a long, soft and eye-grazing fringe for a “Brigitte Bardot” peek-a-boo look. While a fringe can look great with any length hair, they are particularly complementary to fairly straight or slightly wavy hair that is shoulder length or longer.

 








Bobbing for compliments
A bold trend for 2013 is the bob. Whether chin skimming or shoulder brushing, bobs are the pick over the shorter crops of 2012. The short choice for 2013 is a versatile and modern take on a classic wash ‘n’ wear cut with either a blunt cut for edgy chic or a textured style with subtle graduation and layering for a youthful softness.

 








Lengthy layers
Drawing inspiration from ancient goddesses and 70s glam rock, flowing chest-length locks are the longer option for 2013. Opt for soft wavy volume with texture and layering – especially around the frame of your face or a straight, blunt cut for a sleek and structured look.

 

As with clothing, you need to take in to consideration not only what’s in fashion, but also what will complement your face shape and features when considering prospective hairstyles. For a few tips on the best cuts for your face shape, read this article and as always: We are more than happy to give you our professional opinion on what styles will enhance your natural fabulousness!

 

All images courtesy of Zimbio.com

A few telltale signs that it’s time for a new hairstyle

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It’s easy to get comfortable with a hairstyle. That, in and of itself is not a bad thing – if the hairstyle complements your finest features, is low maintenance and makes you feel like the best you! However, comfort can sometimes land us in a bit of a rut, leaving us feeling a little stale.

 

Updating your hair is a great way to stay vibrant and confident. A new ‘do can add dimension, fullness and a breathe of freshness to your look. Subtle changes like layering, a fringe or highlights can be all you need to revitalise your look. Extreme changes like shoulder-length hair to a pixie crop or a radical new hair colour can be surprisingly liberating too!

 

Here are a few telltale signs it’s time for an update:

 

High maintenance: If it takes longer than thirty minutes to style your hair or you require loads of product to tame your mane you are definitely in need of a new ‘do. A wash ‘n wear cut is a great option - here are a few options to consider.

 

Outdated: If you look at a picture of yourself from a few years ago and your hairstyle is exactly the same – you know it’s time for a change. Hair is one of our best accessories and just like fashion there are trends to follow (even if they’re just tweaks to classic looks). An out-dated cut or colour can add unwanted years to your appearance. Stay up-to-the minute and feel fresh and modern with a new cut.

 

The pull back trick: If you tie up or clip back your hair everyday because the thought of styling it is too much of a hassle or it never seems to look they way you want it to – you need a new chop! It’s time for a cut that is versatile and easy to style!

 

Lifestyle changes: If you’ve recently experienced a major life style change whether good or not so good, a new hairstyle can be a great way to face new challenges head on. A hairstyle that is both stylishly empowering but also practical to fit with your lifestyle, is what you want!

 

Colour conflicts: Hair colour can either flatter or flatten your complexion. Often we opt for a colour we like, rather than choosing a colour that complements our skin tone. If you’re skin seems to have a yellowy tinge or washed-out look, it’s probably time to try a new hue. Our article on the best hair colours for your skin tone can help you out.

 

Want the usual?: If you hear this line from your stylist every time you go to the salon, think about changing your answer next time! Consider asking you stylist about what they think would be the most flattering style for you.

 

Compliments: It’s nice to be admired for your style right?! When was the last time you received a compliment about your hair? Your ideal hairstyle should result in regular comments on how stunning you look and a few requests for the name of your stylist too! To find the most flattering styles for you, consider your face shape and the facial features you want to highlight. Check out our article ‘hairstyles to complement your face shape’ for more info.

 

If you can relate to a few of these situations, come in and visit us! We will do our utmost to ensure you achieve a new level of fabulousness that makes you feel comfortable, proud and beautiful.

The best hair colours for your skin tone

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Ready for a colour revamp? Treating your locks to a professional “paint job” can truly transform your look, but it’s not quite as simple as picking out a pretty colour.

Just as wearing certain colours can flatter or fade out your complexion – so too does your hair colour. To establish what shades to embrace and which to avoid, you need to consider your skin tone.

Your skin tone – and its most complementary colours - is determined by melanin. This natural substance is responsible for your skin, hair and eye colour (based on the amount and type of melanin present).

Opting for hues that suit your skin tone will enhance your natural beauty, brightening your complexion and making your eyes pop. Colours that don’t work as well for you will tend to give your complexion a yellowy-sickly tinge or a washed out look.

So! First things first! You need to determine whether you have a cool or warm based skin tone (it’s best to opt for a colour that is the same base as your skin colour - be it cool or warm).

The tell-tail signs of a cool-based skin tone:

• Your eyes are most likely blue, grey, deep brown or greeny-blue with hints of grey


• You look healthier in pure white than you do cream or off-white


• You suit silver jewellery best


• The veins in your wrist have a blue tinge to them

The tell-tail signs of a warm-based skin tone

• Your eyes are most likely green, hazel, earthy or warm brown


• You look healthier in cream or off-white than you do white


• You suit gold jewellery best


• The veins in your wrist have a green tinge to them

The next step in choosing the most complementary shades for you is considering whether your skin tone is fair, medium to olive or dark.

Tips for the fair-skinned
If you have a warm-based skin tone, you’ll look positively glowing with strawberry blonde, honey blonde or butterscotch shades. Cool-based skin tones should opt for blue-based shades such as platinum or champagne blonde for a super stunning look. Fair-skinned maidens want to sidestep deep browns and black as they are too harsh. Likewise, avoid going too light as it can washout your complexion.

Tips for the medium-olive skinned
This skin-tone group has a wide range of colour options and benefit from golden, contrasting highlights. Warm-based skin tones are perfectly complemented by rich golden browns and earthy, copper shades. Cool-based ladies will shine with ashy, sandy blondes or warm browns such as cinnamon, walnut or auburn hues. Stay clear of red hues, as they can make your complexion look sickly.

Tips for the dark skinned
Creating contrast is the key for dark skin. Rich browns like caramel, maple and mahogany are winning hues for warm-based beauties. For the cool-toned ladies deep, dark shades such as an espresso brown or ink black are simply striking. Try to avoid shades that are more than a few tones lighter than your natural hair colour. Going too pale can lead to a brassy-looking colour that flattens your complexion.

For superb results, it’s best to select a colour that is no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural colour. If you’re not sure of your natural colour, your eyebrows are a good guide - they match your skin tone perfectly. Feel free to talk with us about the best colour options for you – we’re more than happy to help!

 

Colour me happy!

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Brighten up your locks with a fresh new coat of colour and see if it doesn’t brighten up your outlook on life too!

There are two distinct colour trends featuring this year with varying degrees and interpretations. In one corner you have the more natural look with warm golden tones - moving away from the sharp, heavy highlights and dipped tips, and instead, blending a combination of harmonious shades to enhance your natural colour. In the opposite corner is the dramatic show-stopping option that opts for radical block-colours and pops of bold hues for a striking result. The choice is yours - take your pick….

Warming up
Whether blonde, brunette or redhead, this year the hues are warming up with gorgeously buttery golden tones to brighten up your complexion. Platinum white was the 2011 blonde but 2012 marks the season of a softer creamier blonde - with golden sand, earthy beige and champagne shades in demand. If you have darker hair, consider boosting your natural colour with touches of caramel, chestnut and bronze tones to create rich, textured colour. Reds are also popular this season with bold, deep copper tones conveying a warm sultry look.

Ombre is here to stay
The ombre style with its darker roots and light coloured ends is still a popular choice and a great option for sprucing up brunette hair. However, this year the look is taking on a more subtle approach - with less contrast between the richer colours at the roots and a more gradual fade to lighter shades at the tips. This creates a radiant sun-kissed look perfect for the summer season.

Bright and bold
In contrast to the warmer natural styles, bright and bold colours have also been thrust into the spotlight thanks to the likes of Katie Perry, Rhianna and their strong, vibrant hair colour selections. If you’re one to push the boundaries and you like your hair to make a statement, this trend is for you! Whether block-colour or multi-coloured highlights, steal the spotlight with deep purples, blues, reds and even greens.

Greys and pastels - The new cool
If you crave the cooler hues, be prepared to think out of the box! Grey is the new cool, with ashy and silver highlights and lowlights proving to be an up and coming trend with Lady Gaga and Kate Moss leading the way. To add a summery edge to cooler colours, inset subtle pastel tones of pink, purple, yellow or blue to sections or the tips of your hair.

If we've got you buzzing to try one of these new hair colour trends - you know who to call!