Hair Coloring
Balayage: The Hand Painted Hair Trend
Balayage - one of the biggest hair trends.
Are you looking for a more natural highlight? Balayage is the most subtle way to have perfectly highlighted hair without it looking like you’ve actually colored your hair. It’s very trendy, cost-effective and lasts a pretty long time! In this blog, I will explain what balayage is, the benefits, what to expect and some examples. Here at Oliver’s Salon & Spa, balayage services are done nearly every day along with other popular creative color services like ombre!
What is Balayage?
The term “balayage” is trending. Balayage is a technique, not an actual hair style. Essentially, it is the painting of hair. In French, the word “balayage” means to sweep or paint. Let’s be honest, anything said in French is so chic.
Balayage can be deceiving, as it is just painting the base of the hair. Most stylists end up incorporating a technique called “foilayage”. Foilayage covers not only the base of the hair, but all throughout the hair and accented pieces, based on where they fall around a client’s face. Both foilayage and balayage are used for most clients who want a balayage and ombre hair color.
It's all in the technique.
Most think balayage is done freehand. It is, but there are actually several techniques to make it look so effortless and natural. For example, if someone has smooth, straight hair, stylists will use a V or W technique, creating a flow throughout the hair where the color gradually changes. The hand painted gradation creates a soft transition from base color to highlight, making your hair blend perfectly. This technique will give you the sun kissed highlighted ends you’re looking for with much less noticeable growth lines as time passes.
Is balayage a good fit for you?
Balayage is not just for blonde highlights. You can have a balayage with any color! The most popular ones are blonde balayage and brown balayage, but any color could be used! Some balayage services may be more dramatic than others, involving foiled highlights due to the color lifting process. For example, balayage, when painted on without foil, only lifts a hair color 4 levels. This is ideal for a more natural, blended look. If your hair is super dark and looking to add bright blonde, you would need to add foiled highlights due to the drastic color change. Foil helps heat the color and lift beyond 4 levels.
Really, each stylist has their own technique, which sets them all apart. Some stylists will do a blend of both balayage and foilayage, one or the other or add several other techniques they have made up. That’s the beauty of the creative process of each individual stylist.
Benefits of Balayage
The biggest benefit to balayage is the low maintenance, which is more cost effective. Less upkeep will leave your bank account thanking you. We can all get behind a trend that doesn’t cost that much, right?
Balayage allows your roots to grow in with a more natural look that you do not have to constantly keep up with. Most other color services, you’re making an appointment every 4-6 weeks. Depending on preference and how your hair grows, you can let a balayage sit for months! The only touch ups you might need would be adding some painted strands here and there or maybe a toner if you’re looking for a less brassy blonde.
What to expect...
Your first appointment might be costly, due to the amount of time and technique. Most balayage services start at $200 depending on your hair. If your hair is thick and longer, there may be more color and time required to use, making your visit a little more in price. If your hair is short and fine, your visit might not cost as much as you think. The best way to know exactly how much a balayage service will cost you is to schedule a consultation with one of our stylists.
What happens when I need a touch up?
After that initial appointment, your hair might just need some minor touch ups along the way, depending on the person and how often your hair grows. Do the math. If scheduling appointments every 4-6 weeks that cost $150 and up is breaking the bank, opt out for a one time splurge that will last you months and overall be more cost effective!
Oliver's Balayage
Full disclosure, if you book a balayage service, you will be here for a couple of hours. Timing also depends on the length and thickness of your hair. To make your appointment run smoothly, we require/recommend you coming in for a consultation for your balayage appointment. This allows the stylist to get to know you, assess what direction they will take with your hair and let you know what will be happening during your appointment. Consultations at Oliver’s are only 15 minutes and complementary! See our blog on consultations here!
Oliver’s Take On 3 Social Media Trends
As I’ve written about before, social media platforms are the holy grail of hairstyle inspiration. There are hundreds of thousands of posts across all social media websites, featuring different styles that can send the average person into sensory overload. However, it’s possible to get inspiration from places other than the traditional #hair or #hairstyles pages. Trends pop up everywhere, so I’m going to teach you how to draw some ideas from past social media crazes. In this blog, I’m going to dive into some popular social media trends and buzzwords, then show you how some of the stylist’s at Oliver’s have turned these trends into hairstyles, #nofilteradded.
With so many social media platforms available, there's more than enough inspiration out there for a new look.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, and we all consume enough media to pick up a few ideas to incorporate into our style. Whether its from social media, your favorite TV show, or a podcast you love, fun new style ideas can come from anywhere. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate social media's next hottest hashtag into a new hairstyle.
Here Are 3 Social Media Trends Translated Into Hairstyles:
Trend 1: Unicorns and Mermaids and fairies galore
Surely everyone remembers the Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino insanity of 2017. You couldn’t enter a Starbucks without standing in line behind 20 people all asking for the signature purple and teal drink. Snapchat stories were filled to the brim with pictures of it. While the strangely sour frappuccino itself made my wallet $5 lighter and my tastebuds 5 times sadder, it sparked the unicorn craze that’s seeped into everything from clothing, to makeup, to hair ever since. The bright, funky colors made me reminisce to the days of carrying around Lisa Frank folders and having a colored streak in my hair. While I’ve ditched the Manic Panic hair dye and the over the top school supplies, I can still appreciate the unicorn/mermaid/fairy trend.
I’m not sure what about these colors appealed to anyone’s taste buds, but Starbucks gave us some hair and beauty inspiration that’s lasted almost 2 years after the frap was taken off menus.
Here are 2 of our stylists' take on the fantasy colors trend, which is definitely much more suited for hair. All of the fun and beauty of the Unicorn Frappucino without the sour aftertaste.
Trend 2: Coachella-palooza-fest
While Coachella may not be the first music festival, there’s no denying its the most Instagram-able. (Is that a word? If not, it should be). Thousands of people flood into California sporting their festival-best makeup, which usually includes lots of sparkles, glitter, and rhinestones. It’s a no brainer that most of these looks aren’t wearable on a daily basis, unless your day job requires you to clock in at the Magic Castle. But, a little added sparkle here or there is definitely doable. Maybe not on your face, but definitely in your hair.
It may not be the best idea to break out the rhinestones and cosmetic glue for your day job, but Coachella-inspired makeup looks are fun for special occasions.
These pretty additions to hairstyles are fun, but subtle enough to wear on a daily basis. Cute add ons like charms and braids are simple, wearable, and give you an added accessory for the day. Our stylists do a great job at incorporating some extra sparkle into everyday looks.
Trend 3: Pretty in Millennial Pink
In 2016, Pantone declared "Rose Quartz" (Also known as “Millennial Pink”) as the color of the year. Shortly after, Apple released the iPhone in Rose Gold. It was (and still is) absolutely everywhere, and I’m guilty of purchasing way too many items in this color. These relaxed pink shades have become more of a neutral color in my wardrobe, rivaling the dozens of black pieces I own. (I know I don’t need every shirt in black but it just goes so easily with everything, I swear!) So, if you’re like me and supplemented your wardrobe with dozens of rosy pieces, maybe your hair is the next step?
This dreamy shade of pink is everywhere from our electronics to our closets. Do my matching rose gold iPhone, Apple Watch, and MacBook make me feel a little juvenile at times? Maybe. But will I ever go back to regular old black or silver electronics? Definitely not.
Long gone are the days of neon pink, and instead, a more muted shade is popping up everywhere. While pink hair definitely isn’t for everyone, lighter shades make it much more wearable than a typical neon “fashion” colors. Unlike neon hair, this color will still look pretty and just as wearable when it fades. These styles are trendy and fashion forward, but neutral enough so they won't clash with your outfits.
Time To Surf The Web
So even if nothing on the #hair page is catching your eye, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms are choc-full of other things to grab inspiration from. If you don’t mind a little creative brainstorming, that is. So next time a trending topic on Twitter piques your interest, or you laugh at a hashtag, maybe you can translate it into a hairstyle!
If this blog convinced you to change up your look, I recommend checking out our blog about why booking a consultation is important before you make any drastic changes.
Thank you to our stylists Luanne, Niki, and Carmen for their work! Check out the Oliver's Salon & Spa Instagram and Facebook pages for more work from our entire team. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Going Platinum (Blonde)?
It seems like lately everyone’s making the jump to platinum blonde. Celebs who used to rock sultry dark locks are now lightening up and opting for a more icy look. So how do you jump on the bandwagon? In this post, I’ll be writing about the steps you need to take to make sure your new platinum style is Hall of Fame worthy.
Platinum blonde AND healthy hair? Yes, it's 100% possible IF you listen to your stylist and spread your appointments out. (Style by Carmen)
So to preface, I’m definitely not going platinum anytime soon. I love writing about first hand experiences so I can give you all the real deal. Unfortunately, the Elsa from Frozen ice princess look definitely won’t suit my dark curly hair. Plus, the fairly extensive aftercare needed doesn’t fit into my VERY low maintenance hair routine. (Shoutout to the Keratin Treatment I had done that makes getting ready in the morning a total breeze). That being said, I can recognize a popular trend when I see one. And I love a good hair transformation picture. So, I’ve done some digging to make sure that you all know how to kill it with your new blonde locks. (No need to thank me.)
Step 1: Do Some Soul Searching
While I love a #transformationtuesday as much as the next person, going platinum blonde might not be for everyone. Lifting color from your hair is a process, and getting the best results won’t happen in one day. Good things come to those who wait. Going platinum and keeping your hair’s health intact is a tricky process. It potentially involves many sessions, a big aftercare commitment, and a high price tag.
Before anything, make sure to ask yourself if you’re 100% positive that you want platinum hair. I wouldn’t try to talk any of you out of a new look, but you don't want to get a couple weeks in and regret your decision. So if you have slight commitment issues, maybe platinum blonde isn’t for you. (Let’s keep in mind that although you may want to drastically change your look, you should still want healthy non-damaged hair afterward.)
If you're still down to turn your locks white-hot, I salute you. Now I’m going to assign you some hair homework.
Step 2: A Little Instagram Stalking Never Hurt Anyone
Instagram is the holy grail of hair inspiration. Even if you’re not an avid user like I am, it’s easy enough to scroll through and grab some ideas for what you’re looking for. Swipe through the #platinum or #platinumblonde hashtags to find some on-trend ideas.
Platinum blonde isn’t a one size fits all label. There are different tones, add ons like balayage or highlights, and other factors that might change the final outcome of what you’re looking for.
It’s also smart to take your features and complexion into account when choosing a final look. Collect as many ideas in like with the look your going for to have on hand for your stylist. If you have picture references to show your stylist it’ll make your consultation more productive and your final color customized exactly how you want it.
Step 3: Consultation
First off, if you’re unfamiliar with what a consultation is all about, check out my blog about them here! Now is the time when you get to run the ideas you’ve collected by your stylist, and devise your plan for swiping your platinum card. Don’t feel defeated if your stylist tells you it’s going to take more appointments than you were expecting. They have your best interest at heart and don’t want you to end up with any damage from lifting your color too quickly. If your stylist is truly your BFF, they won’t let you destroy your hair by taking out all of your color in one shot.
During this initial visit, your stylist is going to check out the integrity of your hair. All of us have different hair health, so depending on where your hair is at strength wise it may affect your platinum blonde journey. If your hair is more on the damaged side, slow and steady will win the race. If your hair is a little stronger you may be able to get away with fewer treatments. HOWEVER, and I can’t stress enough, this entire process most likely will not be done at once.
Side note: Make sure you take a before picture! There’s nothing better than a drastic transformation swipe post on Insta.
Step 4: Sessions
This step is going to vary for everyone depending on your starting color, but if there’s one point I want to drill home it’s this: You aren’t going to have platinum blonde hair in one go. You will have to visit your salon for multiple lightening sessions that will vary depending on how dark your original color is and your hair’s current health. Each session will act as a stepping stone to gradually lift the color out of your hair. So while your hair is “in progress,” the color of it will vary. I can definitely understand why the uncertainty of leaving your salon with a unknown color is off putting. Just keep in mind that your stylist won’t let you leave the salon looking unpresentable. Your hair is on your head but it also has their name on it. Sending you out the door looking like a brassy mess doesn't benefit either of you.
As I mentioned before, this step does have some variables to it. Multiple lightening sessions will gradually lift color depending on how dark your hair is. Because your stylist wants your hair to look AND feel amazing they’re likely to suggest bond builders like Olaplex or B3. These products prevent some of the damage your hair might incur. They act as an insurance policy for your hair while it goes through multiple lightening sessions that have the potential to be damaging. Your stylist can mix these directly into the lightener (bleach) so they won’t add any time to each individual appointments.
Step 5: Take Notes, The Rest Is In Your Hands
One downside to platinum blonde hair is the extra at-home maintenance routine you’ll have to get used to. A purple shampoo needs to be incorporated into your routine to ensure that your hair stays platinum and doesn’t get yellow or brassy. Follow up appointments will also be necessary to address any grown out roots or fading. So, ask your stylist how often you should be coming in for a touch up. Make sure follow your stylist's directions to a T to get the longest life out of your platinum hair.
Step 6: Welcome To The Platinum blonde Club
Congratulations! It was a long, hard road but I’m sure it was worth it. So now, here’s where that before picture comes in handy. Shock all of your friends with that amazing before and after pic of how you went from whatever starting color to a total platinum princess. After all, what’s a new hairstyle without the Instagram cred that goes with it?
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Two more platinum blonde beauties by Carmen, and not a split end in sight. With one of our fab stylists and a little patience your hair can look this great, too.
Thank you to our stylist Carmen for giving me the 411 on the steps to going platinum and for the photos of her awesome work. Check out her Instagram page @color_bycarmen for all of her amazing work.
For more information on how to get this service from one of our many talented stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Salon Consultations 101
With so many different hair styles and trends out there, it’s hard to avoid hair envy. Try scrolling through the Instagram #hair page without being just a little bit jealous of that girl with the super cute rose gold ombre, or the one with the icy blonde balayage. Everyone gets that itch every once in a while to completely redo their look. So what happens when you decide to scratch it? You take the plunge and call your stylist saying you need a change. Sure, you may have an Instagram picture to go off of. But how do you make sure that your new look comes out looking just how you want it? A consultation.
In this post, I’m going to give you some insight into why booking a salon consultation with your stylist before making any major changes is an absolute must. A quick consultation with your stylist will put you both on the same page, address any possible issues that may arise, and can potentially give you new ideas that you hadn't thought about before.
Making a radical change? This process took a salon consultation, as well as multiple visits, lightening sessions, and sets of extensions. Make sure to schedule a salon consultation with your stylist so they can pull off every component of your perfect new ‘do. Keep reading to see pictures of the entire process!
Let’s face it: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we’ve all made style or beauty mistakes that are downright embarrassing. Whether it was my barely-there eyebrow phase, or my neon hair phase, I’ve deleted more Facebook and Instagram pictures from middle and high school than I can count. It happens to all of us, because it’s easy to overlook a glaring error in your beauty routine or pick a style that might not fit into your life well.
For example, I love all the amazing balayages that are popular right now. But I stay away from getting one because I know I'm not the best with maintenance. (My hair has been super easy to style since having a Keratin Express Treatment. Click here to read my blog about it!) The most perfect style in the world isn't really perfect if it also doesn't fit into your routine and habits. That’s where your stylist can step in. Along with knowing the technicalities of HOW to do your hair, stylists are also able to make suggestions that will customize the style you want perfectly into to your life.
So What Is A Salon Consultation?
A salon consultation is a quick visit with your stylist or aesthetician to go over what you want and need in your next visit. They’re not necessary every time you get your hair done. If you’re a regular and have been getting your haircut by the same stylist in the same way for 10 years, naturally you don’t need any advice on what you want to get done. However, if you’re seeing a new stylist, visiting a new salon, or making a change to your current hairstyle it should be your first step.
Why Is A Consultation Necessary?
1. Lifestyle
It’s great to go in with an idea of what you’re looking for, but it’s also smart to let your stylist make suggestions. Our stylists won't sway you away from what you want, but they can ask questions you may not have considered. Does your job require you to wear your hair up? Are you able to take a lot or a little time for styling in the mornings? Are there certain products that you absolutely can't live without? These are all factors that go into choosing your perfect style that works for your life. The more custom tailored they’re able to make your appointment, the more likely you are to love your new hairstyle afterward.
2. Time
Everyone's hair type is different. Differences in hair length, thickness, type, and curl patterns can change your appointment drastically. Consultations can help the stylist get a gist of your appointment, ensuring they have enough time to do what you've requested. Getting to see you and your hair in person beforehand is a major plus. Your stylist wants to give you the optimal amount of time to make sure you're feeling well taken care of and not rushed out of their chair.
3. Reflect On Your Last Appointment
Didn’t like your bangs the last time? Felt your hair color made you look a little bit washed out? Now is the time to tell your stylist of any concerns you had from your previous appointment. So, be honest. Communication is key if you want to make sure you hair comes out exactly as you want it.
4. Different terms/lingo
Sometimes it’s hard to describe exactly what you want. I love beauty and style, but even I’m not a walking hair lingo dictionary. If you scroll through any stylist’s Instagram, they’re likely using more hashtags than you can count. From balayages to mermaid hair to platinum pixie cuts, there’s such a huge range of hairstyles and terms that describing exactly what you want can get messy. A consultation, especially one with pictures and references, is way more helpful to a stylist than just booking and booking an appointment and just saying you want “highlights,” when you actually want a “balayage.”
Nearly 3 million posts on this hashtag alone makes pinning down what you want in a look to one specific photo is almost impossible. Find multiple to show your stylist during your consultation and they'll figure out the rest.
There are so many different features of hairstyles to consider, such as tone, shade, and cut. So, its a great idea to have multiple picture examples highlighting different things you want. Having multiple pictures where you can point to different features is ideal. Think: "I like the bangs on this one. I want the length on this one but with more layers. The color on this picture is perfect.”
This method is so much more personalized to what you want than a single picture. Now, your stylist can piece together your perfectly customized look.
5. Feedback On Ideas
Stylists know what is and isn’t recommended with certain hair types and best ways to frame your face. So, they have valuable background knowledge that can help you make your final decisions. They'll be able to tell you any effects a service may have on your hair type. For me, this is a huge plus because my curly hair is prone to dryness. So knowing beforehand that a treatment will dry it out even more may change my decision. This is also helpful for maintenance like I mentioned before. If you show your stylist a picture and the maintenance requirements are something out of your comfort zone, you may want to opt for an easier style.
6. Specialty Appointments
Some hair appointments take even longer. For example, if you have very thick or curly hair, or damaged and brittle hair. A stylist will cut short, fine hair differently than they'll cut long curly hair. If this is you, you share my stress of going into a stylist. Do I want a different look? Yes. Do I want to destroy my hair in the process? Definitely not. A consultation is a perfect way to address any concerns or have your questions answered before your appointment.
The same goes if you're looking to get hair extensions. A consultation is required to color match your hair perfectly and pick out the desired length. Then, your extensions are custom ordered just for you. Customization is key to finding your perfect new look. So, consultations are necessary because your specific hair extensions need to be ordered in advance of your installation appointment.
Need Proof? Check Out The Dramatic Change In The Photos Below. This Transformation Was Only Achievable After A Successful Consultation
These pictures are the before and after extensions were added. These extensions were custom ordered and dyed for the client to make sure they perfectly matched her new color. Starting from the first picture to the last, it's hard to tell that's even the same person. For a change this drastic, a consultation was needed to talk through all of the steps that would take place.
Scheduling One Appointment Is A Pain, Now I Have To Schedule Two?
At Oliver's we want to give you the highest quality experience every time, so we make sure to offer consultations to all of our clients free of charge. They only take about 15 minutes and can give both you and your stylist peace of mind. After a quick meeting, you'll both know exactly what you want on the day of your appointment. Plus, you’ve done your due diligence with your stylist. Good hair karma all around.
If you can't pull off a consultation, another option is an "online" consultation. (I understand having a busy schedule, no judgement.) First, snap a couple selfies of your hair that show its different features (length, thickness, color). Make sure these are in the best lighting possible so they're accurate. Next, gather all of the #hairgoals pictures you've compiled of what you want your end look to be. Like I mentioned before, the best method is to have multiple pictures that you can pull inspiration from. Then, pass both of these onto your stylist so they can figure out what it'll take to pull off your before and after. While an in-person consultation is still preferable, this is a great alternative to simply booking an appointment without giving your stylist an idea of what your hair's starting point is.
Other Areas For Consultations
Changing up your hairstyle isn’t the only type of appointment that might need a consultation. If you’re receiving any type of permanent makeup application, Oliver’s requires a consultation. These procedures are partially permanent and require some thought before committing to. Microblading, for example, potentially lasts for years and can completely change your eyebrow shape and the entire look of your face.
A full blown consultation separate from your appointment isn’t necessary for most services. However, it’s always a good idea to let your aestheticians or masseuses know of any potential issues before an appointment. That sore shoulder you neglected to tell your masseuse about has the potential to make your massage seriously unpleasant. So, just give them a heads up on any areas that may need special attention. Same goes with any skin issues (like eczema or psoriasis) of you’re receiving a skin treatment. Spa treatments are for relaxation, so make sure you let your professional know of anything that might prevent that.
We Want You To Love Your Look
At the end of the day, we want our clients to have great relationships with our service providers. The better your stylist or aesthetician knows you, the better the end product is. Salon consultations are a great way to not only make sure you’re getting exactly what you want from a service, but also to form a bond with your stylist or aesthetician so in the future so they know your tastes and can give you suggestions. Oliver’s has many of clients that have been coming in for years that know exactly what they want. If you’re a new client or trying out something different, book a consultation to get that Instagram-worthy hairstyle.
If you want to change up your look and are interested in having one of our stylists help you out, schedule an appointment by calling us at (610) 366-8808 or booking online.