Pros and Cons of Salon Hair Coloring

Salon professional color or at-home box color? Before you pick up an inexpensive box of color from the drug store, consider these important points.

Generally speaking, salon professionals tend to use products that are much gentler on hair, as these more costly products contain a higher concentration of protein and moisture-locking natural ingredients. Different color lines offer varying levels of longevity, vibrancy and shine. One of the hottest color lines in the world right now among salons is currently "Alfaparf," formulated and originally manufactured in Italy. Popular among experienced salon professionals, this line consistently outclasses most other professional color lines because it offers:

- intense and ultra luminous reflections thanks to extracts of saffron, indigo, and rubbia (these are all plants used to produce rich and glowing color effects in fabrics)
- unparalleled lasting power thanks to tannin (a natural fixative that bonds color to the hair fiber with the same principle used to fix color to the fibers of textiles)
- extremely conditioned and touchably soft hair (thanks to the high concentration of natural ingredients in the formula)

What Are Highlights and Low Lights?

Highlights are generally lighter panels or sections of hair placed in foils either with a base color or without. This will brighten and lighten the hair without a solid color, allowing blending of grey or just a change of tonality. Alternatively, the term "low lights" refers to a darker tone, or a different tone within the same shade. This is used to create dimension. Proper placement of low lights and high lights offers robust depth and dimension, producing eye-catching results that cannot be duplicated with at-home box color. Stylists who stay current on the latest trends will offer unusual and interesting color techniques instead of the old fashioned "weave" which is presently well out-of-date. Specialty hair color generally involves a combination of different colors and placement, taking into account the hair cut and client's lifestyle. Of course, choosing the correct stylist and a high-end, reputable salon is crucial. It takes years of experience, practice and ongoing education and training to attain proper color techniques, selection, mixing and application. This is one place you certainly wouldn't want to cut corners on expenses.

Box colors are formulated with harsh "anyone-proof" chemicals that leave the hair lifeless, dull and quite often damaged. If you've ever colored at home, then switched to salon color, your stylist has likely remarked on the poor condition that the box color has imparted on your hair, and color correction is often necessary for healthier, shinier hair. The opposite is actually the case with high-end lines such as Alfaparf color, which leaves the hair incredibly shiny, soft and in healthier condition than before color was applied.

Unfortunately, there is little truth in advertising when it comes to at-home box color. Hard-core marketing campaigns would have you believe that the actress spokeswomen and beautiful models are using box color to achieve their look, but this is simply untrue. These implied images undermine the professional salons who strive to achieve optimum health and beauty of hair color.

In many cases, hair is the first physical quality people notice about women -- can you really afford to skimp on that? If you truly desire healthy, shiny, vibrant hair color with body and depth, the best way to achieve this is from a high-end salon featuring experienced hairdressers.

Looking for cut and color in Castle Rock, Colorado? The author recommends Caroline Douglas, Master Stylist and Owner, Aspen Grove Salon, Castle Rock, Colorado. Caroline has extensive experience, having trained with Vidal Sassoon and Kris Sorby, amongst others. Aspen Grove specializes in highlights, lowlights, color correction and more. Visit Aspen Grove online or call 303.663.4772 to book an appointment.

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