Ever feel confused when booking a service at the salon? These days there are so many different names for the same techniques. Babylights, balayage, highlights, lowlights, color melting, all over color, and the list can go on and on.

Let’s simplify this for you. You have two choices when it comes to color. You either want dimension or you don’t. All over color is one solid color all over the head and Dimensional color means just that, adding dimension throughout the entire look. I highly recommend booking a consultation before booking a color appointment, especially if it’s your first time with the colorist. Most colorists offer complimentary consultations. This allows them time to look through your hair and see if there needs to be any corrections made before creating the color of your dreams. I feel safe saying about 80% of new clients who come in for color and show me their “balayage pinterest board”, need a corrective service before their color dream is even possible. Haircolor is complicated people! You can’t just slap something on and expect it to not only look exactly how you envisioned, but also magically styled in long flowing waves when in reality your hair is shoulder length and you can wrap a hair band around your ponytail 20 times.So please. I beg you. Book a complimentary consultation 🙂 Your colorist will help you find the most flattering placement for you and your hair type.

Now let’s talk about the different levels of dimension. It basically ranges from subtle/ low contrast to bold/ high contrast. Leave the actual technique up to your stylist to achieve the look your going for. Just because you think you want balayage doesn’t mean that’s actually what it takes to get there.

Here are a few pictures of my clients to help you understand the difference..

Low/ Subtle Dimension this was a mixture of balayage, base color, and foiling with a glaze aka toner

Low/ subtle dimension this was a balayage application on virgin hair (hair that hasn’t been colored before)

High Contrast Dimension this was highlights and lowlights in foils followed by a glaze/toner

High Contrast Dimension this color took two sessions to achieve. 1st session was an all over balayage with glaze aka toner. 2nd session was a mixture of foils and balayage application over the same pieces we did previously followed by a glaze/toner.

Do you feel like you have a better understanding now? Leave your questions in the comments below! I would be more than happy to answer any questions for you 🙂 If you are in the St. Louis area and want to book with me visit my website http://www.KristenLinares.com