pinterest hair | Beauty and the Brain

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

Whether you’re running out the door to run some errands or meeting a friend for a lunch date, this effortless style will become your best friend. First you’ll need a few styling products, a blow dryer, and a round brush. You’ll want to start with fresh, clean hair because you’ll be using a brush and blow dryer to give you body and wave. Start by generously applying Davines Oi all in one milk throughout the hair from mid shaft to ends.

This product doesn’t only detangle and add shine, but controls frizz, gives body without weighing down the hair (which makes it okay to use more towards your scalp as well) all while protecting your precious locks from any heated styling tools. Continue by getting the hair about 80% dry using your blow dryer and either your fingers, a paddle brush, or whatever you’d like, really. Once you feel it’s almost dry and maybe looking a little frizzy, don’t worry, you’ll be getting out your round brush now. Also feel free to add some more of that Oi all in one milk and using it on each section. Starting at the bottom near the neck area, start round brushing the hair to give a silky smooth effect. After each section is completely smoothed out and dry, twist the hair in the direction you round brushed and leave it to cool! Continue on with that technique until all you have left is your front pieces. Now you’ll either bring your round brush towards, or away from the face depending on how you want your face framed.

Add some Davines medium hold hairspray to add a sheer hold, and an amazing light fragrance to the hair and you’re ready to go!

Now for more of a polished look, you’ll just be adding one extra product and a few extra minutes into your schedule. You’ll also need a 1 1/4 curling iron.

Start by focusing on the top section (about one inch from the part) going piece by piece wrapping the hair around the barrel without clamping down on the strand. Before curling each piece you’ll want to spray the medium hold hairspray by Davines. If you go in one direction with the first piece, go the opposite way with the next. That will ultimately create a more effortless look. You’ll want to brush out each curl once it’s cooled for only about 3 seconds (literally). Once finished with the top section you’re finished!!

I love that it doesn’t require curling the whole head. Lastly, and sparingly, add Davines Oi Absolute Beautifying Potion to give a luminous finish. Throw on a nude lip, some mascara, and comb through the brows with a clear brow gel and your look is complete!