Is there such a thing as the "Perfect Haircut"?


    Is there such a thing as the "Perfect Haircut"?  Good question !!  After growing out mullets and being attacked by thinning shears, I have learned from receiving bad haircuts and now have a good idea of what works for me.  I bet you have had similar experiences.  It is important to communicate with your stylist and trust your instincts to avoid this.  I believe a client should be educated by their Hairstylist so they can make the best hair decisions possible.  So here are some things to ponder about before you take on the shears for that new summer cut.

  When I get a new client in my chair, I always examine her style, face shape, hair texture, eyes, and hair lines.  Before I begin her haircut, I like to ask her several questions: Is she comfortable using a round brush, does she blow dry, does she have a natural curl pattern, and does she need it long enough to pull back into a ponytail?  This dialog provides me the feedback to execute the best cut that will compliment her profile, as well as her lifestyle at work and play.

Mid-Length Aline-Bob
Short A-Line bob
  The hair cut should also compliment your body shape, your height, silhouette, face shape, and personal style.  The right haircut can make you appear thinner and taller.  For example a short petite client would not want her hair length to be past her waist.  It would make her appear unbalanced and shorter than she is.  A larger framed client would benefit from having her hair length to her clavicle or longer to slim her face shape and body. 




Blunt Fringes Bob Haircut

   A round face shape client would benefit from  a long layered hair cut with the layers from the jawline and lower or a a-line style bob haircut that is shorter in the back and longer in the front. Both options would give a slimming effect on the client's bone structure.  I might also add blunt fringes to add more angles to the cuts.

 
 
Diamond Layers
  A slender oval or long face shape client would look amazing with diamond-shaped layers with the widest points at either side of the check bones, so the face will appear more full and youthful.  Fringes would be a nice option as well to shorten the distance from the forehead to the chin.

Heart Shaped Face


  To balance a heart shape face client, I would make sure the layers are cut fuller at the bottom and make the cut shoulder length so that it brings width to the jaw line to balance the broad cheek bones.  Any volume should be below the ears, because fullness on top of the head only emphasise the pointed chin.  Side-swept fringes also complements the face and brings eyes into play.


Option 2
Long Layers Styled inward

   For a client that dislikes her neck and jowls, I would recommend two ways to detract attention.   One way would be to cut longer layers that can be styled inward and towards the face.  It would  beautifully camouflage the neck area.  The second option would be a much shorter hair length that would be above the jaw line.  I would add lots of layers in the top of the crown area, and would recommend longer side swept bangs that would bring attention to the clients lovely eyes.



Square face with soft layers

Square face clients look best with tousled texture,  soft graduated layers, or razored ends to soften the strong lines on the jaw bone. Square faced clients should avoid any a-line bobs or sharp cuts.

Lengthen Neck and Soften Jawline

   When a client has a short neck, I would open the area up by layering the hair between the jawline and the clavicle bone to remove some of the excess length and weight.  Length at the clavicle or just below would be maintained.  
Pixie Cut for Round Face


  Another choice of style would be a pixie cut.  This would be a beautiful option for a small face shape that would bring her petite features into balance and preventing the hair from overwhelming her silhouette.  This cut could also be a sweet look for a round face shape that would bring dimension the the cheekbones.

 

  Every client is unique and fabulous in her own way, which can make seeking the "Perfect Haircut" a task that can be very overwhelming.  Fortunately, the stylists here at freddie b salon & spa are here to make it easier! ... transforming your ideas and words into a tailored and personalized cut just for YOU !!

by shonti conner, stylist/makeup artist
ventura, ca
805.628.3535


  

Why Can Some People Wear Certain Haircolors And Others Can't?

Sometimes we are attracted to change to a hair color that we see in a magazine or photo. But before you decide to make that change, it is important to communicate to your hair stylist about what you are looking for.  Be open to the fact that in order to best enhance your natural beauty, the color you desire may need adjustments that reflect your natural complexion.  Going against your own natural tones, the color request may be achieved, but may not compliment your complexion and cause you to feel drab, washed out, or even older. 

Why can some people wear certain hair colors and others can't?   This is the question... 

For the best outcome when making a haircolor and style change, many aspects should be considered like the current season, clothing selections, skin tone and makeup used.

Here are a few questions to consider:

- Do you look best in cool or warm tones, dark or light?
- What face shape do you have?
- What features do you want to accentuate and which ones would you like to detract?

The following before and after photos are in the same lighting and no added makeup.


As you may notice, just the haircolor alone makes a huge difference in the appearance of complexion, age, and complimentary facial features.  Haircolor can either improve or worsen your complexion.  If you feel like you are washed out or need a lot of makeup to add brightness then this can be due to a conflict of color.

Many people may look blotchy, more red, or drab than what they are use to and this can be a sign of an unflattering color.  For example, when you wear certain colors and receive a lot of compliments, and others just wash us out.  Color is such an important factor in haircolor, makeup, and clothing.  Figuring out what colors look best on you can be done by knowing your color characteristics of undertones, depth, and brightness or clarity.  Our hair is a frame to our face and we must find what enhances it the best.

           Salon Client Before                                                                      
                                        Salon Client After     
This client wanted to go darker with her hair. Instead of just doing an all-over solid color, a beautiful natural look was created by using at least 2 shades of brown. Sometimes using just one all-over color can look harsh.  As we mature, using a little warmth in the hair color can create a youthful look.         

"Understanding your dominant characteristic will give you the ability to select colors, especially makeup and hair colors, that will always create balance and harmony and look complimentary on you.", says Doris Pooser in her book, "Always in Style".

Sophia VergaraDeep - "The deep characteristic is the
easiest to see. A deep person has dark
hair and eyes. Skin tone ranges
from light to deep olive. There is a
strength to her coloring.
Dark colors create balance and harmony."

 Light - "The light person has light
 to medium blonde hair, ash to golden
 in hue, light to medium skin tone;
 and blue green, or blue green eyes. 
 Light to medium colors are complementary and create harmony and balance."

                                      
Bright - "The bright person has a bright, clear look resulting from the contrast between her dark hair, very light skin tone, and clear blue or green eyes. There is a delicate quality about this woman's coloring that is complimented by clear colors and lots of contrast."

Muted - "Muted coloring has a soft, but not delicate, quality that is projected with either light ash blonde hair and dark brown eyes or medium brown eyes and hair. Skin tones range from a very pale, no-color look to soft pink or golden. The complex or no-colors are very complementary on this woman, creating little contrast and more subtle neutral tone."


View Hair Styling Information


Warm - "The truly golden person has red or golden hair; warm green, hazel, or aqua eyes, and obviously golden, peach, or bronze skin tone. Freckles are often an added feature. Golden, yellow-based colors blend with the richness of her coloring."




Cool - "There are very few, if any, all-cool people. The younger we are the more golden tones we have in our hair and eyes. It is only when we start to age that we lose pigment in our hair, begin to gray and lose color in our eyes and skin tone. It is often best to add some warm tones to create a younger look. However, there are women with ash or gray
hair, rose skin tone, and cool blue or gray eyes who appear to be more
cool than warm. Cooler colors are complementary."



                                                                                                                              Salon Client After

                      Salon Client Before    
















This is a great example of how much haircolor can change someones look and age. The cool tones of gray were enhancing cooler tones in her complexion taking away from youthful warm tones. Adding some beige tones was just enough of cool and warm to compliment her complexion but also keeping it natural.                                                                   

Eyebrow Color Tip:  When changing your hair color don't forget about your eyebrow. A safe rule to balance your eyebrow color and hair. For darker hair keep eyebrows 1-2 shades lighter than your hair. For blondes, make sure your eyebrow color is 1-2 shades darker than your hair. 

Keeping to 2 shades darker or lighter for your haircolor is the most natural and flattering in most cases, because you are staying close to all your natural tones - a general rule of thumb in makeup choices.

These color factors are great tools to use when choosing makeup, clothing and hair color that we see in magazines or photos.  Considering this information, and discussing it with your hairstylist will create a great foundation for a more beautiful, natural, and complimentary haircoloring service!   

 
ventura, ca
805.628.3535

Find out what your coloring is by answering questions at this website below: