Top stylists from Hairfolk talk balayage, hair painting and more
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Are you looking to change the color of your hair? From the best color for your skin tone to what’s trending in tresses, top stylists Devin Ford and Kristie Michaels of Avondale’s newest premiere salon, Hairfolk, have all the deets! Check it out.
What Color Is Best For My Skin Tone and Eye Color?
Should you go darker, lighter or somewhere in the middle? There are endless possibilities when it comes to changing your hair color. So, how do you decide which color service you should get? Ask the stylists at Hairfolk, of course!
“A lot of the time, people come in not knowing exactly what they want,” Kristie said. “But that’s okay, because that’s where we step in.”
The stylists at Hairfolk know everything there is to know about hair color and can guide you toward the shade that will enhance your look based on your personal skin tone and eye color.
While there are no absolute guidelines to what hair color will look best on you, Devin said, “there are safety zones, such as, if you have warmth in your skin (yellow undertones), then you need warmth in your hair.”
However, every client at Hairfolk is unique, and because of this, Devin and Kristie insist it is important to go to a professional stylist for all of your hair needs. This is particularly important if you are someone who wants to make a significant change and do something really different with your look.
“I feel a lot of people want to step outside of the box,” Devin said. “So that’s when you might want to get a stylist for the best advice to help you explore your options.”
Check out Hairfolk’s full list of services.
What’s Hot in Hair?
Interested in the hottest hair trends of the moment? Two of the most popular trending hair services are balayage and hair painting.
What are they and are they right for you?
Balayage is a less-is-more technique that uses touches of light and shade to create multiple dimensions to your color. Instead of using foils, as in highlights or lowlights, the balayage method allows stylists to paint color onto your hair in freehand. This gives your locks a blended, natural look without the harsh, obvious regrowth lines.
“Balayage is really good for brunettes and for younger, college-aged girls who want that sun-kissed beach look,” said Kristie.
Devin added that it is best for those with curly or wavy locks.
Hair Painting, which is another popular technique, is similar to balayage, with one key difference. While balayage uses a surface highlighting process, hair painting saturates the hair like a highlight or lowlight. But by painting color directly onto the hair, this creates a softer, more natural look without the harsh, strict structure of foils.
“It’s a foil without the foils,” Devin said. “Both are great looks and grow out beautifully.”
Want to discover the beauty of balayage and hair painting? Contact Hairfolk at 205.582.3655 to make your appointment now!
Professional Products vs Drugstore Products
Admit it. At some point in your life, you took matters into your own hands and decided to color your hair yourself. It may have done the job. It may have even saved you some money. Or did it? Dun-dun-dunnnn…
Chances are, after continuous use of cheap, over-the-counter hair dyes, you probably spent even more money trying to fix your mistake. It’s okay. No one’s judging you. But the truth is, there is a big difference between professional hair color and the boxed hair dye you buy at the drugstore.
Stylists Devin and Kristie report that most box colors have mineral dyes in them, meaning once they are applied to your hair, they are not meant to come out. Yikes!
“The minerals that are in the box dyes you purchase from the store continue to build up and build up on the hair,” Devin said. “This not only damages your hair, but it can be quite challenging to fix, even for professional hair stylists.”
Devin assures that it is possible to fix, but it can take some time to undo the damage and get your color right where you want it.
Need a color correction? Schedule a free consultation at Hairfolk.
How Often Do I Need Color Touch Ups?
According to Devin and Kristie, if you have:
- All-over color – Every 3-5 weeks
- Highlights/Lowlights – Every 6-8 weeks
Are you a natural blonde? According to Kristie, blondes are lucky and can go a bit longer between touch ups than a client with darker hair.
How Do I Stop My Color From Fading?
After you’ve been to Hairfolk, you want that gorgeous color to last as long as possible. Here’s what Kristie recommends for long-lasting hair color that looks fresh from the salon.
“Use the products that we suggest,” said Kristie. “If you spend the money to get your hair professionally colored, you should spend the money to take good care of it.”
No two shampoos are created equal. Some are specially designed to enrich the health and beauty of your hair, while others are just there to serve a basic purpose.
“Low-quality products tend to strip the hair so it becomes weaker and less healthy. When you use these types of products on an expensive hair color, it actually washes it right down the drain. Literally,” Kristie said.
Can I Get The Exact Color I See On Sites Like Instagram and Pinterest?
Devin and Kristie both say that yes, it is possible, but there are some guidelines to keep in mind.
1. Most online photos aren’t realistic.
“Most of the photos on Instagram and Pinterest are of celebrities who have access to a personal hair stylist every single day,” Kristie said. “So be sure to think about what hair color is realistic for you and your lifestyle.”
2. Most online photos have a filter on them to make them look better.
“Photos online usually have some sort of filter on them,” Kristie said. “What you see on the screen isn’t necessarily what it will look like in person.”
No filters or enhancements are used on any of the photos produced by Hairfolk. All photos are completely natural in order to show you the amazing work the stylists at Hairfolk produce.
3. That color might be right for them, but not for you.
“A lot of times, clients realize they just think the person in the photo is attractive, but don’t actually like the hair color when they envision it on themselves,” Devin said. “A good way to better envision the color on yourself is to cover the person’s face in the photo and focus solely on the hair.”
What Brands Do The Professional Stylists At Hairfolk Use?
Oribe and Loma.
While Oribe is the Hairfolk’s vegan luxury brand, Loma, which is also organic, vegan and soy free, falls at a lower price point and is great for everyday use. Both products can only be found at the salon.
Oribe and Loma are free of parabens, sulfates and other harmful and damaging additives. Devin and Kristie both agree that the two brands produce great results. Kristie also added that Loma is especially good for curly hair, and she should know! She has a head full of amazing curls.
“Certain products are meant for certain hair types, textures, colors, etc. If you use them in the wrong way, you can actually damage your hair,” Devin said. “When you come to us, we can tell you with confidence what products to use and how to use them properly.”
Hairfolk Works With Your Lifestyle
If you are unsure of the affordability of trips to the salon, Hairfolk stylists are happy to work with their clients.They are ready to help them figure out the best approach to achieving the look you want, without the sticker shock.
“It can be expensive and we understand that,” Kristie said. “It’s also another good reason to opt for a free consultation. We can go over all the options with you.”
Book Now for Your Perfect Color
If you are ready for gorgeous color, schedule an appointment with one of Hairfolk’s top stylists now. Contact them at 205.582.3655. Visit Hairfolk at 3705 4th Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35222. Ready to meet more of the professional hair stylists at Hairfolk? Click here.
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