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WHAT IS LIVED IN HAIR COLOR?

nicoleboaz

Sunkissed brunette
Sunkissed brunette

Lived-in hair color refers to shades that look very blended and seamless. We love sun-kissed, beachy color placement, which features soft brightness around the face frame and highlighted mids and ends, while keeping the root area darker and more natural for a low-maintenance look with an ultra-soft grow out! This mimics the way hair naturally lightens in the sun, creating a soft gradient with minimal visible lines between colors, making it seem as if you haven't recently colored your hair; essentially, a "grown-out" look that requires fewer touch-ups and looks effortlessly beautiful. 

 

What techniques are used?

There are various methods used to achieve a similar outcome, so techniques will vary from stylist to stylist. Remember, hair coloring is an art! Balayage is a freehand painting technique that isn't suitable for all hair colors, especially naturally dark bases or those who color their natural hair (e.g., gray hair). We understand that this term has become trendy, but we don't want you to get caught up in fancy-sounding terms like this one! Foilayage or teasy-lights (where hair is teased and feathered with lightener) create a smooth transition from dark to light and are better suited for darker natural colors, minimizing brassiness (depending on the hair's condition). We love combining different techniques to create the final look, which helps the overall color appear very organic!


What does the process look like?

Typically, the process involves lightening the hair using whatever technique or techniques the stylist deems necessary to achieve the desired placement. The next step is a root melt, smudge, or tap, which helps ensure the color is seamless. It's important to remember that this is a multi-step process, and although the blending starts in the foil, your hair will look different before all steps are complete. The root application of a demi-permanent color helps extend the longevity of the grow-out! The final step is a global or all-over gloss to seal the hair shaft cuticle, add shine, and apply any necessary tone for the final look. This is not a one-size-fits-all guide; each process and head of hair requires different steps to achieve your desired color!


What is the maintenance of lived-in color?

Similar to the techniques and process, the maintenance for lived-in color will differ for each individual depending on their hair's initial condition.

If you have natural hair, meaning no semi, demi, or permanent color, you might only need one lightening session and one gloss for tone annually! Naturally, additional sessions can be added for enhancement, but that choice is entirely personal!

Should your hair have been previously colored, attaining the desired lived-in hue at the salon will require additional maintenance! As time passes, color undergoes oxidation, resulting in

brassy tones that will require more frequent adjustments with glosses and lightening.


My hair is naturally colored with just highlights, and I highlight it often due to the visible line of demarcation. Can I achieve a more lived-in look?

Absolutely! Over time, traditional highlighting can accumulate in the hair, leading to a more solid appearance and creating a line of demarcation. To address this, we employ low lighting techniques along with root melting and glossing to achieve a more blended, low-maintenance look. Often, after this process, we enhance the look by adding a soft face frame using a lightening technique to bring out a touch of brightness, especially for clients who were very blonde before. We aim for them to maintain a bright appearance, but with added softness and blend, allowing for longer intervals between appointments!



Lived-in blonde! Here is an example of a very solid blonde that we took to the lived-in side! We added lowlights, a root melt, and gloss to soften a harsh growout! Yes, you can still be blonde and bright without a harsh line of demarcation!
Lived-in blonde! Here is an example of a very solid blonde that we took to the lived-in side! We added lowlights, a root melt, and gloss to soften a harsh growout! Yes, you can still be blonde and bright without a harsh line of demarcation!

We highly recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with your stylist. This face-to-face meeting provides an invaluable opportunity for your stylist to thoroughly evaluate the current condition of your hair. During this consultation, you can engage in a detailed discussion about your desired color and any specific preferences you may have. Furthermore, your stylist will be able to create a tailored plan that not only aims to achieve your hair color goals but also outlines the necessary steps to maintain that color over time. This personalized approach ensures that you receive the best possible advice and service to meet your hair color aspirations.

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