The Desire for lighter hair color in the summertime is a strong one. While we strive for darker golden tans, we opt for lighter hues for our manes. But before you hit the salon to change up or just refresh your hair color for the summer, read on for Marshall’s guidelines because lighter is not always the way to go.
Summer is the season of sunshine. Under its rays, everything is bright and vivid; including your hair. The most important step in creating the perfect color is to create the best base so that your hair develops naturally under the sun.
In order to create the best base, consider the following two factors. “Hair naturally will look lighter in every angle under the sun,” says Marshall. Spending any time outside in the summer will lighten your hair, and at the beach the saltwater and heat will oxidize your color. In addition to the lightening effect, a stronger contrast will show up in your hair from the sun. Highlights will appear brighter while the stronger lighting will also reflect the different tones.
Marshall has individualized advice based on your current color. If your hair is dark or black (a.k.a. naturally deep brown or black Asian hair), Marshall suggests some natural gently sun kissed highlights around your face. Ask your colorist for cooler tones, as warmer toned hues on dark hair tend to turn brassy in the sun.
If your hair is medium brown or dark blonde, you can just let it be. If you are happy with your color, stay with it because the sun will create naturally beautiful highlights.
” As for the summertime, the light outside is more intense and thus all colors look more diluted- Which is why a neon pink shirt doesn’t seems as intense during the summer as it does in winter. During summer, blonds should go for more of a golden, sandy, vanilla tone with more contrast from highlight. For brunettes, summer is the best time to go against their natural hair color- for instance a soft blond, honey or light caramel color ‘ David Michaud ,Color director from Frederic Fekkai
Color by Rogerio Cavalcante
If your hair is light blonde, keep in mind that your hair will lighten at least one shade lighter from the sun. It is important to protect your color. Marshall suggests that you ask your colorist to tone your color one or a half level deeper or warmer. You can also add on color pigment to strengthen your hair and create a richer tone.
Hair color experts use the word tone to refer to warmer and cooler hues. Warmer tones include gold, chestnut, caramel, and strawberry blonde. Red, orange, and yellow are the foundation for these colors. Warmer tones can be universally flattering in the summertime. On the other hand, if you are aiming for more of a platinum blonde or ash brown, opt for a cooler tone which is based on gray, blue, or green. Again, if your hair is darker and veers towards the brassy side, a cool tone can combat the brassiness.
” For the summer you can go red nut it must be soft and warm. Especially for the very light skin complexion” Editorial Colorist Christophe Lamvenne from Fekkai Soho
Color by Christophe Lambenne
‘ I do like the word “en-hance-ment”. This can make a great impact just making them feeling better in their own beauty ‘ Rogerio Cavalcante, Star colorist from Maria Bonita Salon NYC
If you are venturing towards Marshall’s “break the rules” colors such as pink, blue, or silver, go all out and follow your heart when picking the right shade.
So, remember to create the perfect base for your summer hair color. While you are basking in the sun and enjoying the glory days of summer, your highlights will also be in bloom.
