By Christy Garlotte//
Whether visiting a coffee shop, running errands or dining out, surely by now you have noticed the popular hair trend bursting with technicolor delight. These brilliant hues can be subtle with a few peek-a-boo strands or radiant with bold all-over color.
Christy Garlotte is a master colorist at The Cutting Edge Salon in Ocean Springs and she is proudly responsible for a number of women embracing these make-a-statement looks.
“I do all kinds of colors, but I have a passion for fashion colors,” Garlotte says. “I enjoy hair cutting and styling too, but I get really excited when I get to take out some major creativity on some fun, funky colors!”
Natural color will always be a top spot request in salons, and for the little more daring, trends like ombre (gradual blending) and bayalage (hand-painted highlighting) remain popular. Even the “rooty” look where color is applied so natural regrowth purposely shows continues to gain momentum.
However, if you have a little wild side willing to take a ride on the color wheel, the options are endless: jewel tones, candy colors, soft pastels, silver locks, dip-dyed tips, rainbow ringlets, and the list goes on!
If you remember the fiery red look Ariel sported in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” well, it can be done. In fact, the trend is actually called “mermaid hair,” which as a two-fold preference — the signature red or a brilliant teal to replicate the ocean color. Another fun option is called “galaxy hair” where Garlotte says people can pick a photo of the galaxy and mimic the colors.
“These kinds of colors are trending because they are beautiful and fun to begin with, but I also feel there are so many more colors available to use nowadays so that gives more options,” she says. “People are just getting more open minded with hair color and I love how they are stepping out of their comfort zone and giving it a try.”
Of course, when is comes to haute hues, there is the factor of what may be permissible at the workplace. If hair boldness is a no-no, perhaps a couple hidden strands of dynamic color is enough to satisfy the inner wild child. If all-over color suits your fancy (and your boss), then fully embrace a crown that could have been plucked right from a lavender or poppy field, or the rainbow tulip fields of the Netherlands.
Why? You only live once.
“Have fun and go for it! If it is something that makes you feel pretty or beautiful, comfortable or brave, then that is something you should let yourself feel by coloring your hair,” Garlotte says. “Coloring your hair can symbolize a change in your life or a time when you need a change!”
Color Q&A with Christy Garlotte
The Cutting Edge Salon, Ocean Springs
What are some interesting things about hair color or techniques people may not know about? I think in general, the time it takes to achieve exactly what you are wanting can be unexpected. For an example, silver hair can take many hours because you have to get the hair platinum for it to be a beautiful silver color without looking orangey or brassy in spots.
Are there any specific haircuts that compliment certain hair color techniques? I always love lots of layers cut into hair with lots of different panels of colors so they show depending on how the hair moves. A fun thing I keep seeing right now is undercuts with different shapes and lines.
Are there any specific hair colors that compliment skin tones (or don’t compliment)? I think this all depends on how you feel when you look in the mirror. Sure, there are complementary colors that people feel better in, but I really like all kinds of different colors of hair on all different kinds of skin tones. I feel like if it is a color you like and are comfortable wearing, then you should go for it!
What are some tips you would offer to maintain the pop in color? Important things to know about maintaining the pop in color is to use a professional, sulfate-free shampoo and to only wash it as much as you absolutely have to. There are things to help you with this like using dry shampoo in between washing. Also, rinsing your hair with cold or cool water can really help keep color in your hair, but since it is no fun to take a cold shower, you may want to wash your hair in your sink if you are dedicated to keeping the colors for a longer time. Using products to protect your hair from heat also helps.
What is the upkeep people should expect? Upkeep usually depends on how carefully you take care of your hair. I have seen bright colors last for a few months or a few weeks. With pastels, it can be more like just a couple of washes depending on your hair. Pastel colors and silver hair is a couple of trends that I love to give people, but they are some of the most high maintenance colors to get.