Understanding Highlights and Lowlights

It’s very common for people with long, blonde hair to enhance their look with highlights and lowlights, especially on previously colored hair. Here’s a breakdown of why this technique is so popular:

  • Highlights:
    • These are lighter strands of hair that add brightness and dimension.
    • They mimic the natural lightening effect of the sun.
  • Lowlights:
    • These are darker strands of hair that add depth and contrast.
    • They create a more natural, blended look and prevent blonde hair from looking flat.

10 Reasons Why Highlights and Lowlights Are a Good Idea:

  1. Adds Dimension:
    • Highlights and lowlights work together to create a multi-dimensional look, making hair appear fuller and more vibrant.
  2. Creates Natural-Looking Color:
    • By mimicking the natural variations in hair color, this technique creates a more realistic and sun-kissed effect.
  3. Enhances Texture:
    • The contrast between light and dark strands accentuates the hair’s texture, whether it’s wavy, curly, or straight.
  4. Softens Regrowth:
    • Lowlights can help blend the regrowth of previous color, making it less noticeable and extending the time between salon visits.
  5. Adds Warmth or Coolness:
    • Depending on the shades chosen, highlights and lowlights can add warmth (golden tones) or coolness (ashy tones) to blonde hair, complementing different skin tones.
  6. Corrects Uneven Color:
    • If previously colored hair has become uneven or brassy, highlights and lowlights can help balance the tones and create a more harmonious look.
  7. Adds Volume:
    • The visual contrast of highlights and lowlights can create the illusion of more volume.
  8. Personalized Look:
    • Highlight and lowlight placement and tone can be completely customized to each individuals preferences and hair type.
  9. Revitalizes Dull Hair:
    • When blonde hair begins to look dull or flat, adding highlights and lowlights can breathe new life into it.
  10. Can help with transitioning to grey hair:
    • Lowlights can assist in blending in natural grey hairs, for a more natural looking transition.

Important Considerations:

  • It’s crucial to consult with a professional hairstylist, especially when working with previously colored hair. They can assess the hair’s condition and recommend the best techniques and shades.
  • Maintaining highlighted and lowlighted hair requires proper care, including using color-safe shampoos and conditioners.

I hope this information is helpful!

Low Maintenance Balayage For Long Hair.

Balayage is a popular hair coloring technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

  • Definition:
    • Balayage in hair coloring, it refers to the technique of freehand painting highlights onto the hair. Similar effects can be achieved by using regular foils.
    • This method allows for a more subtle and blended effect compared to traditional foil highlights.
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Natural Look: Balayage aims to mimic the natural lightening effects of the sun, resulting in soft, blended highlights.
    • Freehand Technique: Color is applied by hand, giving the stylist greater control over placement and intensity.
    • Gradual Transition: The highlights typically start a few inches from the roots and become brighter towards the ends, creating a smooth, gradual transition.
    • Low Maintenance: Because the highlights are blended and don’t start at the roots, regrowth is less noticeable, making balayage a low-maintenance option.
  • Differences from Other Techniques:
    • Balayage vs. Highlights: Traditional foil highlights involve sectioning off hair and applying color from root to tip, resulting in a more uniform and defined look. Balayage, on the other hand, is a freehand technique that creates a more natural, blended effect.
    • Balayage vs. Ombré: Ombré involves a more dramatic transition from dark roots to light ends, with a distinct line between the two colors. Balayage creates a softer, more subtle gradation of color.
  • Benefits:
    • Natural-looking highlights.
    • Low maintenance.
    • Customizable to suit individual hair colors and styles.
    • Adds dimension and depth to the hair.

In essence, balayage is a versatile and popular hair coloring technique that offers a natural, low-maintenance way to add highlights to your hair.

Golden Blonde

Blonde highlights can be a fantastic way to freshen up your look! Here are five things you might love about your new blonde highlights transformation:

  1. Brightness and Dimension: Blonde highlights instantly add brightness and dimension to your hair. They break up a solid color and create a more dynamic and interesting look. This can make your hair appear fuller and more voluminous.
  2. Glow: This type of highlights can give you a youthful and radiant appearance, as if you’ve just returned from a tropical vacation!
  3. Face-Framing Magic: Strategically placed highlights around your face can accentuate your features and make your eyes pop. They can also soften your overall look and create a more flattering frame for your face.
  4. Versatility: Blonde highlights are incredibly versatile. They can be subtle and natural-looking or bold and dramatic, depending on your preference. You can also choose from a variety of blonde shades, from warm honey tones to cool platinum hues, to find the perfect match for your skin tone and style.
  5. Confidence Boost: Ultimately, the best thing about your new blonde highlights is how they make you feel. If you love your new look and feel more confident, that’s all that matters! A change in hairstyle can be a great way to boost your self-esteem and embrace a new chapter.

Remember, these are just a few of the things you might love about your blonde highlights. The most important thing is that you feel happy and confident with your new look!

Make your hairstyle last longer with these expert hair tips.

1. Follow a proper hair care routine: After a haircut, it’s essential to establish and follow a regular hair care routine. This includes washing your hair with a suitable shampoo and conditioner, ideally tailored to your hair type and concerns. You should also consider using a hair mask or deep conditioner once a week for added hydration and nourishment.

2. Protect your hair from heat: Heat styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause damage to your hair if not used correctly. To maintain the health of your hair, use a heat protectant spray or serum before using any heat styling tools. Additionally, try to limit your use of heat styling tools and opt for air-drying or heat-free styling options whenever possible.

3. Avoid excessive washing: Washing your hair every day can strip away natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. Instead, try to wash your hair every 2-3 days, or as needed, to maintain its natural oils and overall health. This will help your haircut last longer and keep your hair looking great.

4. Use gentle hair accessories: Avoid using hair accessories that can cause excessive tugging or breakage, such as tight hair ties or sharp hairpins. Opt for gentle alternatives like scrunchies, wide-tooth combs, or soft hairbands. Be mindful of how you style your hair and try to avoid hairstyles that pull too tightly on your scalp or cause tension on your strands.

5. Regular trims: To keep your hair looking great after a haircut, it’s important to schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks. This helps to prevent split ends and maintain the shape and style of your haircut. Regular trims also promote healthy hair growth, giving your hair a fresh and maintained appearance.

6. Protect your hair from environmental damage: Environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather conditions can cause damage to your hair. To keep your hair looking great, protect it from these elements by wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection when spending prolonged periods in the sun. Additionally, try to rinse your hair with clean water after swimming to remove chlorine or saltwater, which can be drying and damaging.

Remember, maintaining healthy hair after a haircut requires a combination of proper care, protecting it from damage, and regular maintenance. By following these tips, you can keep your hair looking great long after your visit to the salon.

I treated myself to a haircut and color for my birthday…..

Hello my name is Janet and my birthday was coming up and I needed a haircut and a color. I live in the Old Glendora area so I visited this place called Martino Studio in the bustling Edmonton Brewery District for a long-overdue haircut and color, and I must say, it was nothing short of a delightful experience from start to finish and there is lots of free parking. As soon as I entered the waiting area, I was greeted by the welcoming staff.

The ambiance of the building is trendy yet sophisticated, with soft lighting and modern furniture that exuded a sense of relaxation and style. I knew right away that I was in for a treat.

After a consultation with my stylist, where we discussed my desired haircut and color preferences, I was led to the shampoo area for a pampering hair wash. The gentle massage and soothing scents instantly put me at ease, setting the tone for a truly indulgent salon experience.

As my stylist worked his magic, I couldn’t help but notice the attention to detail and precision. The haircut he gave me was exactly what I had envisioned – a fresh, modern style that perfectly complemented my features.

When it came time for the color treatment, I was thoroughly impressed with the wide range of shades and techniques available at Martino Studio. From balayage to ombre to highlights. I opted for a subtle balayage with a mix of caramel and honey tones, and the result was simply stunning. My hair had never looked healthier or more vibrant!

Throughout the entire process, my stylist made sure to keep me informed and involved, explaining each step and offering valuable hair care tips and recommendations. Their expertise and professionalism shone through, making me feel confident and reassured in he capable hands.

As I admired myself in the mirror after the final styling , I couldn’t help but feel like a whole new person. The haircut and color had truly transformed my look and boosted my confidence to new heights. I left Martino Studio feeling like a million bucks, with a smile on my face.

In conclusion, my experience at Martino Studio in the Edmonton Brewery District was nothing short of fantastic. From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, I was treated with the utmost care and attention, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The studio is owned by two brothers Franco and Claudio if you’re looking for a change give them a call you won’t be disappointed.

Janet , July 2024