Are You Ombre?

All too often hair becomes overly blonde, gradually your hair darkens yet you continue to receive the same blonde highlights over the years.  This creates a nuissance of an extremely dark line next to pale blonde.  Some try to correct this by putting lowlights which can muddy the ends as they fade, others may go in more often to get their hair lightened.  Most individuals are not aware that there is another option.

Ombre is a growing trend that is seen in today's fashion.  It starts with slightly darker roots that lighten subtly as the hair progresses to the ends.  In some cases there is a more drastic rooty appearance, but in most cases it has a very natural progression to brighter golden or platinum ends.  This allows for longer periods between salon visits as well as a more natural vibrant look.  Everyone wants to get back to the natural look they had as a child and this is one of the closest color trends that allows for doing so.  Though this may appear to be a more expensive method , it can be a far more cost efficient method when calculating the number of salon visits necessary.

The Grey Blues

Prematurely greying hair can be a pesky nuissance.  One mistake that I see all too often is a panicked run to the store to grab boxed color.  What happens next is splotchy color that usually doesn't look at all like the picture. You are never going to get the color that you had when you were 6 from a box.  You also cannot easily maintain that desired color from your youth on your own because a big hideous line will show up in two weeks.

I recommend color blending to soften the grey and blend it with the natural hair color.  Hilights can also be added to immitate a natural look and minimize the appearance of newgrowth.  This multitonal effect will draw out that youthful glow and add dimension.  Correcting box color is both time consuming and expensive, so avoid this quick fix at all costs!  Also, know that beauty professionals want to enhance your features to make you beautiful until your next visit.  If your sole focus is on covering grey, then you are ignoring the most important part of haircolor:  looking absolutely and unbelievably spectacular!!!

Jennifer Dandy, Colorist and Bridal Specialist at Adara Salon

Eco Bride

Eco weddings are a growing trend in the bridal industry.  They can range from thrifty cost conscious brides to brides that use eco-friendly organizations for the majority of their wedding.  Minimizing your footprint is always the best way to say I Do.  Here are a few ideas on how to start planning your Eco Wedding:

• When choosing a venue, minimize guest travel.  This saves fuel wasted in travel and assures that loved ones aren't exhausted for the events to come. 
• Consider Evites that are just as exquisite as formal invitations.  If you enjoy the formality of invitations, shift to a postcard invitation or an invitation on recycled paper.
• Go vintage.  Wear or redesign a previously worn wedding dress.  Purchase dresses for the ceremony that can be reworn.
• Go natural.  Keep your hair, makeup, and skincare natural and earthfriendly.  Try braids and chignons, which involve minimal product usage.  Keep a beautiful appearance with natural makeup that will keep your face fresh.
• Use local and organic decorations.  Branches, leaves, berries, and plants can all be used as decoration.
• Find an organic restaurant that caters.  Rent glassware instead of disposables, this adds elegance and loved ones will gladly assist in the cleaning.
• Go digital with photos with several people taking pictures.  Have an online viewing forum for everyone to view and share.

Eco Weddings are creative, fun, and absolutely beautiful.  Whether you choose to cut or keep the dream venue, the designer, the matching decorations, the wedding planner, the makeup artist, the hairstylist, the bakery, the chef, the limo service, or the photographer, your wedding can still be amazing.  That is the joy of the Eco Wedding, and what better city to have one than Austin.

Jennifer Dandy, Colorist and Bridal Specialist at Adara Salon in Austin

Color Care Tips

Many of my clients come in asking for guidance on color care after a service.  I tell everyone that it is extremely important to always use salon recommended products.  This isn't so that money is wasted, it is so that cheap fillers and agents that may strip the hair of color and moisture are not used.  Many new clients come in with hair that tangles easily when it is wet, this is usually a sign of a drugstore shampoo and/or heat and chemical damage that needs more nutrients.  These products may appear cheaper, but they are far less concentrated leading to more being used.  If you have purchased salon products in the past and they did not work for your hair type, always remember that before you can  harness your hair's creativity you have to fulfill its chemistry.  These fun facts should help in maintaining lush vibrant color, assure proper color the next time you see your stylist and give you silky smooth hair year round.

Jennifer Dandy, Colorist and Bridal Specialist at Adara Salon in Austin

Sunkist Locks

Highlights are an excellent way to draw attention to your face.  If you are getting restless with the same color, spice it up with balayage.  These highlights appear natural and minimal new growth occurs.  This technique is excellent for giving a youthful and vibrant appearace.  This look isn't just for blondes either, brunettes and redheads look amazing with the natural effects of balayage.  So if it is a change you seek, consider the more natural and lasting appeal of balayage this season.

Jennifer Dandy, Colorist and Bridal Specialist at Adara Salon in Austin

Wedding Day Beauty Essentials

Wedding season has arrived!! These are some of the essentials to have on  standby to help ensure a beautiful wedding day.  All of these items fit in a tiny bag and they are the perfect gift for a bridal shower as well!
Bobby pins
Comb
Travel size hairspray
Dental floss
A tiny mirror
Oil blotting papers
Straw

and don't forget the pain reliever to keep that bridal glow if a pesky headache interrupts. I hope this little list helped!

Jennifer Dandy, Colorist and Bridal Specialist at Adara Salon in Austin

May Special

Through the entire month of May receive a free haircut with any set of highlights.  Start summer early by trading your winter do for a beach blonde look and that cute summer cut you are in need of.  I specialize in that subtle sunkist glow!