Not Just Rainbows and Unicorns Fashion Hair Color For Professionals

By Krystal Lauer, Maryland Licensed Cosmetologist

Studio 5 Hair Gallery

. https://www.studio5salon.com/

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Not Just Rainbows and Unicorns Fashion Hair Color For Professionals

Since the Egyptians' use of henna, we have been using different formulas and techniques to cover, highlight and accentuate hair. But it wasn't until English chemist, William Henry Perkin, accidently created a synthesized dye para-phenylenediamine or PPD that hair coloring literally became a science. PPD remains the base for most hair colors used today. L'Oral's founder, Eugene Schueller created the first chemical dye for commercial purposes. And Jean Harlow made the “platinum blonde” sexy, inspiring many to achieve the same look by bleaching their hair. These color innovations and inspirations paved the way for fashion/pop hair colors.

When people think of pop or fashion color they think of rainbows, unicorns, mermaids. Pop/fashion colors are bright, bold colors used to accentuate a person's hair and style. It is used to make the person stand out from the crowd. Red, orange, green, blue, pink and many more colors are considered fashion colors. These colors can be used in a variety of techniques chosen by the stylist to achieve the desired result for the client. Many associate these colors with the “wild” or “crazy” hair colors used by artist or avant-garde individuals.

Did you know that fashion colors can also be used on those of us who love these colors but are in careers where these colors are viewed as “unprofessional”? Pop/fashion colors can be used to amplify or subtly change someone's color. For a brunette who wants a little excitement but doesn't want it lightened, a few red lowlights adds dimension but is still appropriate for work. For a blonde that is just bored but doesn't want to change the original color, adding a bit of peekaboo color can be hidden while at work and revealed by a change in styling at other times. It's all in the imagination but based on science.

To achieve successful results with any pop/fashion color demands a clear understanding of hair composition requiring skills and training. Most states allow only individuals who have completed the required amount of training hours and have passed the state exams to provide these and other hair services. Maryland requires licensed cosmetologist be at least 17 years of age; have completed ninth grade or G.E.D; submit proof of completion of 1500 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon and successfully complete a rigorous written and practical exam. A Maryland licensed hairstylist needs only 1200 hours of training or 15 months as a registered apprentice compared to the cosmetologist. Requirements vary by state. Make sure that you pick a properly trained and licensed professional and ask to view samples of their work before receiving any hair styling or chemical treatment.

Pop/fashion hair color has a place in the professional world as well as the fantasy world of rainbows, unicorns and mermaids.