Hair Color Suggestions That Make You Look Younger

Happy Hump Day

Whoop, whoop! It’s Hump Day gorgeous! Happy Wednesday! Are you enjoying this spectacular, sunny spring weather in the Northeast? Today’s query is from a “neighbor” on Long Island who wants my opinion on hair color. Therefore, this week’s Q&A with Ask the Pro Stylist offers hair color suggestions that make you look younger.

Eileen Wants My Hair Color Suggestions

This Friday I am seeing my hairdresser for the first time since Thanksgiving. My hair has grown and I like it. As a result, my bangs are now curtain [trendy]. I’m ok with that, but a lot of gray has come in and is mixed with the older highlights. I still have a bit of dark in bang area. But, I do not like it at all. I am thinking of large, wide strikes with color put in on the sides just in front to perk it up for summer. Also, to really lighten my bangs and just pull out a few. I love my hairdresser and she will do whatever I suggest. What do you think? I grew up on Long Island in Rockville Center. In addition, I am a young-older woman.

My Initial Response

Hi Eileen,

Thanks for writing in. It is hard to make hair color suggestions without seeing your complexion and hair length. I would recommend searching Instagram for photos of balayage and baby lights around the face frame. In addition, it sounds like your regrowth needs hair coloring. But again, this is difficult to say without seeing you. Using instagram is a great tool and can put your stylist in the right direction. Pictures really do help. When searching use these hashtags- #balayage #highlights #babylights #hairpainting #shadowroot (and then you can screenshot your favorites to show your stylist).

Hair Color Suggestions That Make You Look Younger

I think it is amazing that Eileen is an older woman that looks young. That being said, there are most likely some other things she and you could do to keep it that way. Unfortunately, the older we become, the more we fall back on styles and trends from our past. So, I am here to help.

While hair, beauty and fashion trends do return, problems could (AND I EMPHASIZE COULD) arise. For instance, the wide streaks of highlights take me back to the early 2,000s and Kelly Clarkson! That is now over 20-years ago. Therefore, I’d pass. Below are some hair color suggestions that help to make you look younger.

Hair Color Tips

• Avoid chunky highlights. Keep them lighter around your hairline to accent, not overpower.
• Stay as close as possible to your pre-grey, natural hair color, within two shades.
• Beware of trends. Trends come and go. If it is gone, leave it there.
• Use additional moisture: Our hair dries as we age. Actually, it is a symptom of menopause. Therefore, make hydration, masks, and leave-ins your friend and part of your hair regimen.

Use Pictures with Caution

I feel like tropes, such as “I am a beautician and not a magician,” have damaged the importance of pictures. Honestly, that statement is a bit mean. However, as a stylist, I can attest many a client would want a look that is unattainable. But, also as a stylist, it is our job to educate and inform our guests what would work.

You should bring a picture of a color you love or the placement of highlights that is attractive. Then, it is up to us to explain why it would or wouldn’t be a good fit or it’s equivalent. Everyone has different texture, which factors into hair-coloring. In addition, your base color is equally as important as is the existing color. In other words, there is a lot to consider. A good stylist can explain this and give you something close. Close is the key word here. It will most never be the same. So, grab a few examples of what you love and insist on a thorough consultation with your colorist.

Happy Styling!

If you have a question like today’s query for hair color suggestions, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com. Visit me next Wednesday when I respond to a concern over a French gel-manicure and hair color stains.  Until then, happy styling!

©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part therein without prior written permission and consent from the author.

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