5 professional tips for a successful coloring appointment

Updated article, originally published February 13, 2022

Whether you want a slight “sunburn” effect like going from brown to platinum blonde, touching the color of your hair is not trivial, and it is important to prepare well for the appointment so as not to leave disappointed – even green with anger – at the barber.

We posed a few questions to a colourist ; there is no need to say “the real know”.

Tip No. 1: choose your colorist wisely

Before making an appointment, it is always interesting to get to know the professional who will take care of your hair. Charly Ménagé, colorist and co-founder of the Chromatic by MC salon, gives some advice to Madmoizelle:

” Do not hesitate to look at the salon’s Instagram account and read the reviews on the Internet, both positive and negative. It allows you to get a first idea before going there. “

For colors that require perfect pigment control, the professional recommendsopt for a specialist rather than a generic hairdresser :

” Some work very well with color, but colourists have more complete training. ”

Tip n ° 2: ask for a quote for your coloring

Whether you want to camouflage your first white hair like testing out the latest trendy sweeping technique, it is important to ask for a quote before boarding the ferry. “ Making a quote in the salon, in addition to avoiding unpleasant surprises when paying for the service, allows you to discuss the feasibility of the project with the professional. “Explains Charlie.

As the colorist recalls:

” We are also there to give advice and it is important to understand that when you refuse to perform this or that service – this is mainly about major transformations – it is because you know the result will not live up to customer expectations.. “

This is an opportunity to talk about her hair and its history: the more information the hairdresser has, the better he can adapt his technique.

Tip # 3: come up with inspiration for your color

If you have a clear idea of ​​what you want, it’s best to do it come up with inspirational photos. ” Clients don’t necessarily have the same vocabulary as us to describe the different coloring techniques, so seeing the photos allows us to verify that we understand each other well. “Says Charly.

You shouldn’t even hesitate to do this bring examples of what we don’t likeespecially in terms of reflections, root depth and wick width if you are planning on doing a sweep.

” It’s a lot of work, but it really helps to avoid misunderstandings and the crying fit at the end of the date.. “

Tip No. 4: Give it time

Once the design (and quote) has been validated with the colourist, you can make an appointment. ” Depending on the service, you need to count between three and four hours on site “, Explains Charly, who always advises her clients not to plan anything immediately after the appointment.

” Some colors like copper require good bleaching and if the hairdresser has to work in a hurry, it can affect the final result. “, He adds.

Tip No. 5: Prepare your hair (and dress) for coloring

Getting ready for your date is great, but if you can, too prepare your hair, it’s even better! The colorist gives Madmoizelle some advice:

“If possible, it is best to avoid washing your hair at least 48 hours before your appointment and not apply oil on the lengths to allow the bleaching and re-pigmenting products to hang well. “

Charly also advises not to straighten the hair before coming to the salon, so that the colorist can play with the brush keeping in mind their natural shape.

Last professional tip: even if you wear a bathrobe or blouse during the show, there is always the risk of getting stained. “ You really have to avoid light-colored tops and high collars when coming for a color, because you never know what can happen. “, Concludes the professional.

Front page photo credit: @elypalaciosrmz