 | Kim McIntosh, a former graduate of Xenon Int'l. School of Hair Design serves as the school’s Director and is a shareholder in the business. She holds a Cosmetology, Esthetics and Instructor's license in Kansas and Nebraska. She has worked behind the chair and managed some of the most prominent salons in the Wichita area. As an educator, her primary goal has been to provide the beauty industry with successful licensed professionals. Having served in the past as Second Vice-President on the Board of Directors for the National Cosmetology Association of Kansas, Kim is currently a Director on the national board for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. You may contact Kim at (316) 943-5516. |
Beauty & Fashion
2003-06-01 12:47:00
Blonde or brunette?
ANSWER: One of the most creative, challenging, and popular salon services is hair coloring. Most women and men at some time or another will color or cover gray in their hair. Nothing can lift your spirits like a new hair color! A great color should look natural; add shine, drama and fun to your hair. The most difficult challenge with hair color is choosing the right shade of color. The computerized hair style imaging technology enables you to see what you would look like in any hair style, color or fantasy style without risk. Your photograph is digitized with a high-tech imaging camera and each hair style is custom fitted to your face shape. You can actually design your own hair style and color. The computer imaging eliminates the communication challenge between the stylist and the client. This is a great experience for first time hair color clients or the veteran that is ready for a change. The computer imaging is not available everywhere, so be sure to call your salon to see if they offer this service. If you do not have a computer imaging system available to you, there are other ways that you can assure a great hair color. Leave coloring to the professionals. A good hairstylist will be able to guide you through the colors that work best with your skin tone, eye color, and lifestyle. Working with a pro will ensure that your hair is in the best condition possible. Remember, if your hair is in poor condition before coloring, it may very well become damaged and unmanageable after coloring. Application of color can be tricky. Your hair’s porosity (ability to absorb moisture) determines the amount of time the hair needs to accept the color evenly. Uneven porosity causes uneven shades of color in the final results. I realize some of you just don’t have the time, or the opportunity to visit the salon, and will decide to color at home. If you do attempt to color with a store bought product, remember that the actual shade you will achieve will vary from the picture on the box. A good rule to follow is: always go with a shade lighter than your first impulse. Follow the directions exactly, and take the time to do a strand test prior to coloring. This will determine if you will achieve the results that you are expecting, save some tears, and prevent any unnecessary damage.
