J. Christian Talks Color.

By Tia Cristy

J. Christian Talks Color.

 

J. Christian Photo provided by JChristian https://www.facebook.com/J-Christian-Hair-Studio-144707282212338/
J. Christian
Photo provided by JChristian https://www.facebook.com/J-Christian-Hair-Studio-144707282212338/

I enter the J. Christian Studio and J. greets me with a giant bear hug. “So you’re still giving me free reign with your color today?” he shines that smile at me. I shake my head ‘yes’ as he wraps the cape around me. I’ve been blonde for years, so I thought he would vamp my locks with a platinum. He spins my chair away from the mirror and goes to the color wall. I watch as he grabs color after color, looking between me and four mixing bowls, he moves like a professional chemist. (Technically he is) J. wheels a black cart towards me and the sectioning of my long hair begins. Before I realize it, two assistants are on each side holding strands of my hair as he switches from bowl to bowl. The paste’s colors range from purple to red. I don’t flinch. I have trust in the international artist. You don’t get named 6th in the country for just any reason. J. has a vision, and I let him work, even though nervousness is somewhat present in my stomach.

We are able to chat about the importance of color as he works vigorously. At one point I feel the heat on the top of my head. I inform him of this. “Do you use a sea salt hair product?” How did he know this and what does that have to do with anything? Well a lot, actually. It turns out sea salt is high in various minerals that have a heat reaction to hair dye. This can actually cause severe burns. J. moves quickly to double coat the foils touching my head, until the burning subsides.

J. pauses and his face grows serious. “This is why the hair industry has as many lawsuits as the medical field, nowadays.” Shocking information. And it’s not hair salons being sued; it’s the large companies that provide at home products. J. understands women and men like to use a lot of at home products, but he stresses that everyone should find a budget for professional color. Mass production products can only be so reliable. There are more factors to consider, like changing up a shampoo or even a styling product can change the chemical reaction. J. says the only guarantee to keep hair healthy or diminish damage is to have a professional mix the colors and quickly troubleshoot if any problem should arise.

salt crystals in wooden bowl
salt crystals in wooden bowl

The next topic of discussion is what he’s actually doing to my hair. I don’t feel foils being folded, so this leaves me curious. “Balayage Effect,” he tells me. What exactly is this technique? It’s a French coloring technique that came about in 1970ish. It’s a freehand painting of color rather than using the usual foiling or cap. It allows the artist to put in as many colors as they want and where they want. This is the trend for top celebrities this season and it’s very rare to find a salon that can properly do the crafted effect in most areas. It differs from the popular hombre, with highlights sparingly going up to the crown and lowlights all the way to the end. J. is quite fluent in this technique.

After a process and wash out, J. is back to the color wall. Two more bowls come my way, this time with a purple paste and a white one. He paints my hair again. As I process my tones, J. sits across from me and we discuss the fad of white, silver and grey hair colors. “This is just the start of it. More and more people of all ages and professions want to try it. There are amazing, beautiful colors out there.” I explain my concern with the fact that people over a certain age would look older because of it. But, J. disagreed. Grey’s have become an acceptable color in today’s society and if you find the right one, it’s just like finding any right color whether it’s blonde, red, or brunette.

Before and After balayage technique
Before and After balayage technique

After the final wash out and blow-dry, J. popped in a few curls. He turned my chair for the big reveal. Six colors shine throughout my once golden locks, and not one of them is blonde anymore. Purple, red, copper, white, and gunmetal grey combine and slightly blended strands give a blue hue. Amazing. It is pure artistry on my head as the roots are a deep red that move to purple and the grey is at the ends. It’s the hottest trend with class, and super sexy for a Fall season look.

Balayage Effect with reds, copper, and greys.
Balayage Effect with reds, copper, and greys.

J.’s next tip is to pick a shampoo and conditioner with simple ingredients. Going organic in today’s world isn’t a bad idea, according to him. I ordered from J.’s Italian collection Artego, a vegan shampoo and conditioning mask; $25 plus shipping for shampoo or conditioner is a great deal when it comes to the assurance of a pure product that treats and heals my hair. Call J. Christian Studio to order. Orders arrive quickly. Treat yourself or give as a gift.

Thanks to J. Christian Studio for the knowledge and I look forward to J.’s next set of tips with TipsfromTia.com

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!