Hair Colour – What To Ask Your Hairdresser

Changing Your Hair Colour?  Find Out What To Ask Your Hairdresser
When You Visit Gary Pellicci Hair Salons in Ongar and Brentwood

There are lots of reasons you might want to change the colour of your hair.  Perhaps you feel you're stuck in a rut, or maybe you want to reinvent yourself for a special occasion.  Or it could just be that you feel your hair shade simply no longer suits you and you want to try something fresh and new.

Whatever your reasons, the hair colour technicians at Gary Pellicci Essex hairdressers are ready and waiting to help.  Your first step in your new hair colour journey is to book a complimentary consultation so we can help you find a hair colour that will really work for you.  You might also want to read on to find the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions about hair colour.   

How Do I Know Which Hair Colour Will Suit Me?

Our hair colour experts are highly experienced are can help you find a hair colour that will suit you best.   This is why we offer a complimentary consultation, where we will take into consideration a number of factors including your skin tone and eye colour.  In general, people with fair skin tones may find their skin looks washed out by a dark hair colour, while dark skinned people can look fabulous with warm chestnut and auburn shades or even violet-toned hair colours.   At our Essex salons we work with L'Oreal hair colour products and will be able to create the perfect shade for you.

How Can I Explain Which Hair Colour I Want To My Hairdresser?

If you have a specific hair colour in mind then we would recommend bringing in a photo to show your colourist.  Don't worry if you don't have one - during your consultation we will ask you lots of questions to make sure we're clear on the colour you want.  We will also show you some colour samples so we can work it out together! 

What Is An Allergy Patch Test & Why Do I Need It?

Allergic reactions to hair dye are rare, but they can happen at any time and for a variety of reasons, including a change in medication, illness (particularly Covid) or hormonal imbalances.  It is, therefore, very important to follow our guidelines when it comes to patch testing.  You might also have heard mention of skin testing and allergy alert testing which are all different names for a patch test.

If you haven't had a colour service at Gary Pellicci Hairdressing or it's been more than six months since your last colour service with us then we will need to carry out an Allergy Patch Test 48 hours prior to your service. The test is quick and easy and will only take a few moments of your time.   We will simply dab a spot of the colour product to be used behind your ear to check whether you have any reaction.  In the unlikely event that you do, you should wash the product off immediately and seek medical advice.  After we have performed a skin test, and assuming all is clear, you will be all set to go ahead with your colour service appointment.

Should You Get Your Haircut Or Hair Colour First?

We usually recommend having your hair coloured before you have your hair cut and styled.  We can then make sure the colour enhances the haircut you have so you end up with a cohesive look that works perfectly for you.  We may sometimes recommend cutting first, particularly if you are going for a totally different hairstyle or if you hair is very damaged.   We'll discuss this with you at your consultation.

What’s The Difference Between Highlights and Balayage?

We know it can be difficult to understand all the latest lingo when it comes to hair colouring techniques!  The good news is that at Gary Pellicci we do it for you and can always explain if you have questions.

One of the most requested hair colours in recent times is balayage so let's start by explaining a little more about the difference between balayage and highlights. 

With a full head of highlights, we carefully select strands of hair evenly across the head, cover these in hair colour and wrap them in aluminium foil to help the colour to develop.  The results are structured hair colour and the technique can give you either a very natural lighter look or a dramatic look, depending on the intensity of the highlights you choose.  

With balayage, the highlights are usually hand-painted in vertical sections throughout your hair.  This creates a natural sun-kissed look as your skilled colour technician applies the highlights only to those areas which would naturally be lifted if you’d been sitting in sun.  We  blend different shades to give your colour a more natural look, which is slightly darker towards your roots.  This means there will be a less obvious root regrowth when your hair begins to grow again, making this a great low-maintenance hair colour.  

 Can I Have My Hair Coloured While Pregnant?

According to the NHS, most research into colouring your hair during pregnancy and breastfeeding indicates that it is safe to colour your hair when pregnant as the level of chemical coming into contact with your scalp is low.  Very often, pregnant women wait until after the first trimester to have their hair coloured but please read the official NHS guidelines for colouring your hair when pregnant here.

If you do decide to colour your hair during pregnancy, you could consider highlights, lowlights, balayage or even semi permanent dyes rather than a full head of hair colour.  These treatments will have less contact with your skin and create fewer chemical fumes. 

Can I Have Hair Colour If I'm Under 16?  

In accordance with manufacturer's safety instructions, we do not offer hair colour for the under 16s.  

How Much Will My Hair Colour Appointment Cost? 

All our stylists are fully trained and will offer you a great hair service, but they have differing levels of skills and experience.   They are graded according to their expertise in the hairdressing industry this is reflected in the price of each service.  You can view our price list for Brentwood here and prices for Ongar are here.

Can I Go From Brunette To Blonde?

Any major hair colour transformation is a journey that will take skill, experience and time.  You certainly can transition from brunette to blonde but you need to be aware that you may need to book in for two or more appointments.  We will need to pre-lighten your hair before applying your desired blonde shade.  As a first step we will assess the condition of your hair to make sure it is healthy enough to cope with a radical colour change, and we may need to give your locks some TLC before we start the colour change. 

 Can I Change My Hair Colour From Blonde to Red?

The most important thing to assess when you want to change your hair colour is the base shade and how healthy your hair is.  We can do this during your consultation.  We may suggest a deep conditioning treatment to improve the condition of your hair and we may need to lighten your hair colour before applying red tones. Sometimes a gradual colour change is the best option - perhaps some red lowlights or red balayage.  This gives you the chance to get used to your new hair colour before deciding whether to go for the bright red, copper shade or dusky auburn colour you desire.

Do You Offer Pastel Hair Colours & Bright Shades?

We offer a full spectrum of hair colours at Gary Pellicci Essex hair salons!  We can create pastel hair shades such as pretty pinks, lilacs and blues, as well as vibrant reds, greens and magentas.  We even create the most fantastic hidden rainbow hair colours. 

 

Can You Fix A Home Box-Dye Gone Wrong?

Yes,  we are colour correction experts at our Essex salons and love a challenge!  Your hair may need some extra TLC if it has been over bleached, damaged or over processed, and has become too dry or too brittle. At Gary Pellicci we can repair damaged hair by restoring moisture that has been lost by over processing, giving you gorgeous hair colour results.  Find out more here.

 

How Do I Book A Hair Colour Appointment At Gary Pellicci Hairdressing in Essex?

Whether you want balayage, babylights, or a platinum blonde hair colour, make sure to book an appointment at the best salon in Brentwood and Ongar! Just call us on  01277 229835 (Brentwood) or 01277 364118 / 01277 365987 (Ongar) or book online today.