1. What is Balayage and Ombre and the difference between the two?​

 

 Although they are very similar there is a very clear distinction between the two. The word ombre comes from the French word “shadow”. Ombre is the actual style. It is the transition of a lighter shade from a darker shade. In an ombre there are actually no dark pieces of your ends left. It is typically more maintenance but while ombre is a beautiful look it definitely needs to be done right! On the other hand, the word “Balayage” comes from another French word meaning “to sweep”. When applying the color for a balayage, you sweep the color through small triangle sections of the hair onto a board or foil, giving it the natural transition down into the lighter color. In Balayage, there are dark pieces left on the bottom to create dimension and a more natural look. This technique looks like natural sun-kissed highlights throughout the hair. The transition is more natural and it is less maintenance than an ombre. 

 

 

  2. What is the maintanace like for balayage vs. regular foiled highlights ?

 

Hair maintenance is extremely important no matter what is done. Whether it be balayage, ombre,  a single process, or just traditional highlights, if you don't maintain your look you'll end up looking a mess! For those of you who have already been getting a partial or full heads of highlights you know the maintenance for that is high. Regular foiled highlights are highlights that are done at the root. So when your hair grows out you must get it redone to bring it back up. This is why I always encourage the balayaged highlights to those who want something a little bit easier to maintain. But getting both is a beautiful blended look and is always the prettiest option, but definitely a commitment. Maintenance on the balayage usually depends on how fast your hair grows or how often you're cutting it but I would say it could typically last you anywhere from 4-7 months with toners in between. 

 

 

  3. What is a toner and how often should I be coming in for one after my initial appointment?

 

 Ladies, toners are everything! Without the toner there's no color variation. Toner is what gives me the ability to customize the color you want. I can lighten your hair to any level but without toner I can't achieve that beautiful ash we all love or even that gorgeous golden tone. However, toners aren't forever. They dull out over time, things like shampoos and conditioners, pools, the sun, etc change the tone of our hair, which is why toners are so necessary from time to time to just freshen up the color. Depending on your hair a toner would be necessary every 1-3 months or whenever you feel the color has changed. Thankfully it is an easy and quick process. Usually only takes anywhere from 5-15 minutes without a blowout.

 

 4. What is the keratin treatment and what brand do you use? How long does it typically last, what is the upkeep? 

 

The keratin treatment is a hair smoothing treatment that removes frizz, adds shine, seals in color, and decreases blow dry time. It starts off with a clarifying shampoo, I then dry your hair, apply the product and then blow-dry and flat iron. You can't wash your hair for at least 24 hours. If you can wait longer than that it's encouraged. Most keratin brands require 30-45 processing time in between applying the product and blowdrying it however, I use a brand called “Lasio Professional” @lasioprofessional. It is one of the top keratin lines on the market with a keratin bar in NYC they have cut the keratin process in half. There is no processing time required. 

When getting keratin, you must use keratin safe shampoo and conditioner, typically anything sulfate free. although, I suggest to use Lasio professional shampoo and conditioner or “Inova” sulfate free shampoo conditioner. www.inovaprofessional.com USE CODE "ASHURKA" FOR 15% OFF.

I would advise against going into chlorinated pools or bleaching your hair after getting the treatment done. So if your plan on lightening your hair, do so before hand. If taken care of properly the treatment will last anywhere from 3-4 months (keep in mind everyones hair is different, results could be longer or shorter).

 

  5. Will the keratin treatment straighten my hair?

 

NO. The keratin treatment is not a straightening treatment or permanent relaxer. It is a smoothing treatment only. Meaning it will relax any curl you have going on now and remove all frizz completely. For example,  if you have very curly hair and get it done chances are your curl will just be less curly and your hair wont be frizzy, if you have straight frizzy hair your hair will still be straight and not frizzy but if you have loose wavy frizzy hair your hair will be straighter and not frizzy. Make sense? 

 

  6. What is Olaplex? Why do you recommend using it? 

 

Olaplex is an add on service I offer to my color clients. Olaplex is “insurance for your hair”.

Olaplex claims to “reconnect broken disulfide sulfur bonds in the hair.” The treatment is labelled a “bond multiplier”, which limits damage to hair during or after coloring. A lot of people with damaged hair have managed to get amazing results from Olaplex. I recommend it to everyone not just to those with damaged hair because it will also prevent from damage when lightening your hair.