Color your life with good hair! Celebrity colorist Bianca Hillier sat down with ET to share the hues you should be trying out this summer.
For starters, the queen of balayage, who has worked with Sofia Richie, Whitney Port, Meadow Walker, and more It-girls, says the natural-looking highlight trend is here to stay.
“Balayage is a French word that means sweeping, so think of it as me painting chemicals onto the hair in a fluid pattern according to where it falls,” she explains.
Hillier’s specific technique? “I begin my formulation process with the desired results and starting color. … From there, I inspect the clients’ skin and eye color to determine the correct tone, which is created by acknowledging how dark the natural hair is and how light I would like the highlights at the scalp and tips to be. … I use cotton as a divider to prevent bleach spots, and since the cotton does not conduct heat like foils and saran wrap do, it allows the chemicals to process at a formulated pace.”
This method also creates the perfect soft, natural, and sun kissed ‘do that will grow out flawlessly as the weather heats up.
“Anyone can be a balayage candidate, especially people who want low maintenance upkeep,” she notes.
When it comes to hair inspiration, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are always at the top of Hillier’s list.
“The Olsen twins are iconic, and their hair will forever be. Blonde with high contrast yet still maintaining a bit of a grunge for less maintenance will always be a staple. … It’s all about looking effortless and organic.”
If you’re looking for a more obvious change, the Andy LeCompte salon hair expert suggests adding a pop of pink.
“We are entering a pastel era where faded pink looks chicer and grungier. Keeping the pinks in the pastel zone allow for a temporary change and less commitment,” she spills.
Once you’ve nailed the perfect shade, maintaining your luscious locks is key.
“To elongate color, use a proper sulfate-free shampoo and the Maria Nila color refresh mask once a week. … I also always recommend using a heat protectant to prevent damage or fading and getting regular trims to ensure that all of the dry ends are cut off,” the hair artist advises.
As for what you should never do: “Wearing your hair ties too tight can cause tension on the hair, which leads to hair loss and breakage. … Flat irons without heat adjusters will absolutely kill the hair, and not using a proper brush with bristles for your hair type is a tragedy. Finally, at home color is the absolute worst thing anyone could do to their hair! It is diabolical!”
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