I am back to being a brunette and I LA LA LOVE it! A new hair color can really help to get you out of a rut, as cheesy as it sounds. I decided to go back to brown because as much as I loved being blonde, I wanted a less contrasty look as my natural hair color is a medium brown. The tortoiseshell hair color trend is huge, and I love how natural and gorgeous it looks on everyone.

Also known as Ecaille, the tortoiseshell color technique adds dimension to hair and is a cross between balayge and sombre hair. 

Going from a very light blonde color to brunette is no easy task and it is a process, just as it is going from dark to light. But I am so lucky to be able to go to the creme de la creme of hair colorists, Noelle in Walnut Creek. She’s here today to share her hair care secrets, what’s hot for 2017 and more.

Let’s jump right in!

Lynn: What is your best advice on going from brunette to blonde?

Noelle: Going from brunette to blonde – Olaplex is a must. Olaplex is a bond multiplier and bond perfecter. Olaplex works by re-bonding broken disulfide bonds due to chemical, lightening, and straightening processes.  This allows hair to process a bit longer to achieve lighter results without damage. 

Lynn: How can you ensure that you get what you want from your stylist?

Noelle: Bring pictures to your appointment. As stylists, we use verbiage that you as the client may not be familiar with, leaving what you want lost in translation. Visuals are the key!

Lynn: What do you think the biggest trends in hair will be for 2017?

Noelle: The cool-girl haircut. Blunt bobs with BANGS – think Jenna Dewan Tatum!  As for color, Tiger eye color technique – color that mimics that of the tiger eye stone.  Known for its rich browns and golds.  Ask your stylist for a dark warm base with hand painted (balayage) honey, caramel, copper highlights.

Lynn: Ok, spill..what are your best hair care secrets?

Noelle: First, invest in a shower filter. This will prevent fading of color from buildup of minerals and chlorine that are present in water. 

A great treatment to remove mineral buildup, eliminate brasiness, and brighten up blondes is hard water by Malibu.

A good heat protector is essential when heat styling hair. It adds moisture to the hair while forming a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss when heat is applied. My favorite is Kerastase Nectar Thermique.

There you have it! If you’re in the Bay Area and want to go to the best stylist/colorist, GO SEE NOELLE. She is a color master. You can easily book an appointment with her online, right HERE.

xoxo, Lynn